Part One: Knowledge

They say that a house without a library is without a soul. Knowledge is one of the greatest things that anyone can have, and gentlemen have an abundance of it. This doesn't mean that you need to know every last detail about every topic - in fact, you don't have to know every single topic. There are a lot of different things to know in the world, from basket-weaving to African languages, motorcycle repair to piano playing, and photography to building construction. The world doesn't expect anyone to know absolutely everything - otherwise, there wouldn't be anything to discuss. I split up all there is to know into two categories: knowledge and learning. Learning qualifies as anything you'd find in a schoolbook. For example, classical paintings, history dates, and what chemicals you can mix together safely are subjects examined in schools, colleges and universities. Knowledge, however, is different - it uses systems and things that you have to do in order to know what happens. How to paint a picture or being there during a particular moment of history are both samples of knowledge.

However, knowledge isn't all boring. Whereas learning tells you what chemicals to mix together for a safe effect, knowledge can tell you what causes an explosion. Learning and knowledge are two sides of the same coin: whatever learning shares, knowledge masters the opposite. Making mistakes helps you learn because you own the knowledge of whatever act you committed. This is actually a good thing - making mistakes is usually not encouraged, but it gives you tools you need to understand what to do next time.

Knowledge is important for gentlemen because it builds credit. Just like a good thief has street smarts, knowledge outfits gentlemen with everything they need to begin discussions about things. If you've blown up something with a bad chemical mix, it makes a good story. Stories bring people together, and are remembered. While blowing something up might not be how you want to be remembered, people will remember that you've had experience with chemicals, and you could become the expert in their eyes. Remember, a true gentlemen doesn't flaunt his knowledge, but imparts it gracefully. However, that's for another post.

Welcome to becoming a gentleman. Your adventure has only just begun.