Who is a true gentleman?
In this materialistic age a man of pelf and power, of rank and position is generally held in respect. But wealth and fortune, rank and position can hardly make a man really noble and gentle. A gentleman is the product of certain qualities of head and heart.
In this materialistic age a man of pelf and power, of rank and position is generally held in respect. But wealth and fortune, rank and position can hardly make a man really noble and gentle. A gentleman is the product of certain qualities of head and heart.
Those who have these qualities are true gentlemen., though they may not belong to rank or class. Men devoid of these qualities cannot be termed true gentlemen, however much they may like to be called so. In the society, we may find men who have amassed great fortunes, have some education, too and have managed to get high position as well. They want to pass for true gentlemen. People are afraid of them. They may approach them for money at times and have to do things at their bidding. Such narrow, self-seeking, dishonest and corrupt men may have the monopoly of honor and respect from ordinary people and get labels of being gentlemen from the common run. But judged by the standard of a true gentleman, they will be found wanting. As such they may be vampires and black marketeers but they are not true gentlemen.
Propriety of manners and consideration for others, according to Disraeli are the two main characteristics of a gentleman. Riches and rank have no necessary connection with gentlemanly qualities. An humble man may be a gentleman in deed and spirit. A handsome appearance or a fine dress may not be his adjuncts. A poor man, rich in spirit, in always superior to a rich in spirit is always superior to a rich man mean in spirit. The former having nothing possesses everything while the latter possessing everything really has nothing.
A man, freed from the servile bonds of grosser cares, is a real gentleman. He is honest, truthful, courageous and self-respecting. He does not cause pain to others. He is generous to a fault and broad-minded. His heart soars above all meanness and bleeds to see the sufferings of others. He cannot entertain any sordid or evil thoughts. He sis ever ready to forgive and forget the frailties and foibles of others. He gives everyone his due respect and consideration. His maxim is : "Even the devil must be given his due." He does not hanker after loaves and fishes and has a keen sense of self-respect. He does not parade his own wealth, attainments and power.
The heart of a true gentleman wells abundantly with goodwill, sympathy and love for others. He looks upon all men as his fellow brethren, irrespective of easte, creed and colour. In his eyes there is no invidious distinction between the rich and the poor. He finds delight in contributing his best to the service of humanity. He is a man of conscience and of abiding faith in God and His justice.
There are many tests by which a gentleman may be known, but there is one that never fails--how does he exercise power over those subordinate ti him? How dose he conduct himself towards men and children? How does the officer treat his men, the employer his servants, the master his pupils and man in every station those who are weaker than himself? The discretion, forbearance and kindness with which power in such cases is used, may indeed be regarded as the crucial test of gentlemanly character. He who bullies those who are not in a position to resist may be a snob but cannot be a gentleman. He who oppresses the weak and helpless may be a coward, but not a true gentleman. The tyrant, it has been said, is but a slave turned inside out. Strength and the consciousness of strength in a right-hear-ted man, impart a nobleness to his character; but he will be most careful how he uses it; for "it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant." In fine, "a gentleman is a man who can disagree without being disagreeable," goes an anonymous sying. Such a gentleman is rarely to be bet with. Yet he is verily the salt of the earth.
