What do you think?
Rate this book
GentleManners Books
How to Be a Gentleman Revised and Expanded: A Timely Guide to Timeless Manners
If you have ever felt unsure or uncomfortable when facing a social dilemma, John Bridges answers these questions and more in his classic handbook for men.The rules were simpler in bygone days, but technological changes have caused seismic shifts to the cultural landscape of 21st century. Do the rules of common courtesy still apply?Social media and smart phones have shaped communication in unprecedented ways, and increased connection has created a global melting pot. Social norms that were once understood now feel uncertain. How should a sophisticated man conduct himself in the diverse environments he may encounter? How to Be a Gentleman is an indispensable guide for men of all ages who aspire to become gentlemen, including tips and guidelines such to respond to those with whom you disagreeWhen and where it is appropriate to use your cellphoneHow to dress for various formal eventsRules for conducting yourself at the gymHow to engage respectfully with different cultural and religious contexts
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
303 people are currently reading
1938 people want to read
About the author
John Bridges
85 books27 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Bridges is the author of the bestselling book, HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, today's most popular guide to etiquette for the modern man. When it comes to handling any issue related to courtesy, common or uncommon -- whether it's how to use a shrimp fork, how to conduct yourself in a business meeting, or knowing when to turn off your cell phone -- John is "Mr. Right."
"Over the course of my life, I've been to a lot of parties," says John. "What I've learned is that it's not enough simply to get invited. What's really important is knowing how to behave yourself, so you get invited back."
A native of Slapout, Alabama, John has served as Classical Music Editor for the Nashville Tennessean, and was an award-winning columnist and editor for the Nashville Scene. He also gained a wide following as an associate editor for Nostalgia magazine and as an etiquette columnist for Traditional Home.
John served for eight years as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Nashville. A frequent media guest, he has been featured on the "Today" show, "CBS Sunday Morning," and the Discovery Channel. He has been profiled in the New York Times and People magazine. His advice has repeatedly been sought out by major men's magazines such as Esquire, Men's Health, and Details. John is also the co-author, along with Bryan Curtis, of eight other books in the "Gentlemanners" series, a publishing phenomenon that has now sold more than 1.25 million volumes, world-wide.
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN and other volumes in the "Gentlemanners" series have been translated into more than 15 foreign languages -- ranging from Spanish and Croatian to Latvian and Vietnamese.
John Bridges is the author of the bestselling book, HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, today's most popular guide to etiquette for the modern man. When it comes to handling any issue related to courtesy, common or uncommon -- whether it's how to use a shrimp fork, how to conduct yourself in a business meeting, or knowing when to turn off your cell phone -- John is "Mr. Right."
"Over the course of my life, I've been to a lot of parties," says John. "What I've learned is that it's not enough simply to get invited. What's really important is knowing how to behave yourself, so you get invited back."
A native of Slapout, Alabama, John has served as Classical Music Editor for the Nashville Tennessean, and was an award-winning columnist and editor for the Nashville Scene. He also gained a wide following as an associate editor for Nostalgia magazine and as an etiquette columnist for Traditional Home.
John served for eight years as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Nashville. A frequent media guest, he has been featured on the "Today" show, "CBS Sunday Morning," and the Discovery Channel. He has been profiled in the New York Times and People magazine. His advice has repeatedly been sought out by major men's magazines such as Esquire, Men's Health, and Details. John is also the co-author, along with Bryan Curtis, of eight other books in the "Gentlemanners" series, a publishing phenomenon that has now sold more than 1.25 million volumes, world-wide.
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN and other volumes in the "Gentlemanners" series have been translated into more than 15 foreign languages -- ranging from Spanish and Croatian to Latvian and Vietnamese.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
March 21, 2022
"Being a gentlemen has little to do with tying a tie or fumbling with the flatware. Instead, it requires only a little logic, a bit of forethought, and a great deal of consideration for others."
True to author's words in above quote, this book is a series of simple and straightforward reminders, including some really hilarious ones.
"Any time a person can identify the brand of scent that a man is wearing, he is wearing too much."
True to author's words in above quote, this book is a series of simple and straightforward reminders, including some really hilarious ones.
"Any time a person can identify the brand of scent that a man is wearing, he is wearing too much."
