An alternative to "gentlemen"

[JSFMACLJR]

Shouldn't this thread be moved to Craig's Corner?
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f245/

Seriously, the alternative to a gentleman is not somebody I'd really like to meet.

[Bugbear]

I recall the topic coming up in C. S. Lewis's preface to, Mere Christianity...

[BoldHighlander]

Seriously, the alternative to a gentleman is not somebody I'd really like to meet.

I have way to many times in my line of work and you are quite right, Sandy!

[Detroitpete]

Can I play too even though I'm a "lady"? (<- Lets just say, "lass".)

I'm sarcastic and inappropriate, but I wear kilts and adhere to the golden rule. We need a voice too.

I like "Order of the Dude" 'cuz it's like "The Dude" from "The Big Lebowski"

I am Tweed Serious about this.

Beat me to it. I was going to say " the alternative for gentleman abides"

[Burly Brute]

I recall the topic coming up in C. S. Lewis's preface to, Mere Christianity...

First thing I thought of!




So Gin and Tonic over scotch? Never been one for Gin.

I think the order of the Dandelion is all inclusive to some degree, including dudes!

[BoldHighlander]

So Gin and Tonic over scotch? Never been one for Gin.

Hear! Hear!

I think the order of the Dandelion is all inclusive to some degree, including dudes!

Indeed.

:ootd:

[Cygnus]

The actual word "gentleman" has evolved quite a lot over time, as it originally referred to a man of noble birth (a "well-born man"). Now it is used both as a term for all men and as a more exclusive moniker (as is the case with the "Gentlemen's Society"). I have always been fond of the definition given by J.R. Vernon:

"The Gentleman is always truthful and sincere; will not agree for the sake of complaisance or out of weakness ; will not pass over that of which he disapproves. He has a clear soul, and a fearless, straightforward tongue. On the other hand he is not blunt and rude. His truth is courteous; his courtesy, truthful; never a humbug, yet, where he truthfully can, he prefers to say pleasant things."

In my opinion, it's not what you wear, what you drink, or even your habits and customs; it's how you treat yourself and others with respect.

Given the history of the word, I don't think the term is especially well defined in modern usage, and I hardly think a single post of "rules" and a handful of agreements is conclusive evidence of the majority's opinion. That said, you could always use a similarly-used term, like "cavalier", if you feel so inclined.

For me, though, I am content with the word "gentleman" and will continue to strive to be one.

[Alan H]

I am torn between the "kilted regular guys" (and lasses) and the "kilted Lebowskis". errrr dudes.

OK, Decision Time.....

The Order of the Kilted Lebowskis it is.

Don't PM me for permission to join. Just join. The inaugural beer bust, hammer throw and motherboard roast is coming soon to a Target store near you. All regular guys and lasses are roundly invited to join.

[CopperNGold]

I would like to add +1s to so many of the reactions here, but there are too many to quote.

A gentleman knows that being called a gentleman is a positive connotation and not a negative one. He also knows that it takes a lot more than two rules to become a gentleman. A gentleman wears the moniker proudly because he has earned the right by dedication to his positive actions. He is well-spoken and does not encite people to get a rise out of them.

Non-gentlemen like to just ruffle feathers for their own amusement. The mark of a gentleman is quiet strength and not brute force. A gentleman is not pushy, abrasive or rude.

A gentleman, for the most part, would prefer to be called a gentleman rather than a dude. He also knows that he is a gentleman no matter what he is wearing, and at all times and in any place. Some men reach the peak of gentlemanly behavior easily, but others are just lost causes.

A gentleman knows 'the difference," while others remain clueless.

I am expecting return volley! It will be no surprise.

[Alan H]

I would like to add +1s to so many of the reactions here, but there are too many to quote.

A gentleman knows that being called a gentleman is a positive connotation and not a negative one. He also knows that it takes a lot more than two rules to become a gentleman. A gentleman wears the moniker proudly because he has earned the right by dedication to his positive actions. He is well-spoken and does not encite people to get a rise out of them.

Non-gentlemen like to just ruffle feathers for their own amusement. The mark of a gentleman is quiet strength and not brute force. A gentleman is not pushy, abrasive or rude.

A gentleman, for the most part, would prefer to be called a gentleman rather than a dude. He also knows that he is a gentleman no matter what he is wearing, and at all times and in any place. Some men reach the peak of gentlemanly behavior easily, but others are just lost causes.

A gentleman knows 'the difference," while others remain clueless.

I am expecting return volley! It will be no surprise.

Each to their own, Madam!