The Rules of the Gentleman

[Alan H]

I, also was a Boy Scout and earned an Eagle, and to this day I think that trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent are pretty darned good words to live by.

However, nowhere in there do I see references to how martinis should be served, or the price of your haberdasher, or any suggestion that there is a moral imperative that I must hold doors open for 21st century women who could care less if I do or do not, and are just as likely to hold a door open for me as I am for them. Nor do I see any reference to hats worn indoors.

I know this is a forum about clothes, but the never-ending suggestions that what someone wears, and how they wear it wears defines the quality of their personality REALLY annoys me. Obviously.

You know, there are men out there who work hard, take care of their kids, are wonderful husbands, give regularly to charities and understand what's important, "to do unto others as you would have them do unto you" .. who have dirt under their fingernails that will never wash out. They would much rather drink a beer than a gin and tonic. In fact, they have never heard of a gin and tonic. They don't have a haberdasher, they don't own a $600 kilt, nor do they own a tailored suit.

[The Wizard of BC]

The Lone Ranger Creed

I believe...

• that to have a friend, a man must be one.

• that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.

• that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.

• in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.

• that a man should make the most of what equipment he has.

• that 'this government of the people, by the people, and for the people' shall live always.

• that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.

• that sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.

• that all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.

• in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

The Lone Ranger did not drink gin and tonic. In fact, as portrayed by Clayton Moore, neither the Lone Ranger or Tonto were ever seen in public drinking or smoking.

[BoldHighlander]

Thanks Steve!

[BoldHighlander]

~ Hopalong Cassidy's Creed for American Boys and Girls ~

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.

2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.

3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.

4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy.

5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show-off.

6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.

7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.

8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.

9. Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.

10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.


~ Wild Bill Hickock Deputy Marshal's Code of Conduct ~

1. I will be brave, but never careless.

2. I will obey my parents. They DO know best.

3. I will be neat and clean at all times.

4. I will be polite and courteous.

5. I will protect the weak and help them.

6. I will study hard.

7. I will be kind to animals and care for them.

8. I will respect my flag and my country.

9. I will attend my place of worship regularly.


~ Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules ~

1. Be neat and clean.

2. Be courteous and polite.

3. Always obey your parents.

4. Protect the weak and help them.

5. Be brave, but never take chances.

6. Study hard and learn all you can.

7. Be kind to animals and care for them.

8.Eat all your food and never waste any.

9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.

10. Always respect our flag and our country.


~ Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger" Oath ~

1. Be Alert.

2. Be Obedient.

3. Defend the Weak.

4. Never Desert a Friend.

5. Never Take Unfair Advantage.

6. Be Neat.

7. Be Truthful.

8. Uphold Justice.

9. Live Cleanly.

10. Have Faith in God.

[zirrow]

Wear Sunscreen

not really gentlemen's etiquette, but several of the lists posted remind me of this, "song"

[Tartan Tess]

I have never seen the Lone Ranger creed, thanks Steve.
And Wild Bill Hickock....that must have been from a television show (I had sheriff John)
because the real Wild Bill might have had a whole different set of rules.......
Yeeha!

[Bill aka Mole]

Between my Dad and my Uncle Elbert; the majority of these were instilled early through my observation of them. My choice to join the Navy reinforced some more than others but the Art of Arms is not a Gentlemanly way in many respects.

A Gentleman may be found in many clothing styles and locations that one would not expect. A Gentleman can be in most any profession and social status.

And from what I've read in history, I'm guessing that there might be two Wild Bill Hickocks.

[Brett]

I always really liked the sentiment of :

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good".

It's been attributed to both Samual Johnson and Anne Landers. Regardless, It distills down for me the qualities of a true gentleman. While I appreciate many of the longer lists, many of the items can be fairly well faked.

[Bob C]

I, also was a Boy Scout and earned an Eagle, and to this day I think that trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent are pretty darned good words to live by.

However, nowhere in there do I see references to how martinis should be served, or the price of your haberdasher, or any suggestion that there is a moral imperative that I must hold doors open for 21st century women who could care less if I do or do not, and are just as likely to hold a door open for me as I am for them. Nor do I see any reference to hats worn indoors.

I know this is a forum about clothes, but the never-ending suggestions that what someone wears, and how they wear it wears defines the quality of their personality REALLY annoys me. Obviously.

You know, there are men out there who work hard, take care of their kids, are wonderful husbands, give regularly to charities and understand what's important, "to do unto others as you would have them do unto you" .. who have dirt under their fingernails that will never wash out. They would much rather drink a beer than a gin and tonic. In fact, they have never heard of a gin and tonic. They don't have a haberdasher, they don't own a $600 kilt, nor do they own a tailored suit.

Hear him! Hear him!

[gary meakin]

Although I don't presume to know the mind of the OP, I took this list of rules as a reminder that the 'art' of being a gentleman is declining.
I don't think that if you fail to follow them to the letter, you can't be a gentleman.
I don't drink so I can't follow rule #15.
I can't afford tailored suits (my kilt is custom made 'tho) so rule #10 is out.
The scout oath does say be clean and courteous so I guess that's the same as Rule #1 and #4.
I look at these rules as goals to work toward and thus be a better person to be around and a better example for the generation behind me.
gary