February 2, 2008
Its difficult for me to rate this book. I don't like part of its style, in that it simply describes 'what the gentleman ought to do' with alot less of the why than I would like. Manners are not esoteric rules that people memorize, they are the result of consistent courtesy and reflection about the best way to do things. They should be intelligible.
There is however another dimension to learning especially with behavior and relationships, and that is by observing or by doing (i.e. gentlemanly behavior is caught not taught).
There seems to be an interesting philosophical question here, how much of our behavior can we give sufficient reason for and how much do we do simply out of a deeper instinctual level?
There is however another dimension to learning especially with behavior and relationships, and that is by observing or by doing (i.e. gentlemanly behavior is caught not taught).
There seems to be an interesting philosophical question here, how much of our behavior can we give sufficient reason for and how much do we do simply out of a deeper instinctual level?
February 1, 2012
1. A gentleman says "please" and "thank you," readily and often.
2. A gentleman does not disparage the beliefs of others-whether they relate to matters of faith, politics, or sports teams.
3. A gentleman always carries a handkerchief, and is ready to lend it, especially to a weeping lady, should the need arise.
4. A gentleman never allows a door to slam in the face of another personmale or female, young or old, absolute stranger or longtime best friend.
5. A gentleman does not make jokes about race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; neither does he find such jokes amusing.
6. A gentleman knows how to stand in line and how to wait his turn.
7. A gentleman is always ready to offer a hearty handshake.
8. A gentleman keeps his leather shoes polished and his fingernails clean.
9. A gentleman admits when he is wrong.
10. A gentleman does not pick a fight.
so these sounds fair.. though i am sure i do not see any of these gents in real life.. i could use some where i work.
the book is hilarious.. i liked this paragraph
((Although cell phones have become ubiquitous in the modern world, a gentleman does his best to use his cell phone in the most unobtrusive manner possible. He knows that, while many may consider a cell phone to be a necessity, there is no reason he should be obnoxious when using one. In fact, cell phones, and even wireless headsets, have become so common that no one is likely to be impressed by the fact that a gentleman owns one. He need not flaunt his newest gadgets, no matter how expensive or cutting-edge they may be, in hopes of impressing others with his social or professional status. A gentleman who seeks to shore up his self-image by the use of gadgetry, especially among strangers, is a very needy gentleman indeed.))
something about the author's writing i guess.. it is so legal. and formal.. i like it.. :D
it says that a gent never drink from a container straight away.. i REALLY.. cant help it sometimes.. if im forced to wash the glass.. then i wouldnt bother using one i guess..
SO! If ur one of the people who do this... shame on you.. ur no gentlemen at all :P
A gentleman does not switch on his cell phone and launch into a conversation the moment his plane has landed, simply because a flight attendant has told
him it is safe to do so.
Although a gentleman may be enjoying music, by means of his personal sound system and with his earbuds plugged in, he still keeps the volume turned to
a reasonable level, knowing that an earth-shattering sound level may well be shattering the nerves of the persons seated near him.
A gentleman does not attempt to walk and send a text message at the same time
A gentleman does not attempt to walk and send a text message at the same time
In the midst of even his most strenuous workout, a gentleman does not grunt more loudly than necessary.
A gentleman does not pick his nose in public. Knowing that bad habits are far too easily formed, he is wise if he does not pick his nose in private, either.
A gentleman does not pick his nose in public. Knowing that bad habits are far too easily formed, he is wise if he does not pick his nose in private, either.
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich at two o'clock in the morning and how to make an omelet at seven.
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich at two o'clock in the morning and how to make an omelet at seven.
If a gentleman feels the urge to color his mustache, he shaves his mustache off. LOOL
A gentleman never wears the same pair of blue jeans two days in a row. He knows that common hygiene and common courtesy demand that they rest for a good twenty-four hours between wearings.
A gentleman never salts his food before tasting it. He would never insult the cook in that way.
A gentleman never asks a woman if she is pregnant. He never asks, "Haven't you had that baby yet?" LOOL
2. A gentleman does not disparage the beliefs of others-whether they relate to matters of faith, politics, or sports teams.
3. A gentleman always carries a handkerchief, and is ready to lend it, especially to a weeping lady, should the need arise.
4. A gentleman never allows a door to slam in the face of another personmale or female, young or old, absolute stranger or longtime best friend.
5. A gentleman does not make jokes about race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; neither does he find such jokes amusing.
