"Imagine all the people living life in peace." - John Lennon
The son of one of my beloved friends was recently accepted into the Ross Volunteer Company at A&M University. The top 80 juniors must pass a rigorous process to be selected for this prestigious distinction.
Those selected must maintain a strict code of honor, including abiding by "The Code of a Gentleman":
A Gentleman...
Does not discuss his family affairs in public or with acquaintances.
Does not speak more than casually about his girlfriend.
Does not go to a lady's house if he is affected by alcohol. He is temperate in the use of alcohol.
Does not allow his temper; nor exhibit anger, fear, hate, embarrassment, ardor or hilarity in public.
Does not hail a lady from a club (Barracks) window.
Never discusses the merits or demerits of a lady.
Does not mention names exactly as he avoids the mention of what things cost.
Does not borrow money from a friend, except on dire need. Money borrowed is a debt of honor, and must be repaid as promptly as possible. Debts incurred by a deceased parent, brother, sister, or grown child are assumed by honorable men as a debt of honor.
Does not display his wealth, money, or possessions.
Does not put his manner on and off, whether it the club or in the ballroom. He treats people with courtesy, no matter what their social position may be.
Does not slap strangers on the back nor so as much lay a finger on a lady.
Does not "lick the boots of those above" nor "kick the face of those below him on the social ladder."
Does not take advantage of another's helplessness or ignorance and assumes that no gentleman will take advantage of him.
Respects the reserves of others, but demands that others respect those which are his.
Can become what he wills to be.
A Gentleman...
Does not discuss his family affairs in public or with acquaintances.
Does not speak more than casually about his girlfriend.
Does not go to a lady's house if he is affected by alcohol. He is temperate in the use of alcohol.
Does not allow his temper; nor exhibit anger, fear, hate, embarrassment, ardor or hilarity in public.
Does not hail a lady from a club (Barracks) window.
Never discusses the merits or demerits of a lady.
Does not mention names exactly as he avoids the mention of what things cost.
Does not borrow money from a friend, except on dire need. Money borrowed is a debt of honor, and must be repaid as promptly as possible. Debts incurred by a deceased parent, brother, sister, or grown child are assumed by honorable men as a debt of honor.
Does not display his wealth, money, or possessions.
Does not put his manner on and off, whether it the club or in the ballroom. He treats people with courtesy, no matter what their social position may be.
Does not slap strangers on the back nor so as much lay a finger on a lady.
Does not "lick the boots of those above" nor "kick the face of those below him on the social ladder."
Does not take advantage of another's helplessness or ignorance and assumes that no gentleman will take advantage of him.
Respects the reserves of others, but demands that others respect those which are his.
Can become what he wills to be.
Old-fashioned? Or simply good manners applied to good values? These are the kinds of behaviors that once were expected of all people: being kind to others, not showing off, treating people with common courtesy. Above all, respecting oneself. These are the values with which I was raised, and with which most of my friends were raised.
Wouldn't it be a very different world if we all adopted/adapted The Code of a Gentleman? I can't be the only person who is dismayed at the public displays of bad behavior on My Space and Facebook, or from spring break revelers. Jerry Springer wouldn't have a show if we all adopted The Code of a Gentleman.
Imagine a society where we all curbed our tempers, were temperate in our use of alcohol, refrained from gossiping about others, or taking advantage of others; imagine a polite, healthy world where we respected others and ourselves. Imagine sharing the road with kind drivers who never lost their tempers to road rage. Imagine people having self-respect and not suffering from altered behavior due to an excess of alcohol. Imagine us all doing what is right for us and for others, treating others with courtesy at all times.
Imagine spreading kindness to each person who shares our life journey today. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a hand extended to help another. Simply being good and kind gentlemen and ladies.
********
Today's simple pleasure: giving my hard-working, home-owning daughter a back rub
9 comments:
Rose, your serenity never ceases to amaze me. You are a good egg! I really like the music that's playing on here, too...very soothing...makes me think about what nice things I can do for others, and how I can either go into work today ready to do battle, or go in with a positive attitude, to make positive change. I'm glad I stopped by here this morning. You've changed my perspective on the day. Have yourself a good one!
My boys are good and generally respectful but I will read this to them. It would make a good after dinner discussion...Now that they are almost men..they must realize how it is to conduct themselves...not because mom or dad said so..or out of fear that if they do something we'd find out...I want them to be truly courteous becaus that is genuinely what they are from their hearts.
Thank you :)
Rose, I adore the music on your site! I need to get this on my iPod!
I love the code of gentlemanly behavior...I'm going to show it to my son...but heck, it's words for all of us to live by! Namaste!
Rose, I shared a link to your thoughts on The Code with the Ross Volunteer himself. I know he will love what you have written.
Thanks for sharing your feelings about the code and how even a 131 years later being a gentleman still means the same thing.
Yes indeed, Rose, something for all of to strive for. I'm going to copy it so I can refer back to it often. Thank you.
Soov, congratulations on your son's acceptance to the Ross Volunteer Company. What an honor and how very proud you must be!
Rosalie
Rosalie, thank you so much for your sweet note. It's so good to "see" you. :)
I was surprised by Rose as I did not know The Code inspired her so. She brought tears to my eyes as she is a friend that truly cares for her friends. She celebrates with them and really means it, you know? It's not said in passing, it's real. In all the ups and downs of her friends' lives, she's right there. Her heart is always in the right place.
I'm honored to call her "friend" and blessed to have her in my life. I do believe that no one honors The Code more than she.
What an honor for our friend's son. And what an admirable way to live!
Rose, I was extremely pleased you shared the code with your readers. These youngsters are a bright beacon for the future.
As for you, Lisa, I just want to congratulate you again for raising two fine young men. You must be very proud of them both!
Interesting to know.
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