What Exactly IS a Gentleman in the 21st Century?

Bertie Wooster, Tuppy Glossop, and Bingo Little a dozen years on?

Over on the Chap's Guide Youtube channel there was an interesting discussion a day or two ago about the attributes of a gentleman in the 21st century. I urge you check it out. Here are my two cents on the matter.

Regardless of one's station in life, and to my own mind, a gentleman exhibits in no particular order the following characteristics:

Moderation in all things
Kindness to and Respect for Others
Awareness and Empathy
Politesse
Polish and Sophistication (a modicum at least)
Curiosity
An Informed Nature
A Charitable Spirit
Humility
Education. . . Although the FORMAL variety is not necessarily necessary.
Subtle Nonchalance
Calm under pressure, to name just a few.

No doubt, there are many other facets to a gentleman in the 21st century. You'll notice there is nothing about birth or material wealth mentioned in the points above however. And attire, as much as I enjoy looking presentable and appreciate it in others, is actually way down the list. We're not dandies after all, and I say that fully aware of some of my more colorful combinations of garments exhibited here now and then.

However, there is an important caveat for us to keep in mind. The cultivation of gentlemanly behavior is always an ongoing process of personal reflection, conscious efforts to improve ourselves, and the outward practice thereof. Self-awareness, self-control in other words, and we hold ourselves to our own high standards. Hopefully.

Likewise, we acknowledge our mistakes openly, take the necessary steps to avoid repeating them, and move forward through life with a smile. We are a work in progress to put it another way, always striving toward the best version of ourselves without ever actually reaching that endpoint. The cultivation of gentle habits is, indeed, a lifelong journey.

I always chuckle when I think of my son's primary school, nine years ago when we first arrived in Michigan, which had the following motto emblazoned in huge letters across its lobby wall: "Be proactive, make good choices, stop and think."

The mark of a gentle person in 2024, and solid advice for us all.

-- Heinz Ulrich

The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits ) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017. T his post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry . Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . . ------------ U nless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work at...

Friday on Campus Style. . .

S omewhat atypically, I was on campus for several hours today helping with an interview that is part of a larger documentary project on which a colleague and I are working. Although I am behind the camera (I'm the audio guy in fact), what better reason does one need to dress presentably? Exactly. Everything worn, barring the recently purchased University of Wisconsin socks, a gift from the Grand Duchess, has been in the rotation for a while now. And, of course, there was the Panama hat, which I'll wear until we pass October 1st when the felt fedoras reappear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Tan Suit Tuesday. . .

W hile it's now after Labor Day here in the U.S,. we still have almost three weeks left of summer according to the calendar. And since today was bright, sunny, and pleasantly warm (though far from hot), it seemed like a perfect opportunity to trot out my tan cotton suit and tan loafers/belt. Slightly disheveled, yes. And the shoes need some Renovateur to moisten 'em up But not a bad overall look if I might be so bold. -- Heinz-Ulrich

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