The Definition Of A Gentleman

By Author: STEPHANIE
Total Articles: 237
Comment this article

It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts1 pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder2 the free and unembarrassed action of those about him. His benefits may be considered as paral¬lel3 to what are called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature: like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their part in dispelling4 cold and fatigue5, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them. The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids Links Of London whatever may caused a jar6 or a jolt7 in the minds of those with whom he is cast— all clashing of opinion, or colli¬sion8 of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make every one at their ease and at home. He has his eyes on all his company: he is tender towards the bashfugentle towards the distant and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unreasonable ...
... allusions10, or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome.

He makes light of favors while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring11. He never speaks of himself except when compelled, defends himself by a mere retort12, he has no ears for slander1of gossip, is scrupulous14 in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets every thing for the best. He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insulates evil which he dare not say out. From a long-sighted prudence16, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage, that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend. He has too much good sense to be affronted18 at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because Links London it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death, because it is his destiny. If he engages in controversy of any kind, his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blunder.