On Being a Gentleman

[Bill Ryan]

.
I think this may belong in 'The Lighter Side' — but I'm not totally sure! :bigsmile:

I recently watched the marvelous film Kingsman: The Secret Service (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2802144). It takes the concept of 'The Gentleman Spy' (James Bond being the archetype) to a wonderful new extreme.

Trailer here (a very good one) — Enjoy. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8F-8tR8to


Now, according to "The Gentleman's Guide" on the film's official website (http://www.kingsmanmovie.com), "The Rules" of a Kingsman Gentleman are as follows:




1) A gentleman never tells about conquests, private matters, or dealings. His business is nobody else's.

2) A gentleman doesn't clash in public with enemies or exes, or worse, with out-of-fashion contrasts, colors or styles.

3) A gentleman is always happy to serve, whether it's opening the door, picking up the bill, or merely calling a cab the next morning. Ask him for help and he cannot refuse.

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

5) A gentleman is always on target with witty remarks, interesting facts, and conversation starters that bring the best out of everyone. And

6) A gentleman asks non-invasive questions to keep a conversation going and attention focused on others. He makes them feel like the most interesting person he's ever met, whether that's true or not.

I thought that was really quite thought-provoking. And — maybe — not just a laughing matter. :)

[Calz]

*grins*

The movie was actually posted a while back (Here n Now I think) and I loved it so much I went out to buy the DVD even though I had seen it.

Real hoot!!!

Using cell phones to make civilization go mad and try to kill each other a nice touch.

[DeDukshyn]

My son keeps telling me to watch this movie. I guess with Bill telling me now too, I better do it. :)

[Becky]

I love this movie. I hate violence but this manages to add a comical touch, so not taking anything too seriously.

[Mark]

I like this a lot. Thanks for sharing it, I think it is important. There is an inherent logic and consistency in these prescriptions that speaks to an underlying sense of self and morality that speaks more in actions than words.

[lunaflare]

These gentlemanly codes of conduct are the height of a civilized race of human beings...

[earthdreamer]

"Kingsman: Secret Service" was a mildly enjoyable movie, Colin Firth did indeed embody the gentleman. Sam Jackson was an entertaining villain. However, I was very put off by a scene in the ending that was crude and nasty where the young protégé is rewarded for all his victorious efforts by the overly appreciative damsel-in-distress. If you've seen the unedited version, you will know what I mean.:yuck:

[Bill Ryan]

I was very put off by a scene in the ending that was crude and nasty where the young protégé is rewarded for all his victorious efforts by the overly appreciative damsel-in-distress.

Yes. :) That was of course [meant to be] a comedic nod to the endings of many of the classic James Bond movies.

:focus:

[earthdreamer]

Oh. James Bond was naughty, naughty! :nono:;)

[Bill Ryan]

.
Actually, the original trailer might be better. :)

The fight scenes are quite something else, but this trailer may give a better idea of the theme.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4NCribDx4U

But back to my original post.. which is what had interested me. This was on the movie website, not in the film itself. The 'Rules' of a Kingsman were never stated... just implied (as Rahkyt astutely noted (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?89193-On-Being-a-Gentleman&p=1050539&viewfull=1#post1050539)) by the Kingsmen's actions.

This is what my attention got stuck on: (emphasis mine)



4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.
Because it never should have. So you pay no attention, and continue on your own important journey. For me, that was like something straight out of Lao-Tsu's Tao Te Ching (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching).

[KiwiElf]

One of my favourite movies from last year (based on a series of graphic novels, where Mark Hamill actually features as himself - and is killed off - with a nice tip of the hat reference to The [B]Avengers, (Steed, Gambit, Purdy & Mrs Emma Peel being ex-Kingsman). In fact, it plays a great deal of homage to this classic 1960's - 70's TV spy series:

John Steed was played by the late Patrick Macnee, being the penultimate gentleman spy complete with a bowler hat, immaculate suits, bullet proof umbrella (with hidden sword) and classic Bentley, who could also kick butt!

