The mind of a gentleman

Part one of a three part series.

We should not only use the brains we have but all that we can borrow. ~Woodrow Wilson

Throughout my life I have learned of the value behind discipline, self-education, and respect.

I wish to share these insights with you, my friends, so you may benefit from these qualities in your everyday lives.

Discipline

A man’s character is shaped by several things: it can be key events, idols, and the environment surrounding him. Character itself is comprised of many things, including discipline. This is the voice in your head that wishes for you to get up at a sensible time in the morning, imploring you to not indulge in sweets too often but visit the gym instead. It believes that patience is the most saintliest of virtues. You should listen to this voice, for it is astute, and it wishes for you to be your best self.

One who practices good discipline is someone who embraces routine but also does not crumble when plans change. It is someone who has the fortitude to adapt calmly and accordingly.

A drill sergeant may come to mind when considering discipline, but it can be a beautiful and elegant principle to add to your life. For example, it goes deeper than simply being punctual. In the event that a man of honor can’t make it for a foreordained time, he makes a point to notify the other party in good advance or as soon as one realizes that ones timeliness has been compromised. It is a matter of courtesy, a cornerstone in etiquette. I will expand on this in my upcoming article: The Crater Gentleman’s Code of Conduct.

Another lost art is taking the time to think before you speak. Also, having the determination to keep down the uh’s and ah’s that normally emerge when one is befuddled or defining a sentence. A second of silence hidden by a warm smile will give you a chance to voice yourself in a superior and more respectable way. Needless to say, a gentleman always wishes to be both conscious and respectable.

Self-education

Being ones own teacher is, to a certain extent, an under-appreciated art.

But as the old adage goes, knowledge is indeed powerful. Taking the time to comprehend the world and individuals around you is highly beneficial; it is something all refined men would do well to endeavor in.

Take social media for instance having your feed filled with funny cat videos can be entertaining but would you say you are taking in anything useful from it?  Subscribing to science, philosophy, and specialty related feeds can be rewarding and inspiring. They may even help you to achieve things you would have never thought of on your own. I am a fan of life-hacks myself. Knowing useful skills and information allows you to speak with conviction. It will save you the need to say things like “supposedly” or be made a nitwit when someone, more informed, calls you out on a statement.

I strongly support pursuing various skills for your own benefit, for understanding the world around you in different perspectives.  This will enable you to be a man of action, wisdom, and refinement. This extends beyond skills and knowledge of the mind. Learning skills of the body is also of importance and can, in some cases, make your mind and body more in tune with each other. Combative techniques are a fine example of this, along with nature survival training. Understanding the natural world and how to conquer it can give you a feeling of completeness and control; which in turn, gives you a sense of inner peace.

Respect

In it’s purest form, respect is about equality. Having a sense of mutual respect with a peer or superior will develop a comfortable trust between you, and with trust comes many perks. Someone who appreciates your character and integrity will be more inclined to assist you when needed because they know you have the decency and capacity to help them in return. Treating someone in the same manner as you wish to be treated yourself is also a good way to summarize respect. A gentleman does not limit someone based on race, gender, orientation, or anything else.

Maturity is another aspect to take note of, knowing the difference between being cocky and being confident goes hand in hand with being humble. It’s something all of us can and will respect and appreciate. No-one likes a sore looser or an arrogant victor; grace should always be present and accounted for. Being graceful allows you to have educated debates rather than heated arguments.

Another quality of a gentleman is having the capacity to comprehend ones own limitations and never promising something that can’t be given. One can try to achieve something beyond their skill, but one should be upfront about their limitations if someone is requesting a favour.

Synopsis

The gentleman’s frame of mind is about building character and bettering oneself.  It’s about having an awareness of the world around you, while keeping kindness and understanding in the front of ones mind. These are all staples of ones personality.

That is all I have for now, but do not fret, part two of this article series is merely two weeks away.

For now, I implore you to be your best selves, and for heavens’ sake, stay gallant my friends.

The Crater Gentleman