There’s a lot that’s been said about being a gentleman in modern society and what it takes to be thought of as one. Throughout history there have been many great gentlemen of style in fashion, politics, entertainment, grooming and philosophy, all of whom have had something to say about the traits of a gentleman. Here are a few of our favourites that best describe the behaviour and character of gentlemen.
1) George Bernard Shaw (Irish Playwright)
“A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out”
2) Theodore Roosevelt (26th U.S. President)
“Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.”
3) Confucius (Chinese Philosopher & Politician)
“A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words”
4) William Lyon Phelps (American Author & Scholar)
“The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him”
5) Simon Baker (Actor)
“People talk about random acts of kindness, and that goes back to the measure of being gentlemanly again. It’s about having consideration for others, and not expecting anything back. That’s the difference.”
6) Anthony Trollope (English Novelist)
“And though it is much to be a nobleman, it is more to be a gentleman.”
7) John Locke (English Philosopher & Physician)
“Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.”
8) Chelsea Fagan (Creative Director at Thought Catalog)
“Do your best not to put others down in order to elevate yourself, it reeks of the people who categorize men by their Greek letter status.”
9) Epictetus (Greek Philosopher)
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
10) Tom Ford (Fashion Designer & Style Icon)
“You should put on the best version of yourself when you go out in the world because that is a show of respect to the other people around you.”
11) Haruki Murakami (Japanese Writer)
“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.”
12) William Maxwell (American Editor & Novelist)
“A gentleman doesn’t have one set of manners for the house of a poor man and another for the house of someone with an income incomparable to his own.”
13) Louisa May Alcott (American Novelist)
“Gentlemen, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.”
14) Ellen J. Barrier (Author)
“Gentlemen respect the rights of others. They are honorable men.”
15) Tom Ford (Fashion Designer & Style Icon)
“You have to be passionate, you have to be engaged and you have to be contributing to the world.”
Those are our favourite quotes about being a gentleman and gentlemanly behaviour in modern society. As usual if you’ve enjoyed the article then do feel free to like, comment and share this with your friends/followers. You can also sign-up to be notified of new posts and follow The Male Stylist activity. If you have any quotes you’d like to add then feel free to leave them in the comments below.