The movie is a bit different and a sequel is in the works. Very old-school Avengers & James Bond-ish - loved it! :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Avengers_%28TV_series%29

EDIT: Also quite enjoyed the remake of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - also in a similar vein and 60's period, where Russian and American spies, Illya Kuryakin and Napolean Solo, take turns at outdoing each other being the gentleman - whenever a lady is present... ;)

(I wonder if they'll remake The Persuaders - very similar 70's, starring Roger Moore & Tony Curtis - both impeccable gentlemen ;) )?

[earthdreamer]

The test of good manners is to be patient with bad ones." ~Gabirol (Solomon ben Yehuda ibn Gabirol), The Choice of Pearls

Yes, rude behavior is a real test when humans get behind the monstrous frames of our powerful automobiles. It takes whole lot of zen patience to resist the "road rage".

If there's anybody who ought to read the rules "On Being a Gentleman", that may be our Republican front-runner for president. Uggh.

[Limor Wolf]

These gentlemanly codes of conduct are the height of a civilized race of human beings...

Or it can be a programmed behaviour to take one far from their authenticity, from expressing their true feelings, not saying it's difficult when it is, and instead maintaining civil appearences at all cost. That can also be a trap. Either way

Blessings ~

Limor

[Basho]

Good point Limor Wolf. I for one, value authenticity/response-ability over conditioned responses

[Limor Wolf]

Good point Limor Wolf. I for one, value authenticity/response-ability over conditioned responses

I think I may agree with you back. the 'always gentlemanly' approach, with an emphasis on always , can also be a part of a 'survival of the fittest' type of conditioning and programming which requires the 'stiff up your lip' appearence that may serve others but perheps not so much those who enjoy the gentleman's company and the gentleman himself. Any type of 'role' (accompanied with rules) and 'personality' that is required to be maintained is a pre-programming on our planet Earth. I appreciate your comment, Basho

[tnkayaker]

i sum it up by speaking to others about living ones life with integrity, helping others to aspire to their higher state of consciousness before myself, I have found that in turn it seems to raise my own state of being, great things start with one person making a difference without telling others what to do, simply unconditionally loving and supporting others in their path while being humble and patient ,doing the right thing ,standing up for the truth when others may be hesitant or afraid, and of course to walk with faith, my ultimate message now is to encourage everyone to find their love, wherever it reveals itself.

[Cardillac]

I hate to throw cold water on anything but do read Jim Sparks' book "James Bond is Real" about the life of Ian Fleming and how Fleming's books were encoded messages about many things-

please be well all-

Larry

[janette]

I think your a true gentleman Bill,I could listen to all day...sorry not trying to be weird or anything,just like listening to what you've to say. 😉 xx

[Marianne]

Good point Limor Wolf. I for one, value authenticity/response-ability over conditioned responses

I think I may agree with you back. the 'always gentlemanly' approach, with an emphasis on always , can also be a part of a 'survival of the fittest' type of conditioning and programming which requires the 'stiff up your lip' appearence that may serve others but perheps not so much those who enjoy the gentleman's company and the gentleman himself. Any type of 'role' (accompanied with rules) and 'personality' that is required to be maintained is a pre-programming on our planet Earth. I appreciate your comment, Basho

Appreciate your comments, Limor and Basho.
If a person acts out of conditioning only, I would agree.
However, if someone is acting from their heart, that argument would not apply, imo.
Good manners stem from caring about others.

#4 is my favorite, and sums it up.

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

Limor, I love your balanced words and how you are always encircling us together.

[Innocent Warrior]

I'm raising a gentleman, my guidance - Follow your heart. Do no harm. Be pure. Use your manners. Trust who you are and always be authentic. Never judge yourself or others and never mind those who judge you or others. Always remember, you're not here to be seen as perfect, you're here to be awesome.

[Carmody]

Well, the person who has viewed the film will probably never think of the song 'Freebird' the same way they did prior to seeing the film.


Also, another nod to British spy films. The semi-spoofs of James Bond, as done by Micheal Caine: Harry Palmer. Colin Firths' character's name is .....Harry.

[Dennis Leahy]

Allow me to add a warning to those who may be triggered or bothered by violence. This movie is a quirky blend of the gentlemanly, Bond-like qualities, with some intrigue and secrecy, some quirky humor, and violent action scenes. When things turn violent, they can be very violent. One over-the-top violent scene seems to go on forever. It has to be the longest fight-to-death action sequence I have ever seen, but then I deliberately don't watch violent movies.