6. A gentleman knows how to stand in line and how to wait his turn.
7. A gentleman is always ready to offer a hearty handshake.
8. A gentleman keeps his leather shoes polished and his fingernails clean.
9. A gentleman admits when he is wrong.
10. A gentleman does not pick a fight.
so these sounds fair.. though i am sure i do not see any of these gents in real life.. i could use some where i work.
the book is hilarious.. i liked this paragraph
((Although cell phones have become ubiquitous in the modern world, a gentleman does his best to use his cell phone in the most unobtrusive manner possible. He knows that, while many may consider a cell phone to be a necessity, there is no reason he should be obnoxious when using one. In fact, cell phones, and even wireless headsets, have become so common that no one is likely to be impressed by the fact that a gentleman owns one. He need not flaunt his newest gadgets, no matter how expensive or cutting-edge they may be, in hopes of impressing others with his social or professional status. A gentleman who seeks to shore up his self-image by the use of gadgetry, especially among strangers, is a very needy gentleman indeed.))
something about the author's writing i guess.. it is so legal. and formal.. i like it.. :D
it says that a gent never drink from a container straight away.. i REALLY.. cant help it sometimes.. if im forced to wash the glass.. then i wouldnt bother using one i guess..
SO! If ur one of the people who do this... shame on you.. ur no gentlemen at all :P
A gentleman does not switch on his cell phone and launch into a conversation the moment his plane has landed, simply because a flight attendant has told
him it is safe to do so.
Although a gentleman may be enjoying music, by means of his personal sound system and with his earbuds plugged in, he still keeps the volume turned to
a reasonable level, knowing that an earth-shattering sound level may well be shattering the nerves of the persons seated near him.
A gentleman does not attempt to walk and send a text message at the same time
A gentleman does not attempt to walk and send a text message at the same time
In the midst of even his most strenuous workout, a gentleman does not grunt more loudly than necessary.
A gentleman does not pick his nose in public. Knowing that bad habits are far too easily formed, he is wise if he does not pick his nose in private, either.
A gentleman does not pick his nose in public. Knowing that bad habits are far too easily formed, he is wise if he does not pick his nose in private, either.
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich at two o'clock in the morning and how to make an omelet at seven.
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich at two o'clock in the morning and how to make an omelet at seven.
If a gentleman feels the urge to color his mustache, he shaves his mustache off. LOOL
A gentleman never wears the same pair of blue jeans two days in a row. He knows that common hygiene and common courtesy demand that they rest for a good twenty-four hours between wearings.
A gentleman never salts his food before tasting it. He would never insult the cook in that way.
A gentleman never asks a woman if she is pregnant. He never asks, "Haven't you had that baby yet?" LOOL
August 15, 2023
An excellent book which I should have read years ago, and which made me wonder why school curriculums (at least in Hungary - and from what I Googled just now and what I see on the streets neither in the UK) do not include classes on etiquette, manners and politeness. These 2 countries would be a so much better place if they did.
The book started a bit weird, with no introduction chapter, launching straight into etiquette points about mobile phone use. But after getting past this unusual start, I enjoyed every bit of it until the end.
The author is American and around 10% of the content of the book is tailored to the US (e.g. recommended tipping percentages), but the rest of the content is universally applicable.
This short book has given me so many valuable lessons on how I can conduct myself in the most cultured way in everyday social interactions.
Highly recommended!
The book started a bit weird, with no introduction chapter, launching straight into etiquette points about mobile phone use. But after getting past this unusual start, I enjoyed every bit of it until the end.
The author is American and around 10% of the content of the book is tailored to the US (e.g. recommended tipping percentages), but the rest of the content is universally applicable.
This short book has given me so many valuable lessons on how I can conduct myself in the most cultured way in everyday social interactions.
Highly recommended!
May 4, 2024
I found this book randomly at an antique store and figured it would be a perfect book to gift to my brother for his upcoming wedding. I had a fabulous time reading through this and highlighting passages. Some of the information is pretty old fashioned and outdated; but other passages are very comical and other parts are simply good advice for anyone reading.
Some of my favorite quotes:
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese at 2 AM
A gentleman knows that the gym is a place for working out, and certainly not a place for showing off
[Cologne] is not to be used as a substitute for deodorant. A dab on either side of the neck, with another drop on a gentleman’s pocket handkerchief, is quite enough.
If a gentleman does not speak French, he does not attempt to use French words.
He never asks, “Haven’t you had that baby yet?”
