The Rubinshteinic Philosophy on the Gentleman
Updated: Dec 31, 2024
The Rubinshteinic Philosophy on the Gentleman
The term "gentleman" defines a person who is sensitive to others, well-mannered, and respectful. While Nietzsche argued that the "overman" is the next step in our development, I believe that nowadays the next step is being gentlemen and gentlewomen.
By "gentlemen", I refer to an ideal that isn't exclusive to men. Women can possess gentlemanly traits as well. I see no reason why they can't. I'll be using this term to refer to both genders (and to humans in general).
The online world has normalized very toxic behavior. From cyberbullying to trolling to belittling just about anyone we do not like. Unfortunately, it has become the norm across the globe to act like a jerk and harass people with little regard. I am not saying that these acts are morally forbidden. I'm saying that they are immoral, and that moral depravity is a very common feature.
So, being a gentleman means that you have a higher sense of morality. You will say "sorry" and "thank you" out of habit, refrain from belittling others, and not operate dishonestly. That's how you demonstrate that part in yourself.
By "dishonesty", I refer to scams, which are a common way nowadays to make a living. Some bloggers, for example may copy and paste material from other blogs, change it a bit, and pretend it's their own original material. Doing so will allow them to capitalize on others' hard work.
And thus, a gentleman is not only honest but also dependable. If they swear to do something, they will at least make an effort because they're worthy of trust. That's why they're also professional in their behavior.
It's not only that they don't wish to be fired but also want to do their work as intended. The gentleman is an ethical being, first and foremost. In the absence of a moral code, I would not say they are indeed gentlemen.
The gentleman is also calm but not necessarily introverted. They do not have to be a ladies' man, as homosexuals can be gentlemen as well, just like people of any sexual orientation. They will not be quick to threaten anyone, and should anyone threaten them, they will still attempt to maintain their composure.
For those who do not know, ethics is a branch of philosophy that discusses what is appropriate and what is not. While I'm not sure if there is universal morality, I certainly believe that morality can exist regardless. Anyone may have a code of morality, but a true gentleman will strive to be loyal to it as much as they can.
From what I gathered, the origin of the term is the Latin word "gentilis", or "a man of good family" (one of its definitions). In English history, gentlemen were a social class that was just below the ranks of the nobility. That social class was known as the gentry.
So, it looks like the common understanding of what a gentleman is is wrong. A gentleman and a gentle man are not the same. The gentle man and woman are softer and more delicate in comparison.
The gentleman, on the other hand, is more stoic and noble (though not necessarily part of any nobility or royalty. Noble in character). Feel free to be a delicate person, if you want, but I don't think it's a good idea to be one in this world.
Also, I suspect that a gentleman is braver and better prepared to face adversity than a gentle man or woman. Not every adversity, necessarily, but one that can be resolved. If confrontation is inevitable, they will endure it and stand up to the challenge.
They do not have to be well-versed in combat, as adversity is not only physical violence. If someone complains about their work, they will not whine but see how the issue can be resolved. For they are people of their words, and they do not wish to disobey it so easily.
Some criticism arises regarding the term. Some may call self-proclaimed gentlemen arrogant, pompous, and so on. Even if they don't necessarily possess these traits. In addition, "neckbeards" may deem themselves gentlemen and thus be considered pretentious by others. "Neckbeards" are essentially people with poor social skills who fail to attract others. Contemporary nerds, essentially.
Some "gentlemen" may also be "white knights," or people who defend other people for romantic reasons (even if the other people, usually women, don't need defense, virtually or otherwise).
I don't care for sexism. I'm not writing about this because I'm a man. I strive to be a gentleman because I wish to be a better moral being. I want to respect others, and vice versa. Not because of self-interest but because I dislike unnecessary confrontations with the world.
I also wish to stay calm even in times of urgency, especially if there's no actual danger. I find great appeal in being stoic, and I want to handle things the best way I can at the time. I am loyal to Philosocom like a dog, and I wish to improve both as a philosopher and as the site's owner.
Some might consider me a genius, but I see no necessary purpose in self-glorification. If I appeared pompous before, it was probably because I was more naive.
I may stomp on some norms with my walking cane. That's because I do not agree with their rationality and think that much of this world is insolent and toxic, unnecessarily. And I am no longer a highly sensitive man. On the contrary, I am at this point more ruthless than the average person.
In conclusion, if we want to reduce the toxicity in this world, and if we want to be more moral, professional and reliable people, then I recommend that we become more gentlemany.
Enjoy the sources/extra material:
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