[Citizen No2]

I suppose it all depends on your POV........

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” or How to Sell the Occult Elite to the Youth

http://vigilantcitizen.com/moviesandtv/kingsman-secret-service-sell-occult-elite-youth/


I am surprised anyone would encourage others to watch a film like this, as a 'bit of fun' or to promote 'gentlemanly behaviour'. As we are all to aware, media is the tool in perception management and oh, how they love to 'show and tell' through movies and tv.




Regards.

[Limor Wolf]

Good point Limor Wolf. I for one, value authenticity/response-ability over conditioned responses

I think I may agree with you back. the 'always gentlemanly' approach, with an emphasis on always , can also be a part of a 'survival of the fittest' type of conditioning and programming which requires the 'stiff up your lip' appearence that may serve others but perheps not so much those who enjoy the gentleman's company and the gentleman himself. Any type of 'role' (accompanied with rules) and 'personality' that is required to be maintained is a pre-programming on our planet Earth. I appreciate your comment, Basho

Appreciate your comments, Limor and Basho.
If a person acts out of conditioning only, I would agree.
However, if someone is acting from their heart, that argument would not apply, imo.
Good manners stem from caring about others.

#4 is my favorite, and sums it up.

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

Limor, I love your balanced words and how you are always encircling us together.

Marianne, thank you, I remember how greatly disturbing it was for me to find that many of our good attributes that may be considered as a cornerstone of a supportive society are being utilized. Someone acting from their heart is the real true deal, imo, but there are overlays put on our society to divert the good and accaptable to a parallel road, done from beyond our three dimensional world, that is why so often it is not detected (as we almost never relate to this aspect which is the one that actually greatly determines our life) our good qualities are being taken to serve on other's games, untill the concept of this orchastration is understood, courageously confronted inside of ourselves, shared between us and agreement to this entrappement revoked so the genuine meaning can come back and take place. so I completely agree with you as a case on it's own, but not in the climate we live in, in discovering how our reality is built the smaller perception unfortunately won't do. not with our psychology as human beings so very well understood and intervined with based on our own acceptance and permission ( we are used as manifestion batteries for others based on our capability of emotions, thoughts, ideas and behaviours). Here we perheps would like to see the deeper layers behind concepts such as 'rules of being a gentleman' and reclaim our power to be authentic and not 'play a role' which is an entrappment, we want to love and care, but perheps do so out of knowledge and consciousness of our surroundings and who else we share our life with who impact us, find our way back to wisdom. I do thank Bill for bringing that up, and hope it's not too uncomfortable to share these understandings here

It is very interesting to think about it, a caring for others can also present itself as a very uncivilised scream which can look and appear quite 'ungentlemanly' and uncalled for in certain situations. After all we are dealing with technologies, with interdimensional interference, with things that are very unaccustomed to talk about, such as black magic (an ungentlemanly conversation?), and doing so when 'every hair has to be in it's right place' like the gentleman would most appreciate can be a trap arising from the 'gentleman concept' that others so very well know about and approve... Do you remember the moral dillema of trying to alert others that there is a smoke and fire in the bulding and they better get out

I would most appreciate a gentlemanly advice on how one can go with it where the ones occupying the room not at all notice or smell the smoke and a calm explanation of 'fire', then perheps more pushy - 'fire', then the shouting of ' fire', falls on deaf ear, then the gentleman rule number 4 may chime in-

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

Yes, and stays in the room engulfed with flames ('continue on your own important journey')

Sometimes, without notice and with best of intentions we are trapping ourselves within appearences, roles and ways of conduct. I admit that shoving 'truth' in others throat is also one of those conditionings which can be utilised and I am guilty as charged, am taking notice, something for me to figure out and work on. If you want to seal a fate of any one group, in this case society, in a programmed world (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXeVgEs4sOo), you arrange different 'personalities' and rules (instead of etiquettes) to go with it and let everyone unknowingly sign on it. Personally as I learn more about the different programming of our society in the path to understand ourselves and our world better - I find myself declaring this - 'I do not give my consent to any interference of entrappment and any orchastration of my path done by any earthly or otherworldly factors. I declare myself as soveregin being and do not agree to anything that breaches or sabotage my free will, it is illegal to trespass my universe"

I appreciate you reading this

Much love, Marianne, and all ~

:heart:

Limor

[araucaria]

I have been reading a huge novel by Anthony Trollope, Can You Forgive Her?, published in 1864. One of the characters is an utter scoundrel who tries to get into politics. Winning a seat in Parliament is presented as almost exclusively a matter of raising vast funds to pay for the services of a professional campaign manager, another scoundrel. He claims the money from a rich cousin whom he wants to marry for that purpose; she eventually turns down marriage but supplies the funds anyway, at least up to a point. When he runs out of cash, he is defeated in the election, and feels suicidal and murderous towards the entire universe in general and several individuals in particular, actually carrying out an attempted murder. But instead of committing suicide, what he does – on page 666 of my edition :) – is to... sail off to America. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can_You_Forgive_Her%3F

The point that I would pick out in the contrast with the gentleman has nothing to do with the corrupt method of entering Parliament, but simply the way certain things are done and not done. The rich cousin has in fact jilted a gentleman, who wins her back notably by behaving as if the thing never happened. But by the end of the tale, he himself enters Parliament, the only difference being that he does so with his own money, and it works out considerably cheaper owing to his having friends in high places. The ‘bottom line’ – the basic subordination of the exercise of power to mostly inherited unearned income – is the same: the haves are gentlemen, the have nots are villains. Nowadays nothing has changed, except that the ‘gentlemen’ are paying villains to do the work of government for them.

In other words, the novel is simply a polite society version of The Taming of the Shrew. The dark side is always restricted to others as social inferiors, including of course the Ladies, who must learn to keep their place while the gentlemen see to the important matter of governing. While embezzlement and murder and marital infidelity are obviously undesirable practices, focussing on them tends to deflect our attention away from other equally undesirable ones hiding under the veneer of respectability (see these posts:)
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?78630-John-Lash-s-Kalika-war-party&p=971804&viewfull=1#post971804
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?30405-Here-and-Now...What-s-Happening&p=921330&viewfull=1#post921330

While we all understand what is meant by calling Bill Ryan a gentleman, it can only be a compliment and a fact if we exclude all the above accepted connotations.

[Bill Ryan]

One over-the-top violent scene seems to go on forever.

Yes, no kidding. That scene depicts the entire congregation of a church (over 200 people) remotely triggered into killing each other mindlessly until there's only one man standing.

From a film-maker's viewpoint, it's an astonishing piece of choreography. The violence is very over-the-top and deliberately stylized. Some of the movie is like a kind of ballet, really. I played some sequences a second time, trying to figure out how it was all done! The entire thing is a kind of parody.

I watched the movie precisely because Jay Dyer had referenced it in his 2015 Secret Space Program presentation, Hollywood Predictive Programming and the Secret Space Agenda. His lecture is excellent, stressing (including much else) how real 'James Bond' was, and how much Ian Fleming really knew.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J93Jt05oRA
In referencing the Kingsman movie, he was describing how people really CAN be high-tech triggered to extreme violence, and suggested that the movie was telling us about a bunch of stuff that might be rather too real, and not just a fantasy. (I'd agree.) The director said he was TOLD that this was possible, by remotely activating the reptilian part of our brain. That really got my interest, but may be best for a different thread.

I was really just interested in the 'Gentleman's Rules' aspect to the movie. Other (100% non-violent!) movies depict this theme, as well. But the 'Round Table' element, that one of the things that Gentlemen do is to strive for justice, like The Avengers — note that Captain America is a Gentleman, too! — is interesting... especially the Camelot/Avalon connotations there.

[kirolak]

Applies equally to gentlewoman, I presume? :bigsmile:

[Bill Ryan]

Applies equally to gentlewoman, I presume? :bigsmile:

Yes — this 'gentleman' thing can be (or can be seen to be!) really rather sexist!

But in the original, totally wonderful, British TV series, The Avengers (the real ones! :bigsmile: ), while John Steed was the archetypal gentleman agent, his totally-equal counterpart, Emma Peel, was another very strong archetype... a powerful but very feminine woman, equally principled, and highly, highly able.

