How to Make a Gentleman

“Chivalry never dies.  The gentleman in most men did.  Being male is a matter of birth.  Being a man is a matter of age.  But, being a gentleman is a matter of choice.”

– Knights of the Free Company

Amateur Sporting team

The fifth point of the Boy Scout Law is: A Scout is Courteous.  To be courteous is more than just being able to say please and thank you at the right times.  To be courteous is knowing how to treat others with respect and kindness.  It is to be able to show caring for others and a willingness to go out of your way to be helpful.  In short, it is to be a gentleman.

                Some may think that the concept of being a gentleman is out dated and no longer applies to our present day society.  That is misguided thinking.  The need for real gentleman is more critical now than ever before.  The shortage of gentleman is not a matter of culture or social norms, it is that we do not teach this principle to our boys any more.  They have few examples to follow and many times are taught that you must first look out for yourself - which is the opposite of being a real gentleman.

                So how do we restore this quality in our young people and return to a more civil and caring society?  (I do believe it is possible to change society by changing the people in it.  We did not get to where we are by accident, it was a deliberate choice.  It will take a deliberate choice to change things for the better.)

Teach the Importance of Caring

                The key to good manners, acts of kindness and right behavior is nothing more than simple caring for and about other people.  When we care about how others feel and how we can help them to succeed, we cannot help but show good manners.  It is the Golden Rule put into action: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."  If we care we will do what is right.

Teach the Importance of Courage

                There are few men braver than a gentleman.  It takes courage to do what is right.  It is a brave man who will show respect and caring for others.  When you always show good manners and do what is right, some may criticize you and make fun of you.  However, the real gentleman is willing to stand for what is right, help others and ignore the heat.

Teach the Importance of Pride

                We tend to think that pride is an ego thing and something that must be avoided.  That is not the case.  To take pride in yourself is to understand that who is are and how you behave matters.  If you are proud of who you are and what you stand for you will have confidence and be willing to do far more than what is expected of you.  A gentleman is proud to be a servant to others, proud to be an American, proud to be a Scout.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey