The embodiment of elegance, the gentleman is neither a snob nor a dandy. In the heart of the City of Lights, he stands out for his moral values, his attitude and his generosity of spirit. Thus, being a gentleman in Paris transcends the simple quest for style and sartorial refinement. In a society prey to individualism and superficiality, the figure of the gentleman represents an ideal to achieve.
THE DEFINITION OF A GENTLEMAN
To understand all the subtleties of this concept, it is appropriate to look at the etymology of the term gentleman . From its French origin to its modern meaning, the word has undergone many evolutions. According to the cnrtl, this English masculine noun has been attested since the 13th century.
THE GENTLEMAN, A WELL-BORN MAN
Modeled on the French name gentilhomme, gentleman is composed of gentle, from the old French gentil and meaning “noble”, as well as man, meaning “man”. Originally, a gentleman is therefore a well-born man , whose nobility is reflected in his exemplary behavior. Under the Ancien Régime, the definition of a gentleman was based above all on his noble origin, from which his moral qualities derived.
FROM SOCIAL STATUS TO MORAL VALUES
Over the centuries, the term has more broadly designated any man of merit, embodying moral values, regardless of his birth. Since the Victorian era, the notion has more broadly encompassed the rising bourgeoisie.
Social and cultural changes in the 19th and 20th centuries influenced the evolution of the notion of a gentleman. By extension, this term today refers to a set of moral qualities , where education and distinction take precedence. Le Larousse also defines a gentleman as a “well-bred and distinguished man”, and Le Robert as a “distinguished man, of perfect education. »
THE 5 KEY CRITERIA OF THE MODERN GENTLEMAN
Several key characteristics help define what a true gentleman is in Paris today. No one can call themselves a gentleman if they do not stand out for certain essential qualities.
1 – ELEGANCE
If a modern gentleman knows the different approaches to sartorial style like the back of his hand, his elegance is not limited to his style , his clothing or the refinement of his Richelieu shoes . Certainly, such a distinguished man pays close attention to details and is able to recognize a good bespoke tailor in Paris. However, his elegance is also reflected through his behavior, gestures and speech.
2 – GENEROSITY
True gentlemen know how to be generous, without expecting anything in return. This quality is reflected through the support they offer to those around them , near or far, by giving their time or sharing their resources. Gentlemen are therefore distinguished by the attention they pay to others and by their contribution to society.
3 – HUMILITY
Arrogance is incompatible with this notion. On the contrary, a gentleman shows himself to be aware of his weaknesses and weak points. He therefore knows his limits and knows how to show modesty when he finds success. Such a well-educated man recognizes the successes and contributions of others, while seeking to value them.
4 – RESPECT
Respect is one of the essential qualities of gentlemen in Paris. They consider everyone fairly , regardless of their social status or opinions. Gentlemen do not impose their opinions. They know how to really listen, moving away from prejudices and sweeping judgments, while demonstrating their courtesy.
5 – CONSISTENCY BETWEEN APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOR
A gentleman only truly inspires trust if his appearance and behavior are aligned . Concretely, wearing a high-quality tailored shirt is not enough. A man with an elegant clothing style, but selfish or disrespectful actions, loses all credibility and definitely does not embody this concept. In short, a gentleman’s behavior must resonate with the image he projects.
Read also: Everything you need to know about the men’s line of tailor-made shirts
THE GENTLEMAN IN TODAY’S SOCIETY: BEYOND APPEARANCE
In today’s society, it is illusory to imagine that a true gentleman is limited to taking care of his appearance or going to the best custom shoe houses in Paris . His clothing refinement testifies to the moral ideal he seeks to achieve.
OVERCOMING STEREOTYPES ASSOCIATED WITH SARTORIAL ELEGANCE
Wearing tailored, well-fitting clothes does not make a man a gentleman. Of course, a well-groomed and sophisticated appearance always makes a good impression, but it does not reflect a man’s moral qualities. Stereotypes related to appearance are confusing and inevitably lead to disappointment. In your opinion, is an elegantly dressed man necessarily respectful, generous or honest?
Authenticity and sincerity therefore surpass mere appearance. Only these fundamental values distinguish a true gentleman from a tastefully dressed man. They are much more meaningful and allow us to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Read also: The king’s choice for a high-quality tailor-made shirt in Paris
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF A GENTLEMAN’S VALUES, ATTITUDE AND GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT
Beyond respect and humility, a gentleman embodies fundamental values such as empathy, loyalty or discretion. He is therefore capable of putting himself in the place of others, demonstrates unfailing devotion to those close to him and his principles, and respects the confidentiality of the information transmitted to him.
His positive attitude reflects on those around him and promotes social interactions that are both respectful and constructive. All the conditions are there for everyone to feel understood and valued.
As for his generosity, it goes well beyond material donations. A gentleman stands out for his open-mindedness, acts for the common good and participates in a more united society. He therefore appears to be a model to follow who arouses the respect of his contemporaries.
5 GENTLEMEN EMBODYING THE CONCEPT TO PERFECTION
Gentlemen who embody this concept to perfection include:
- American actor Steve McQueen , recognized for his integrity, generosity and commitment to philanthropic causes, despite his status as a Hollywood icon;
- Irish writer Oscar Wilde , whose aesthetic commitment, freedom of expression and sharp wit marked the Victorian era;
- The French poet Charles Baudelaire , incarnation of the romantic gentleman in Paris, having stood out for his artistic sensitivity, his creativity and his elegance, both sartorial and intellectual;
- The British writer George or “Beau” Brummell, an emblematic gentleman of Regency England, renowned for his sophisticated style and attention to detail, as well as for his courtesy and quick wit;
- The French poet Sébastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort , intellectual and committed gentleman of the Enlightenment, recognized for his eloquence and his commitment to social justice.
Becoming a true gentleman in Paris is a personal decision, based on specific values and attitudes. This quest involves real personal commitment and a desire for continuous improvement. To strive towards this ideal, adopt a lifestyle that reflects your respect, your culture and your education, while transcending appearances. So, strive to think and act in accordance with the values of a gentleman. The impact on your interpersonal relationships and on society will only be better !