There's a wealth of wonderful images on his search page here (https://www.google.com/search?q=john+steed+emma+peel&safe=off&biw=1120&bih=617&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjzzYmm6qTLAhWEdR4KHSMOCkAQ_AUIBigB#q=jo hn+steed+emma+peel&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbs=isz:l&imgrc=nxjcle2k_ZFSuM%3A), but this is as good as any: :)

https://media.guim.co.uk/c03dbd1ded2a68745bc211c2d15b47de965a9216/131_335_3126_1875/3126.jpg

And, we have to see her in action:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfP5c4jlQBM

[Agape]

Coincidentally or not , I found myself watching 2015 Steven Spielberg movie 'The Bridge of Spies' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/) , yesterday .
Unlike Bills movie , this one is on a harder note , based on alleged real story from the real Cold War 50s/60s ,
typically good movie for it's Steven Spielberg's . The importance of gentlemanliness in the story is even more pronounced in contrast with dire, humanly critical circumstances and war surrounding them .

It's a good movie to watch if you have spare 2 and half hours and/or suffering from anxiety attack ( at the same time ) : the situation within the movie is so convincingly grim that your little anxiety is bound to give up .

It also shows how dark some of those days were back in Europe ( East Germany , in the years after WWII ) and makes me think how lucky we are not to live back then .

On the topic of gentle people though ... my observation would be that true gentlemen do not give up on their principles even when tested and tempted by circumstances or offered 'better job' .

They're often willing to risk their lives and/or reputation for truths sake and other peoples sake , placing other peoples welfare before their own .

They may act funny or crazy to make people laugh but they're not offended by little children laughing at their faults for all adults indeed , have bigger faults than children do .

Not to forget ... 'true gentlemen are not true gentlemen' . It's usually those who never thought about it .. or just a little bit :bigsmile:


The movie can be ( covertly ) watched from here : http://123movies.to/film/bridge-of-spies-6029

Or here

mBBuzHrZBro

But my eyes are dropping today . Thanks to all ..


:flower:

[Calz]

Anyone remember the days when we were younger and perhaps a bit more naïve and could simply share in the joy of watching a movie without dissecting it for all the evil motives???

I miss those days.

Yes I watched the first Matrix movie at least 20 times and I get it ...

... but I still miss those days.

[Enola]

.
I think this may belong in 'The Lighter Side' — but I'm not totally sure! :bigsmile:

I recently watched the marvelous film Kingsman: The Secret Service (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2802144). It takes the concept of 'The Gentleman Spy' (James Bond being the archetype) to a wonderful new extreme.

Trailer here (a very good one) — Enjoy. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8F-8tR8to


Now, according to "The Gentleman's Guide" on the film's official website (http://www.kingsmanmovie.com), "The Rules" of a Kingsman Gentleman are as follows:




1) A gentleman never tells about conquests, private matters, or dealings. His business is nobody else's.

2) A gentleman doesn't clash in public with enemies or exes, or worse, with out-of-fashion contrasts, colors or styles.

3) A gentleman is always happy to serve, whether it's opening the door, picking up the bill, or merely calling a cab the next morning. Ask him for help and he cannot refuse.

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

5) A gentleman is always on target with witty remarks, interesting facts, and conversation starters that bring the best out of everyone. And

6) A gentleman asks non-invasive questions to keep a conversation going and attention focused on others. He makes them feel like the most interesting person he's ever met, whether that's true or not.

I thought that was really quite thought-provoking. And — maybe — not just a laughing matter. :)

That is good advice for etiquette-fans.

[Mark]

I am surprised anyone would encourage others to watch a film like this, as a 'bit of fun' or to promote 'gentlemanly behaviour'. As we are all to aware, media is the tool in perception management and oh, how they love to 'show and tell' through movies and tv.


I watched the movie precisely because Jay Dyer had referenced it in his 2015 Secret Space Program presentation, Hollywood Predictive Programming and the Secret Space Agenda. His lecture is excellent, stressing (including much else) how real 'James Bond' was, and how much Ian Fleming really knew.

That is a valid point, one that I've had people ask me before, why I watch the mainstream media. I watch shows like the X-files, Sleepy Hollow, Supernatural, The Shannara Chronicles, most fare of a sci-fi or fantastic nature and also movies that are the same. The answer I give people is the answer that we here in the Alt Community should know as rote knowledge at this point.

Television and movies are used to share truths. This is, apparently, a universal constant, that the Truth cannot be hidden. It must be given, shown, in some form or fashion. They couch these truths in fiction, in fantasy, but they are truths nonetheless.

Just as it is said that all of the holy books and all of the religions have the truth in them, but also hidden, surrounded by distortions and out and out lies.

So it becomes an exercise in discernment, in detachment and of honing one's attention while increasing one's ability to holistically correlate differential strands of information to complete the picture. Putting together clues from one movie, another tv show, a commercial. Seeing a Monarch hollywood star on the red carpet wearing a certain t-shirt with a horned effigy on it, relating that to a song, a music video.

It is about knowing what the symbols mean, interpreting those meanings in context in order to see the larger and only slightly obscured pattern beneath.

So watching the tv shows and the movies is research, really. Seeing what is hidden in plain sight. For all to know and see, but not know, and not see. I was talking to a friend earlier about this, how there is no more hidden knowledge, that everything is out there, somewhere, on the Net. But there IS a trick to it. That trick, is that in order to find that information, one must know it exists. Must know how to phrase the search terms. So, paradoxically, everything is available, but in some sense, one must know what one is looking for in order to find it.

Fun stuff. :)

[tnkayaker]

in the thought of everything being in balance, I think there is violence to balance out good intentions, where ever it presents itself, this offers one the pondering of ones path and personal intention , for myself anyway, this also comes full circle , meaning after all my reading and research and frustration my answers have come back to roost as it were , realizing everything starts with one simple act of kindness and perpetuates from there, with the technology now a days, its bigger than I want or need to dwell on, ive found continuing acts of selflessness , love and kindness is one of the only ways to make a better difference, let it perpetuate from there, some get it some don't , no matter, everyone makes their own choices, enlightenment is not easy or pretty all of the time, it can be harsh and in your face, I see the separation of morals as part of the growth process, choosing to continue on a selfless path gets more difficult and continues to challenge ones faith, but isn't that the lesson all along? great post bill , and no I don't think its on the lighter side, i think its monumental in its simplicity, peace,dennis p.s. still am a huge Avengers fan...

[bogeyman]

.
I think this may belong in 'The Lighter Side' — but I'm not totally sure! :bigsmile:

I recently watched the marvelous film Kingsman: The Secret Service (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2802144). It takes the concept of 'The Gentleman Spy' (James Bond being the archetype) to a wonderful new extreme.

Trailer here (a very good one) — Enjoy. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8F-8tR8to


Now, according to "The Gentleman's Guide" on the film's official website (http://www.kingsmanmovie.com), "The Rules" of a Kingsman Gentleman are as follows:




1) A gentleman never tells about conquests, private matters, or dealings. His business is nobody else's.

2) A gentleman doesn't clash in public with enemies or exes, or worse, with out-of-fashion contrasts, colors or styles.

3) A gentleman is always happy to serve, whether it's opening the door, picking up the bill, or merely calling a cab the next morning. Ask him for help and he cannot refuse.

4) A gentleman never reacts to rudeness. He pretends he doesn't recognize it and moves on like it never happened, because it never should have.

5) A gentleman is always on target with witty remarks, interesting facts, and conversation starters that bring the best out of everyone. And

6) A gentleman asks non-invasive questions to keep a conversation going and attention focused on others. He makes them feel like the most interesting person he's ever met, whether that's true or not.

I thought that was really quite thought-provoking. And — maybe — not just a laughing matter. :)

It may be considered the old school of spying during the first world war some spy were just like that. Gentlemen and polite and quite professional in their art, but that is case by case basis of course.

[conk]

Another of Firth's films, The Importance of Being Earnest, is a delightful throw away movie. Light hearted, funny is often what's needed.

[Frenchy]

" The League of Gentlemen ", what splendid men, disillusioned and facing-up to what " Serving King and Country " really meant !

