On Being a Gentleman

[Bill Ryan]

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

I recently watched the marvelous film Kingsman: The Secret Service. 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.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=kl8F-8tR8to

Now, according to "The Gentleman's Guide" on the film's official website, "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.

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by earthdreamer (here)

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.

[earthdreamer]

Oh. James Bond was naughty, naughty!

[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.

Source: https://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) 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.

[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 [British] 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_Av...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]

Posted by lunaflare (here)
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]

Posted by Basho (here)
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]

Posted by Limor Wolf (here)

Posted by Basho (here)
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.