The Definition of a Gentleman
Hence it is, that it is almost a definition of a gentleman,
to say he is one who never inflicts pain.
This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate.
He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles
which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him;
and he concurs with their movements rather than takes the initiative himself.
His benefits may be considered as parallel to what are called comforts or conveniences
in arrangements of a personal nature:
like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue,
though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them.
He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage,
never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments or insinuates evil
which he dare not say out.
From a long-sighted prudence, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage,
that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend.
He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults,
he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too engaged to bear malice.
He is patient,tolerant, and resigned, on philosophical principles;
he submits to pain,because it is inevitable,to the death of family members,
because it is irreparable,and to death, because it is his destiny.
If he engages in controversy of any kind,
his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blundering discourtesy of better,
though less educated minds;
who, like blunt weapons,tear and hack instead of cutting clean,
who mistake the point in argument,waste their strength on trifles,
misconceive their adversary,
and leave the question more involved than they find it.
He may be right or wrong in his opinion, but he is too clear-headed to be unjust;
he is as simple as he is forcible, and as brief as he is decisive.
Nowhere shall we find greater candor, consideration, indulgence:
he throws himself into the minds of his opponents,
he accounts for their mistakes.
He knows the weakness of human reason as well as its strength,
its province and its limits.
