The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man

by Brett McKay

“This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.” —WILLIAM LYON PHELPS

Developing the traits of a gentleman is a key to success in all aspects of your life. Business associates will respect you; friends will flock to you; women will adore you.

Appearance matters. Dressing like a gentleman will boost your own confidence and win you the respect of others.

A gentleman is polite not because he is afraid of a scolding from Miss Manners, but rather because he is sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. He treats those around him with respect, and in so doing, encourages them to act likewise.

Every man must be ready to put aside thoughts of his own welfare or pressing schedule and be willing to come to the aid of those in need.

“A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances.” —GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON JR.

True leadership is not about superiority, position or prestige. It’s about revealing and releasing the potential of those around you. Leadership is not about the power of one, but facilitating the greatness of many.

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” —THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Great leaders focus on the things they can change and influence, and the past is not one of those things.

The truest mark of a charismatic man is his ability to make another feel as though they are the most important person in the room.

Benjamin Franklin, the original self-made man, is an American legend. Despite being born into a poor family and receiving only two years of formal schooling, Franklin became a successful printer, scientist, musician and author. Oh, and in his spare time he helped found a country and then served as its diplomat. The key to Franklin’s success was his drive to constantly improve himself. In 1726, at the age of twenty, Ben Franklin set his loftiest goal: the attainment of moral perfection. “I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish’d to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.” In order to accomplish his goal, Franklin developed and committed himself to a personal improvement program that consisted of living thirteen virtues. The thirteen virtues were: “TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.” “SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.” “ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.” “RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.” “FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.” “INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.” “SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak,...