Some of my favorite quotes:
A gentleman knows how to make a grilled cheese at 2 AM
A gentleman knows that the gym is a place for working out, and certainly not a place for showing off
[Cologne] is not to be used as a substitute for deodorant. A dab on either side of the neck, with another drop on a gentleman’s pocket handkerchief, is quite enough.
If a gentleman does not speak French, he does not attempt to use French words.
He never asks, “Haven’t you had that baby yet?”
June 9, 2018
An excellent reference to give as a gift to those friends or relatives who wants to be a better man. I'm please to had a father to teach me most of the manners and customs included in the book.
December 24, 2014
Mis neuronas se sienten insultadas.
December 27, 2016
A guide to be a Gentleman with a lot of silly rules. But still it is important to note that good manners have not become obsolete.
January 2, 2018
I took am etiquete course when I was 12, apparently my mother felt I needed a crash course. Ultimately I don't know why I read this book.
July 19, 2021
Kthx, bai.
August 13, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Funny, quirky, and charming. Extremely practical. Chuckled at the line “a citizen of the United States does not bow or even nod his head to another country’s ruler.” The book is based on the core principle that a gentleman’s goal is to make life easier for others through common courtesy, respect, and kindness. Might be considered too old-fashioned for people these days. Some parts are very practical (such as an illustration of how to set a table, what to wear for “business casual” vs “smart casual.”)
Funny, quirky, and charming. Extremely practical. Chuckled at the line “a citizen of the United States does not bow or even nod his head to another country’s ruler.” The book is based on the core principle that a gentleman’s goal is to make life easier for others through common courtesy, respect, and kindness. Might be considered too old-fashioned for people these days. Some parts are very practical (such as an illustration of how to set a table, what to wear for “business casual” vs “smart casual.”)
February 7, 2017
Well I was not impressed by this book. In this book there are a lot of examples that are out dated and nowadays are not actual but it is understandable because book was written almost 20 years ago. I got feeling that book was intended for British citizens and were not meant for wide variety of readers. Thou if you are looking for easy reading material and some tips for the first time then take it from shelf and read it.
June 8, 2020
The title says it clearly, you will find the list of behaviors that you may want to cultivate to be a gentleman according to the author. It includes a good number of etiquette tips as well. When reading this book do not expect any sort of story telling or entertaining writing. It is a simple, straightforward list of dos and don'ts around a governing principle: always think of making others feel comfortable.
April 24, 2021
This book is for the upper middle class and the super rich, there are so many nice things to learn from this book but be careful cause if you apply all the information in this book to you life you might turn into a boring person.
August 1, 2020
I truly enjoyed this witty and informative book.
December 31, 2021
I’m ready.
July 6, 2024
A well-rounded guide book on how to be a gentleman.
February 25, 2014
Pros:
How to be a Gentleman by John Bridges is overall a interesting and enjoying book. One positive aspect of the book is the fact that it is not written as a normal book; instead, it is written as a guide with steps, pictures and short paragraphs. This makes the book a lot more enjoyable because the book does not take a lecture approach, but instead a more friendly approach.Another pro of this book is that whenever it uses sophisticated or advanced language it explains the meaning of the word. This allows non native english speakers to have a more fluent read and not have to stop every 2 pages to check a word in the dictionary or deduce its meaning. The final, and most important, positive aspect in my opinion is that the book is targeted to any person from any age group, in addition, the book is very comprehensive and understands that you don't have to follow every rule exactly.
Cons:
To be true, I did not find many cons in this book. I found the book so well written and with such a friendly and open minded that they where few bad aspects. One of the the bad aspects was that the rules the books give to become a gentleman are straightforward and they never mention how it could change depending in the situation. Finally the other con is the fact that it only describes 'what the gentleman ought to do' with a lot less of the why, than I would like. Manners are not esoteric rules that people memorise, they are the result of consistent courtesy and reflection about the best way to do things. They should be intelligible.
Overall I would utterly recommend this book to any person that has the slightest interest in improving their manners or is simply looking for a book to pass the time and have a good chuckle.
