‘The best extant definition of a gentleman is “a man who never gives offence unintentionally”.’
This quip in a London periodical may have rung true in 1905, but more than a century since we are still obsessed with that elusive, esoteric term ‘gentleman’.
In the time that has passed the image of the gentleman has shifted and fallen through the crack, somewhere between Debrett’s public schoolboy and 4channers’ fedora tipping squire.
But the central tenets of gentlemanly conduct remain respect, courtesy and generosity.
Maybe it is time to reclaim the term, and refit it for modern life.
Whether gallant, suave or urbane, a modern gentleman does the following.
1. Gets his round in, and doesn’t skimp on it.
2. Never sends dick pics unsolicited, but when solicited, doesn’t hesitate.
3. Is a feminist, because it’s about equal… Read the full story