[Bill Ryan]

Coincidentally or not , I found myself watching 2015 Steven Spielberg movie 'The Bridge of Spies' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/) , yesterday .


What's interesting about THAT movie is that the real Gentleman there is the convicted Russian spy... courteous, polite, brave, unflappable, responsible, quiet, principled, undramatic, unblaming, unwavering.

[Sir Eltor]

Thanks Bill for this refreshing topic ( and to the many who have responded ) . Serious business here at Avalon and rightfully so for most my visits , but its nice to throw in one of these for a change . Sploofs or not , I'm game .

Haven't seen the movie yet , but I will . The trailer just reminded me of ( fight scene ) when I was young and would have nightmares of gangs of men chasing me , I finally discovered that I could control the situation , change the dream , whoop some ace .... haven't looked back , whoop whoop

[tnkayaker]

Coincidentally or not , I found myself watching 2015 Steven Spielberg movie 'The Bridge of Spies' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/) , yesterday .


What's interesting about THAT movie is that the real Gentleman there is the convicted Russian spy... courteous, polite, brave, unflappable, responsible, quiet, principled, undramatic, unblaming, unwavering.

once again, a man of integrity he lives and dies with the code of integrity.

[Agape]

Coincidentally or not , I found myself watching 2015 Steven Spielberg movie 'The Bridge of Spies' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/) , yesterday .


What's interesting about THAT movie is that the real Gentleman there is the convicted Russian spy... courteous, polite, brave, unflappable, responsible, quiet, principled, undramatic, unblaming, unwavering.

But that's merely an image . It's an actor playing an actor .. of another actor .. the 'real guys' family did not hear about him for 20 years .
He's not the type to bring his girlfriends flowers .

Too perfect to be real that's how everyone hates him at the end of the movie save for Mr Donovan .

If he's so perfect he can't be a spy . Buddha was said to be perfect because he did not have to spy to know so were all the other ancients and philosophers .

Gentleness unbased in truth .. like a plugged flower ..does not survive its death but what is truthful remains forever etched in our memory


:flower:

[zen deik]

When one never feels threatened, always in control of every situation,how could you not be a gentleman...

[bettye198]

Yes, we loved that movie, Bill. Here is another lovely little book for gentlemen. I bought it for my husband and we both love reading it. Called: Rules for a Knight. by Ethan Hawke ( the actor). He found the documents written by a great grandfather in England, and they are rules written for a grooming knight. Just beautifully done.

[tnkayaker]

actors portraying real life concepts cant anyone see the bigger picture?

[Bill Ryan]

Yes, we loved that movie, Bill. Here is another lovely little book for gentlemen. I bought it for my husband and we both love reading it. Called: Rules for a Knight. by Ethan Hawke ( the actor). He found the documents written by a great grandfather in England, and they are rules written for a grooming knight. Just beautifully done.

Thanks! :star: I'd not heard of that. It's a novel. From this review: (http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/1948651-rules-for-a-knight-aims-to-teach-kids-virtues-right-from-wrong)





Before presenting the rules, Hawke has the knight going to his grandfather seeking answers to question like: “Why should I not cheat and steal? Why do I do what I know I should not do?” All the while he laments that he doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong.

Interwoven with the parables are nuggets about the knight’s life and the hard lessons he learned that kept him noble in spirit and action. The stories include the history of the knight’s quest to become a better person and how he became a knight. They also reveal how much he learned from his grandfather.

Each short chapter is structured around a quality. First, a rule is stated in an aphorism, followed by a story illustrating the principle of the rule and what the knight experienced when he didn’t aim for or live up to the virtue of the rule. Altogether, the rules tell all of us how to become a decent person.

The 20 rules in the order presented are:


solitude
humility
gratitude
pride
cooperation
friendship
forgiveness
honesty
courage
grace
patience
justice
generosity
discipline
dedication
speech
faith
equality
love
death.

[pueblo]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/58/1a/c9581a420a431d5cbd2eca590b4d7b8c.jpg

[bettye198]

Thank you for posting the review on the Rules for a Knight. I believe it is a rather dignified code for excellence which translates to the olden days of being a Knight in Shining Armor. We all can glean from it.