How to be a Gentleman by John Bridges is overall a interesting and enjoying book. One positive aspect of the book is the fact that it is not written as a normal book; instead, it is written as a guide with steps, pictures and short paragraphs. This makes the book a lot more enjoyable because the book does not take a lecture approach, but instead a more friendly approach.Another pro of this book is that whenever it uses sophisticated or advanced language it explains the meaning of the word. This allows non native english speakers to have a more fluent read and not have to stop every 2 pages to check a word in the dictionary or deduce its meaning. The final, and most important, positive aspect in my opinion is that the book is targeted to any person from any age group, in addition, the book is very comprehensive and understands that you don't have to follow every rule exactly.
Cons:
To be true, I did not find many cons in this book. I found the book so well written and with such a friendly and open minded that they where few bad aspects. One of the the bad aspects was that the rules the books give to become a gentleman are straightforward and they never mention how it could change depending in the situation. Finally the other con is the fact that it only describes 'what the gentleman ought to do' with a lot less of the why, than I would like. Manners are not esoteric rules that people memorise, they are the result of consistent courtesy and reflection about the best way to do things. They should be intelligible.
Overall I would utterly recommend this book to any person that has the slightest interest in improving their manners or is simply looking for a book to pass the time and have a good chuckle.
April 1, 2013
I just want to say that I am a fan of this etiquette-type literature (so I am a bit biased), not so much because I take it as literal rules to live by (I think people should live exactly as they wish at parties and elsewhere-- this is what makes life such an adventure.), but because I find the arbitrariness and randomness of some of the rules in these books completely hilarious. When Bridges follows something that sounds somewhat serious and practical ("A gentleman always lets his suit jacket sports coat air out overnight before returning it to the closet.") with something completely random and humorous ("A gentleman feels no necessity to wear socks after Memorial Day-- at least in casual situations. If he is Southern, he may not even wear them to church."), one can't help but chuckle at the uselessness of trying to follow word-for-word a guide such as this. It is this humor mixed with the practical brevity of the book's prose and what it has to offer in terms of guidance for some who are truly clueless about, say for example, formal introductions (myself) that makes Bridges small book an entertaining and essential addition to any man's book collection.
July 8, 2018
In all honesty, I found this book's advice (and stipulations) for gentlemanly behavior to be antiquated, contradictory (at points), pretentious and unrealistic in modern society.
If followed precisely, the advice in this book seems to only apply to the upper-middle classes and the super-rich (because, apparently, gentlemen are supposed to pay for virtually everything and have something in their home or on their person that can be utilized in any situation, no matter how improbable).
The writing and advice is a bit repetitive.
And the advice, as I stated before, is a bit contradictory: you are told to travel light and not have many items that would create lines in your suit, but then you must have a slew of items in your pockets and on your person to be used in time of extreme courtesy.
As for the pretentiousness, well, there is a bit of advice given on page 206 where the proposed gentleman is told how to read a newspaper. The author felt the need to slip in ("preferably the NY Times")... I think I've made my point.
If followed precisely, the advice in this book seems to only apply to the upper-middle classes and the super-rich (because, apparently, gentlemen are supposed to pay for virtually everything and have something in their home or on their person that can be utilized in any situation, no matter how improbable).
The writing and advice is a bit repetitive.
And the advice, as I stated before, is a bit contradictory: you are told to travel light and not have many items that would create lines in your suit, but then you must have a slew of items in your pockets and on your person to be used in time of extreme courtesy.
As for the pretentiousness, well, there is a bit of advice given on page 206 where the proposed gentleman is told how to read a newspaper. The author felt the need to slip in ("preferably the NY Times")... I think I've made my point.
April 6, 2019
A phenomenal reference-book on being a gentleman. Today, common courtesy and how to have respect for others are so lightly taught. There were reasons why manners were invented and civility was so important. This book is an extraordinarily easy-read broken down into many topics and sub-topics.
The final page in the book does a nice job summing it up:
"A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier, not just for himself but for his friends, his acquaintances, and the world at large.
Because he is a gentleman, he does not see this as a burden. Instead, it is a challenge he faces eagerly every day."
The final page in the book does a nice job summing it up:
"A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier, not just for himself but for his friends, his acquaintances, and the world at large.
Because he is a gentleman, he does not see this as a burden. Instead, it is a challenge he faces eagerly every day."
June 9, 2015
Not entirely sure what age group this is meant for. Most people who have never touched a book on etiquette in their lives could have written something better than this. The publisher seems to be some religious printing company, which runs an entire "Gentleman" series and God help them if all their books are as superficial and inane as this one. Read Emily Post or Amy Vanderbilt instead.
May 18, 2007
I seriously read this while I was bored in a Mississippi living room. It's a great reminder of why upper class white Southern people are the most boring people imaginable... if only I needed reminders?
April 13, 2020
Had this book for years and with time on my hands I felt it was time to read it. Not much to say, I enjoyed the tone that the author took as he kept it light, where some of the subject matter by its nature could be a bit stuffy. I laughed a few times.
August 12, 2012
Simply put....everyone should at least go through this book once.
August 7, 2012
Essential reading.
November 7, 2023
A pretty good book on common courtesy. It is a guide to be a gentleman and overall be a great man. You should follow traditional values and etiquette, for everyone's best sake. Make the world a better place while being pleasant. People should want to be with you.
- A gentleman doesn’t spit in public or pick his nose ever.
- A gentleman comes in time (at least five minutes early), is always respectful, especially for those that have it worse (elders, handicapped, blind), holds the door for men and women, and greets everyone with a smile.
- A gentleman showers and always smells good, wears clothes that fit, preferably not the same pants two days in a row, pants that go down to the shoes when standing up follows the clothing guidelines at the workplace,
- A gentleman is not on his phone when spending time with friends and family, walks away if taking a phone call does not have too loud volume (even when wearing headphones),
- A gentleman uses the spray to clean gym machines, put weights back, do not grunt excessively, focus on the training
- A gentleman always wears an undershirt in warm weather
- A gentleman never knowingly insults a person. When addressing things he takes this with the person in private with clear advice. He does not make people look bad. A gentleman does not correct (choice of words) anyone in public.
- A gentleman does not accept insults but merley is quiet (says nothing at all) and looks directly into the person's eye. He accepts apologies and treats it like history.
- A gentleman should not be the first nor the last at a party.
- A gentleman does not brag
1. A gentleman says "please" and "thank you," readily and often. He accepts compliments by saying "thank you" and gives compliments.
2. A gentleman does not disparage the beliefs of others-whether they relate to matters of faith, politics, or sports teams.
3. A gentleman always carries a handkerchief, and is ready to lend it, especially to a weeping lady, should the need arise.
4. A gentleman never allows a door to slam in the face of another male or female, young or old, absolute stranger or longtime best friend.
5. A gentleman does not make jokes about race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; neither does he find such jokes amusing.
6. A gentleman knows how to stand in line and how to wait his turn.
7. A gentleman is always ready to offer a hearty handshake.
8. A gentleman keeps his leather shoes polished and his fingernails clean.
9. A gentleman admits when he is wrong.
10. A gentleman does not pick a fight.
11. A gentleman treats women especially well and with respect. It does not matter which class the person may be in, you shall treat that person with respect. Treat everyone well.
- A gentleman doesn’t spit in public or pick his nose ever.
- A gentleman comes in time (at least five minutes early), is always respectful, especially for those that have it worse (elders, handicapped, blind), holds the door for men and women, and greets everyone with a smile.
- A gentleman showers and always smells good, wears clothes that fit, preferably not the same pants two days in a row, pants that go down to the shoes when standing up follows the clothing guidelines at the workplace,
- A gentleman is not on his phone when spending time with friends and family, walks away if taking a phone call does not have too loud volume (even when wearing headphones),
- A gentleman uses the spray to clean gym machines, put weights back, do not grunt excessively, focus on the training
- A gentleman always wears an undershirt in warm weather
- A gentleman never knowingly insults a person. When addressing things he takes this with the person in private with clear advice. He does not make people look bad. A gentleman does not correct (choice of words) anyone in public.
- A gentleman does not accept insults but merley is quiet (says nothing at all) and looks directly into the person's eye. He accepts apologies and treats it like history.
- A gentleman should not be the first nor the last at a party.
- A gentleman does not brag
1. A gentleman says "please" and "thank you," readily and often. He accepts compliments by saying "thank you" and gives compliments.
2. A gentleman does not disparage the beliefs of others-whether they relate to matters of faith, politics, or sports teams.
3. A gentleman always carries a handkerchief, and is ready to lend it, especially to a weeping lady, should the need arise.
4. A gentleman never allows a door to slam in the face of another male or female, young or old, absolute stranger or longtime best friend.
5. A gentleman does not make jokes about race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; neither does he find such jokes amusing.
