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The Gentleman Concept

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In Le Tour du Monde en 80 Jours, Philéas Fogg is the epitome of the perfect 19th century gentleman; he is "un gentleman de bonnes manières". Throughout the novel he behaves in an admirable way, based on certain moral and ethical ideals. He is respected as a man of his word among his peers at the Reform Club, he has the "politesse des rois" (always punctual), and the calm and dignified bearing of the aristocratic gentleman. He belongs to the landed gentry with antecedents and tradition; he represents what is called 'old money' as opposed to 'nouveau riche' society. When faced with the opportunity of saving the distressed Madame Aouda from an unpleasant fate, Fogg does not hesitate, despite knowing that in doing so, he might lose his bet, and with it, his fortune. Only once does Fogg depart from his gentlemanly code of ethics: at the end of the novel, when he can finally get even with the despicable Inspector Fix, Fogg does the unthinkable: he actually hits Fix without warning. But in doing so, he shows that the lowly inspector was not worthy of the gentleman's duel for fairness.

The True Gentleman
"The true gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his work; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own; and who appears well in any company; a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe."
A gentleman is the man who is mature and refined, knows he is a member of society and acts like he knows it. Though he possesses virtue and nobility, he is also human in his imperfections. The true gentleman is one who exploits his strengths and controls his weaknesses.
The true gentleman takes interests in others and values others for their virtues. He is positive, warm and possesses an outgoing attitude in making friends. He cultivates good will in others. The gentleman works well with others and never hesitates to help. He responds voluntarily and warmly at all times. The true gentleman exhibits enthusiasm wherever he goes. He inspires good will and warmth in his environment with his positive attitude to his surroundings.
The true gentleman has an acute sense of propriety. He has in his nature to do the right thing at the right time. He is aware of the fit and proper way to behave and his constantly alert and observing. He listens to people to figure out what creates a good and bad impression. He is always his "best self."
The true gentleman has self-control equal to all emergencies. He can handle himself well in any situation. He attains this by following these simple rules.
1. Develop a good sense of humor. The true gentleman can laugh at himself, which adds to his attractive personality.
2. Be flexible. The true gentleman can adapt himself readily to changing circumstances. He can admit readily when he is wrong and do it gracefully. He keeps open-minded, willing to accept new ideas and views and welcomes a change of opinion.
3. Develop a wholesome attitude towards work. The true gentleman views life as a competitive experience and completes his duties intelligently and persistently. He works for the satisfaction of accomplishment. He knows how to maintain a good balance between work and recreation. He knows how to learn to enjoy work and take the drudgery out of a task.
4. Watch your temper. A true gentleman knows how to control his angers. He is aware of his weaknesses and works to improve them.
5. Be temperate. A true gentleman can achieve moderation, avoiding the extremes in thinking and behavior. His habits are done only in moderation.

The true gentleman understands that in intelligence, talent, ability, social/economic position terms, men are not equal. But, while doing everything in his power to help, he would never dream of making any person conscious of uncontrollable deficiencies, whatever they may be. He emphasizes the good and minimizes the bad. He has a deep, warm love for humanity. He has no immature, selfish urges to boost his own ego at the other man's expense. As a gentleman, one makes an honest effort to find the good in others. He acts towards others with patience and understanding.
The true gentleman takes constructive criticism as well as he delivers it. He criticizes with an honest motive and a desire to help. When necessity compels him to humble the other, he handles it with thoughtfulness, sincerity and a fine sense of proportion. He can give constructive guidance without giving offense. He carries off delicate situations with sensitive diplomacy and fair play.
The true gentleman respects power and wealth but never allows himself to be degraded. He respects authority out of a sense of order and fairness. He stands with the self-esteem and self-assurance of a healthy individual. He moves out in life with hope and ambition and a sense of dignity.
Though the true gentleman has personal pride, he has humility. He does not seek to contradict people but to recognize them. He listens to other opinions and avoids talking about himself. When he wins, he does not boast. When he loses, he does so graciously, with sportsmanship and without excuse. He plays hard without cheating and never argues. He values the game more than the victory.
The true gentleman reveals his motives when dealing with people but speaks directly and honestly. He is frank but tactful. He speaks directly, effectively and uses language well. He speaks sincerely, saying what he means and meaning what he says. He uses sympathy. He looks people in the eye and shakes hands firmly.
In a true gentleman, his word is his bond. He is dependable, and keeps to his work. He is decisive and makes decisions promptly and successfully with due facts. He follows his decisions through and is known from reliability and loyalty.
The true gentleman always takes into consideration the rights and feelings of others before his own. He is courteous, respecting the well being of those around him. He is tolerant of their views and opinions. He disagrees peaceably and graciously. He develops insight that allows him to disagree without disliking the person for his differing attitude. He learns before he criticizes. He keeps a broad mind, forgives and forgets differences with others and tolerates their differences with him.
The true gentleman is conscious of his appearance. He has a pleasant expression and appears agreeable, alert and self-confident. He has a cheerful, natural and sincere smile. In company, he dresses neat and clean, wearing the right clothes at the right time.
The true gentleman is a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue is safe. He possesses a sense of honor that will never permit him to act unfairly. For him, honesty is the only policy. Honesty under all circumstances and with all people, dealing justly and fairly with others is rewarded with friendship and respect. With a gentleman, virtue almost defines him. He is strong, courageous, and excellent with merit and worth. Virtue connotes the integrity and uprightness of character.