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Editorial
September 1, 1925
Americus Times Recorder
Americus, Sumter County, Georgia
What is this article about?
This editorial defines a gentleman through Thackeray's virtues of honesty, gentleness, generosity, bravery, and wisdom, illustrated by a young carrier boy's sincere response to reprimand, Euripides' quote, and humorous cross-cultural examples, emphasizing universal moral qualities like fairness and respect across all classes.
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What—or Who—Is a Gentleman?
What is your definition of a gentleman? You tell your son, "Remember, always to be a gentleman." Does the child understand? Do we know what we mean? Thackeray's definition of a gentleman, given in a recent number of the Golden Book, is—
It is to be honest, to be gentle, to be generous, to be brave, to be wise, and, possessing all these qualities, to exercise them in the most graceful outward manner.
Recently we were compelled to lecture one of the bright little carrier boys who deliver the Times-Recorder each afternoon. He had been guilty of an infraction of office rules and the talk was right from the shoulder.
The youngster shed tears of mortification and grief. He was meeting one of the BIG problems of life just then.
However, after the lecture he walked back, washed away the stains where tears had coursed down his cheeks and returned to the office. Holding out his hand, he said:
"Boss, thank you. I won't forget."
And the grip in the young fellow's fist was evidence that his words came from the heart, that he had met his obstacle and was unafraid. That was the gentleman in the lad.
All that becomes a gentleman I know;
To silent be when needful, or to speak
When speech is wise; to see what can be seen,
Or, when occasion calls, to close my eyes;
And to control my appetite.—Euripides.
But, notes the Golden Book, there are many standards for what we term a gentleman. A member of one of the African tribes declined a position offered him saying he was not a gentleman, that he had only one wife and a gentleman should have six.
An American girl asked an Englishman his definition of a gentleman and he replied:
"A man who doesn't work for his living, and whose father did not work for his living, and whose grandfather didn't work for his living."
"We have plenty of them," replied the American girl; "but WE call them tramps."
Through life we find the gentleman among all colors and all ages; rich and poor; educated and ignorant. The term is one which may be rightfully claimed by all men who respect the aged and are kind to youth; who are wise, honest and brave; who gives to every man a square deal and demands as much from others.
What is your definition of a gentleman? You tell your son, "Remember, always to be a gentleman." Does the child understand? Do we know what we mean? Thackeray's definition of a gentleman, given in a recent number of the Golden Book, is—
It is to be honest, to be gentle, to be generous, to be brave, to be wise, and, possessing all these qualities, to exercise them in the most graceful outward manner.
Recently we were compelled to lecture one of the bright little carrier boys who deliver the Times-Recorder each afternoon. He had been guilty of an infraction of office rules and the talk was right from the shoulder.
The youngster shed tears of mortification and grief. He was meeting one of the BIG problems of life just then.
However, after the lecture he walked back, washed away the stains where tears had coursed down his cheeks and returned to the office. Holding out his hand, he said:
"Boss, thank you. I won't forget."
And the grip in the young fellow's fist was evidence that his words came from the heart, that he had met his obstacle and was unafraid. That was the gentleman in the lad.
All that becomes a gentleman I know;
To silent be when needful, or to speak
When speech is wise; to see what can be seen,
Or, when occasion calls, to close my eyes;
And to control my appetite.—Euripides.
But, notes the Golden Book, there are many standards for what we term a gentleman. A member of one of the African tribes declined a position offered him saying he was not a gentleman, that he had only one wife and a gentleman should have six.
An American girl asked an Englishman his definition of a gentleman and he replied:
"A man who doesn't work for his living, and whose father did not work for his living, and whose grandfather didn't work for his living."
"We have plenty of them," replied the American girl; "but WE call them tramps."
Through life we find the gentleman among all colors and all ages; rich and poor; educated and ignorant. The term is one which may be rightfully claimed by all men who respect the aged and are kind to youth; who are wise, honest and brave; who gives to every man a square deal and demands as much from others.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Gentleman Definition
Moral Virtues
Honesty Bravery
Cultural Contrasts
Youthful Integrity
What entities or persons were involved?
Thackeray
Euripides
Golden Book
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Definition Of A Gentleman
Stance / Tone
Exhortative And Reflective
Key Figures
Thackeray
Euripides
Golden Book
Key Arguments
A Gentleman Is Honest, Gentle, Generous, Brave, Wise, And Exercises These Qualities Gracefully.
The Story Of A Young Carrier Boy Demonstrates Gentlemanly Qualities Through His Response To Correction.
Gentlemen Respect The Aged, Are Kind To Youth, Wise, Honest, Brave, And Give A Square Deal.
Cultural Definitions Vary, Such As An African Tribesman Requiring Six Wives Or An Englishman Defining It By Inherited Idleness.