6. A gentleman knows how to stand in line and how to wait his turn.
7. A gentleman is always ready to offer a hearty handshake.
8. A gentleman keeps his leather shoes polished and his fingernails clean.
9. A gentleman admits when he is wrong.
10. A gentleman does not pick a fight.
11. A gentleman treats women especially well and with respect. It does not matter which class the person may be in, you shall treat that person with respect. Treat everyone well.
October 23, 2023
Pros: this gives almost proverb-like details for etiquette. No bias is shown for a religious or political party, so the book is secular. This is a helpful handbook for men who want to help those around them feel welcome and respected. I read this in less than an afternoon; very quick and simple read.
Cons: there are some slight outdated details involved (e.g., don’t bring your cell phone into the theatre, etc.) which are definitely different in today’s context, since access to security is much more important in places of vulnerability. In addition, i would recommend this book to young men that understand how the world is different from Christ in today’s context. I think there is also a slight blanket statement that comes along with what the gentleman must do in every case.
Use: if I were a husband and father, I would read this book together with my teenage sons, but by bit each week. I think practicing kindness and respect should be a habit for all growing young men that seek to be stewards of the lives God has given us. I would not give this to someone who I think needs to be more like a gentleman, since, as Bridges would probably likely say, a gentleman is careful not to give gifts that may be taken otherwise as insults.
Cons: there are some slight outdated details involved (e.g., don’t bring your cell phone into the theatre, etc.) which are definitely different in today’s context, since access to security is much more important in places of vulnerability. In addition, i would recommend this book to young men that understand how the world is different from Christ in today’s context. I think there is also a slight blanket statement that comes along with what the gentleman must do in every case.
Use: if I were a husband and father, I would read this book together with my teenage sons, but by bit each week. I think practicing kindness and respect should be a habit for all growing young men that seek to be stewards of the lives God has given us. I would not give this to someone who I think needs to be more like a gentleman, since, as Bridges would probably likely say, a gentleman is careful not to give gifts that may be taken otherwise as insults.
September 21, 2020
I read this book translated in Latvian ISBN 978-9984-40-065-5. Translated form English language by Antra Legzdiņa.
A book full of nothing. Publication date on my exemplar is 2007. I was honestly stunned to find that such a profoundly empty and stereotypes, what's more - unhealthy stereotypes -, prolonging book was published in 21st century.
!SPOILERS!
The idea of this book is something I can get behind. A gentleman code of sorts sounds like a nice read that would attract average male reader. However all this book ever talks about is appearances and how to manifest a peacock's attitude. A guide on how to be a nice guy. Being a gentleman isn't just that, I sure hope it's not.
Text is extremely short. There is more empty space in this book than there is text. Knowing that this same paper could have been used on publishing something else, I can't find a reason why it wasn't used that way.
Conclusion: 1/5. "How to be a Simp" or "How to be a Nice Guy" would be a much more fitting title for this book.
A book full of nothing. Publication date on my exemplar is 2007. I was honestly stunned to find that such a profoundly empty and stereotypes, what's more - unhealthy stereotypes -, prolonging book was published in 21st century.
!SPOILERS!
The idea of this book is something I can get behind. A gentleman code of sorts sounds like a nice read that would attract average male reader. However all this book ever talks about is appearances and how to manifest a peacock's attitude. A guide on how to be a nice guy. Being a gentleman isn't just that, I sure hope it's not.
Text is extremely short. There is more empty space in this book than there is text. Knowing that this same paper could have been used on publishing something else, I can't find a reason why it wasn't used that way.
Conclusion: 1/5. "How to be a Simp" or "How to be a Nice Guy" would be a much more fitting title for this book.
June 29, 2018
Intended to be a refresher on the basics of common courtesy, How to Be a Gentleman essentially just reiterates good behavior which will be self-explanatory for most reasonable adults. The book does have some value, however, for laying out basic points of social interactions in formal and business settings. This volume would have been far more useful if it had focused explicitly upon the finer points of etiquette and not simply restated obvious manners which everyone ought to have been taught as children.
Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book as a good starting point for someone interested in learning the niceties of social interaction outside of a casual context. It would be especially helpful for someone who lacks confidence in social settings and prefers to base behavior upon established rules to make navigating social engagements easier.
Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book as a good starting point for someone interested in learning the niceties of social interaction outside of a casual context. It would be especially helpful for someone who lacks confidence in social settings and prefers to base behavior upon established rules to make navigating social engagements easier.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews