An Idea whose time has come...and some would say has gone.

"Without a strict observance of the fundamental code of honor (cf. That a gentleman does not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do) no man no matter how polished may be considered a gentleman..." The Code of a Gentleman

"A Gentleman makes a woman a lady, and a lady makes a man a gentleman." Sister Mary Eileen, former principal St. James School, Sewickley PA

I've grown up learning various values that would encourage me to what is called "Gentlemanly" conduct. There are numerous definitions of what constitutes a gentleman, or even of what defines manhood or masculinity. The Code of a Gentleman is not the only such code but it is the one I am familiar with and the basis of an Idea I wish to share with like minded men.

The Code of a gentleman, written on your right was the code of conduct taught to cadets at the Virginia Military Institute until 1997 when the admission of women to that institution necessitated a change in language. Yet those values are values that I embraced as a cadet and have attempted to live to the best of my ability ever since. Yet those same values are viewed often as archaic, belonging to a less enlightened time,and often rightly have been accused of being a part of a social system which, far from, creating an ideal code of conduct, created a veneer of decency over a core of corruption, abuse and social injustice.

However I would argue that it is not the values themselves that are failed, but the basic human inability to live up to any such standard perfectly and to keep oneself uncorrupted in the face of temptation, or opportunity, or advantage, that led to any abuses. My goal in creating this blog is to begin with a simple idea, that there is such a thing as a gentleman (and a lady for that matter) and that many such men and women exist. More importantly more would exist if there were a way to encourage the values of gentlemanly life in our time. Such men need a way to gather and to encourage this way of living.

I have chosen a blog for my starting point for this idea as it is the easiest way to test such an idea given the ability to simply connect people through social media and the internet. If this idea takes root who knows what may come about.

I am looking for gentlemen (and ladies too)who would agree with the virtues at right and who would likewise be open to more discussion on what makes a gentleman. Most men's magazines and forums are focused or what men "like" and tend to shape masculinity in the image of success, possessions, sexual prowess and appetite, physical appearance and strength. Even the term "Gentlemen's Club" connotes a place where men gather to stare at women in states of immodesty, likely over a significant amount of alcohol. Either that or the term "gentleman" can indicate a slightly less than masculine dandy or an man of mild manners who is "nice" in the sense of , "nice guys" who finish last. However, I chose the name, Gentlemen's Club for this idea specifically because I believe there is a need to reclaim the definition of a Gentleman from the state of disrepair it has fallen into. I hope to gain contributors who will write on all the usual subjects of a men's forum but with the distinct perspective of a shared value of those who live or attempt to live by "The Code".

I have the great privilege of knowing many such men already and hope to see them as a part of this experiment. If you find yourself to be a gentleman, or a lady who values gentlemen, I encourage you to keep in contact with this blog or share a contribution.

Until then, Be all that you resolve to be.
Mark