Welcome back, gentlemen of all ages! Prepare yourself, for now we head into General Part Two: Willingness.
Yeah, I know. Willingness?
Think about it, though. A lot of guys just don't want to be gentlemen. Why? Because that requires breaking out of a shell. Becoming somebody is hard. I don't want to put that down at all. It's difficult. It requires taking a stand, and some people don't like doing that. Being different is hard in the world that we live in, because one of two things can happen:
It's a failure, and you're crazy.
It's a success, and you're a genius.
It's all in the outcome of the plan. Plan accordingly, and you won't be crazy today.
It's surprisingly important to be willing when becoming a gentleman, and just as valuable as a gentleman. When becoming a gentleman, it requires bravery and willingness to take a step. And as long as you've taken a step, you're getting places. Kudos to you!
Once you've achieved gentleman status, it takes willingness to stay that way. Remember, one of the aspects of a gentleman is adaptability. If you lose your willingness, then you lose one key of gentlemanship. You can't adapt unwillingly. That only means you get crabby and drag your feet. You don't have to agree and adapt with everything all the time, because that's not gentlemanship. That's conformity. But adaptability does have its place when you learn how to use it.
I know this one's not too long, but it doesn't seem to need anything else right now. So go forth, gentlemen! Make somebody's day today.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Attributes: Part 2
Part 2 of the Attribute section names some of the traits a gentleman must master. These aren't easy, so don't just assume that you can get up and have them. Like any trait, you need to learn it and then level it up. (Hint hint nudge nudge, gamers.) But don't be afraid to go for it -- pull together your courage and make it happen. I'm reminded of a quote from a mushy movie I watched once: "All it takes is twenty seconds of crazy, unbelievable courage." Make something new happen today. Twenty seconds could change your life.
So, traits of a gentleman -- this section has sat on my computer for several days as I contemplated how to write it. But here's what I decided, and if you want more fact than opinion, then go ahead and skip this part. These are some of the traits that I look for in a gentleman, and I think that some other girls do, too... especially in the gaming realm.
Ready?
Here we go.
Thoughtfulness is a huge one. I know, I know, thoughtfulness isn't manly. You know what else isn't thought of as manly? Ballroom dancing. You'd be surprised how many dates it gets you.
Thoughtfulness isn't something that girls would put down on a list of things they like in a guy, but it's one of the biggest turn-ons ever. Remember the age-old "turning up on the doorstep with flowers in hand" for a date? It's not because we like flowers. We don't want chocolate for the sake of Valentine's Day. We want you to remember that we're pretty, and be able to tell us so without sounding like a suck-up. The more compliments used during a date equals amount of points out of favor after around... ten. So, in an equation, this reads:
If c=compliments, and p=points, then:
c > 10 = -(p)
Just something to keep in mind.
There are two other traits that are subs under thoughtfulness, too. These are patience and gentleness. It's not very often you meet a gentle guy. This is another one of those "unmanly" things -- are you noticing a trend? Maybe the guys that stand out are the ones that girls will go for, the ones that are gentle instead of bros, thoughtful instead of hard-headed, and meaningful with compliments instead of sounding like a sleaze.
Patience makes you stand out as an individual. Here in the U.S., especially, there's a problem with running life too quickly. Your worth is measured as how many things you get done in a day, and that shouldn't be the way gentlemanship is approached. That's what makes it so special. That's why gentlemen and gentlewomen stand out -- because they're not rushed. They're kind. They're patient. They're gentle, and thoughtful. They're like awesome presents wrapped up in shiny paper with sparkly bows. They're eye-catching and day-making. And you can be, too.
Go for it. Make someone's day.
It'll make you a happier you.
So, traits of a gentleman -- this section has sat on my computer for several days as I contemplated how to write it. But here's what I decided, and if you want more fact than opinion, then go ahead and skip this part. These are some of the traits that I look for in a gentleman, and I think that some other girls do, too... especially in the gaming realm.
Ready?
Here we go.
Thoughtfulness is a huge one. I know, I know, thoughtfulness isn't manly. You know what else isn't thought of as manly? Ballroom dancing. You'd be surprised how many dates it gets you.
Thoughtfulness isn't something that girls would put down on a list of things they like in a guy, but it's one of the biggest turn-ons ever. Remember the age-old "turning up on the doorstep with flowers in hand" for a date? It's not because we like flowers. We don't want chocolate for the sake of Valentine's Day. We want you to remember that we're pretty, and be able to tell us so without sounding like a suck-up. The more compliments used during a date equals amount of points out of favor after around... ten. So, in an equation, this reads:
If c=compliments, and p=points, then:
c > 10 = -(p)
Just something to keep in mind.
There are two other traits that are subs under thoughtfulness, too. These are patience and gentleness. It's not very often you meet a gentle guy. This is another one of those "unmanly" things -- are you noticing a trend? Maybe the guys that stand out are the ones that girls will go for, the ones that are gentle instead of bros, thoughtful instead of hard-headed, and meaningful with compliments instead of sounding like a sleaze.
Patience makes you stand out as an individual. Here in the U.S., especially, there's a problem with running life too quickly. Your worth is measured as how many things you get done in a day, and that shouldn't be the way gentlemanship is approached. That's what makes it so special. That's why gentlemen and gentlewomen stand out -- because they're not rushed. They're kind. They're patient. They're gentle, and thoughtful. They're like awesome presents wrapped up in shiny paper with sparkly bows. They're eye-catching and day-making. And you can be, too.
Go for it. Make someone's day.
It'll make you a happier you.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Artributes: Part One
Before I get into the next part, I have a question:
What makes a gentleman to you? Who do you want to be? If you close your eyes, what pops up into your mind?
Okay, that was more than one question. Sorry.
Here are some that occurred to me:
-Sherlock Holmes
-a top hat
-a walking cane
-tea
-a calm speaking tone
-truthfulness
-gentleness
-kindness
Surprised? A gentleman isn't all knowledge and experiences. There are some attributes that go with the title as well. I'll try to do this for each section, but for this part, what attributes should be discussed for Knowledge?
For some, with knowledge and experiences comes a sense of superiority, because of all of the things that you've seen that no one else has. That's something you'll want to cut down on, because nobody likes an uppity dandy. The best gentlemen share their knowledge with a graceful touch, like they were imparting the greatest of treasure, silver and gold worth fortune. Your knowledge should be a treasure to you. Expand on it, and it'll make you proud.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd talk about Learning. Well, Learning is classified here as anything you can get out of a book. That's not the official definition, but it's the more realistic way to go about describing it, at least for me. Whereas Knowledge is one of the Things that Make a Gentleman Awesome, Learning is one step below that, because courage is so important. Almost anyone can pick up a book and decide to read it, but it takes a special sort of person to be able to actually want to go do things. That being said, Learning is also very important, because without Learning, you won't be able to increase Knowledge. These, too, are attributes that go hand in hand.
If you rewind a bit through the posts, you'll see where I wrote about being adventurous and the first post about learning. Well, there's another word that describes both of these things, and it's under Knowledge, too -- Adaptability. Adaptability happens when Learning and Knowledge meet up with Adventure, they all go out for a drink, and have headaches in the morning. Whatever plans they had will have to be changed. Adaptability helps Learning, Knowledge and Adventure work together so that they can change life for the better, either for you or someone else.
Keep that in mind the next time something goes wrong.
What makes a gentleman to you? Who do you want to be? If you close your eyes, what pops up into your mind?
Okay, that was more than one question. Sorry.
Here are some that occurred to me:
-Sherlock Holmes
-a top hat
-a walking cane
-tea
-a calm speaking tone
-truthfulness
-gentleness
-kindness
Surprised? A gentleman isn't all knowledge and experiences. There are some attributes that go with the title as well. I'll try to do this for each section, but for this part, what attributes should be discussed for Knowledge?
For some, with knowledge and experiences comes a sense of superiority, because of all of the things that you've seen that no one else has. That's something you'll want to cut down on, because nobody likes an uppity dandy. The best gentlemen share their knowledge with a graceful touch, like they were imparting the greatest of treasure, silver and gold worth fortune. Your knowledge should be a treasure to you. Expand on it, and it'll make you proud.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd talk about Learning. Well, Learning is classified here as anything you can get out of a book. That's not the official definition, but it's the more realistic way to go about describing it, at least for me. Whereas Knowledge is one of the Things that Make a Gentleman Awesome, Learning is one step below that, because courage is so important. Almost anyone can pick up a book and decide to read it, but it takes a special sort of person to be able to actually want to go do things. That being said, Learning is also very important, because without Learning, you won't be able to increase Knowledge. These, too, are attributes that go hand in hand.
If you rewind a bit through the posts, you'll see where I wrote about being adventurous and the first post about learning. Well, there's another word that describes both of these things, and it's under Knowledge, too -- Adaptability. Adaptability happens when Learning and Knowledge meet up with Adventure, they all go out for a drink, and have headaches in the morning. Whatever plans they had will have to be changed. Adaptability helps Learning, Knowledge and Adventure work together so that they can change life for the better, either for you or someone else.
Keep that in mind the next time something goes wrong.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Adventure
Knowledge is courage and experience. Does anything else fall under this category?
In a moment of Old Spiceness, there is one more thing:
Courage + Experience = Knowledge
Courage + Experience = Adventure
Therefore, Knowledge = Adventure.
In a sense, the whole road to becoming a gentleman is an adventure. However, in order to tackle the life around you with the attitude of a gentleman, you will need all the things that knowledge provides, including a sense of adventure. Now, that doesn't mean that you should immediately pack your bags for the African savannah and try to wrestle a lion, or pull out your Indiana Jones hat and practice cracking a whip while on your way to an archeological dig. Adventure isn't all film and actresses -- it's a satisfaction with what you have found in life, and daring to continue after whatever else you desire. It's the knowledge that there's something else out there, and choosing to find out what it is. Adventure doesn't have to be guns and spies; it doesn't have to deal with beautiful women fawning over you in a club. That's the adventure that some men choose, but very few are able to keep up such a life. Any event can be an adventure if you make it so -- it all depends on how you view the task before you.
The adventurers in movies spend a lot of time in stark terror and running on adrenaline. While this isn't the most healthy way to be adventurous in real life, that is what a lot of people see a normal adventure as.
So they're not adventurous. And then they look back on life and ask, "Where did I go wrong? What else could I have done?"
Answer: everything.
Why try to do everything?
Why not?
What's holding you back from your adventure, gentleman?
In a moment of Old Spiceness, there is one more thing:
Courage + Experience = Knowledge
Courage + Experience = Adventure
Therefore, Knowledge = Adventure.
In a sense, the whole road to becoming a gentleman is an adventure. However, in order to tackle the life around you with the attitude of a gentleman, you will need all the things that knowledge provides, including a sense of adventure. Now, that doesn't mean that you should immediately pack your bags for the African savannah and try to wrestle a lion, or pull out your Indiana Jones hat and practice cracking a whip while on your way to an archeological dig. Adventure isn't all film and actresses -- it's a satisfaction with what you have found in life, and daring to continue after whatever else you desire. It's the knowledge that there's something else out there, and choosing to find out what it is. Adventure doesn't have to be guns and spies; it doesn't have to deal with beautiful women fawning over you in a club. That's the adventure that some men choose, but very few are able to keep up such a life. Any event can be an adventure if you make it so -- it all depends on how you view the task before you.
The adventurers in movies spend a lot of time in stark terror and running on adrenaline. While this isn't the most healthy way to be adventurous in real life, that is what a lot of people see a normal adventure as.
So they're not adventurous. And then they look back on life and ask, "Where did I go wrong? What else could I have done?"
Answer: everything.
Why try to do everything?
Why not?
What's holding you back from your adventure, gentleman?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Courage.
So knowledge is experience. But not only that: it's mistakes, accidents, and stories that can result in laughter, connections, and memories. Knowledge isn't all bad: if you went to a restaurant and had excellent service, you discovered a good experience. Now you have the knowledge that this is an awesome restaurant. You wouldn't have gained that knowledge if you never tried it.
This brings us to Point #2 of Knowledge:
Knowledge requires courage.
Although the Old Spice commercials may tell you differently, courage doesn't require you to immediately run out and try to wrestle a dinosaur at the edge of a volcano that's about to erupt. But it does ask you to step out and try something new. You may not like it. You might fall in love with it. Real gentlemen aren't afraid to try new things, because they know it expands their horizons. It gives them more knowledge that they can apply to their work, their relationships, and their lives in general. Without courage, we wouldn't have some of the best products on the market today. We wouldn't have some of the up-and-coming eco-friendly plans that are on the way. It took someone with courage to step out and say, "Let's try doing it this way." That can be a scary thing. You face down dozens sets of eyes to show them that things can change.
Gentlemen make a difference.
Are you ready to do that?
This brings us to Point #2 of Knowledge:
Knowledge requires courage.
Although the Old Spice commercials may tell you differently, courage doesn't require you to immediately run out and try to wrestle a dinosaur at the edge of a volcano that's about to erupt. But it does ask you to step out and try something new. You may not like it. You might fall in love with it. Real gentlemen aren't afraid to try new things, because they know it expands their horizons. It gives them more knowledge that they can apply to their work, their relationships, and their lives in general. Without courage, we wouldn't have some of the best products on the market today. We wouldn't have some of the up-and-coming eco-friendly plans that are on the way. It took someone with courage to step out and say, "Let's try doing it this way." That can be a scary thing. You face down dozens sets of eyes to show them that things can change.
Gentlemen make a difference.
Are you ready to do that?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
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.
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.
A Brief Introduction
Earlier I mentioned the three parts of being a gentleman. You'll soon see that I've divided these three qualities into three sections of the book. One by one, the points will be introduced, and several characteristics will be discussed after that. Once all three points have been revealed, you'll be well on your way to gentlemanliness.
Are you ready?
Good luck.
Are you ready?
Good luck.
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