Looking for inspiration on how to raise a true gentleman? Look no further than these timeless gentlemen quotes from some of history’s most respected figures and preach these lost old-fashioned habits and standards.
I hate to start off like this: but this modern world is crazy, y’all.
Greed, narcissism, and glory seem to trump respect, compassion, and hard work.
The future of this planet is in the hands of our children, and – since I am raising two sons – I am putting a lot of pressure on them.
To be good, strong, and kind – BUT also to make a difference. That is why I put so much emphasis on what it means to be a gentleman.
Being a gentleman is more than just having good manners and dressing well. It’s about embodying qualities like respect, kindness, and integrity. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to be a true gentleman, these timeless quotes from some of history’s most respected figures can provide some guidance.
Looking to introduce your son to some classic books? Check out these favorite read alouds for boys!
10 Lost Standards that Embody a True Gentleman
Let’s bring back these good ole’ habits and rules that embody what true gentlemen live by. Help guide your son to strive to be a better man and the best version of himself.
- Stand when a woman enters the room – it’s a simple habit but shows immense respect
- Hold doors open for everyone
- Always make eye contact
- RSVP to events quickly
- Don’t eat until everyone is served
- Write out thank you cards – did they have a party? Have them handwrite a thank you!
- Always dress appropriately for an occasion – this doesn’t mean a ‘new suit’, but take pride in how you present yourself
- CALL on the phone – it means so much more than a text
- Shake someone’s hand firmly when you meet them
- Avoid nasty behavior – swearing, gossiping, and posting negative things on social media
Understand Your Son Better with these Facts About the Boy Brain.
Related: How to Rekindle Your Mother and Son Bond
The 5 Best Quotes for a Gentleman Explained
Consider these inspirational quotes as the gentleman’s guide on how to act and carry oneself.
“A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” – George Bernard Shaw
This quote from George Bernard Shaw emphasizes the importance of giving back to the world and making a positive impact. A true gentleman is not just concerned with his own success and well-being, but also with the well-being of others and the world around him. By putting more into the world than he takes out, a gentleman can leave a lasting legacy and inspire others to do the same.
“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.” – Haruki Murakami
This quote from Haruki Murakami highlights the importance of responsibility and doing what is right, even when it may not be what we want to do. A true gentleman understands that his actions have consequences and strives to make choices that align with his values and principles. By prioritizing responsibility and doing what is right, a gentleman can earn the respect and admiration of those around him.
“A gentleman is simply a patient wolf.” – Lana Turner
This quote from Lana Turner reminds us that being a gentleman doesn’t mean being weak or passive. Rather, it means having the strength and self-control to hold back when necessary, and to act with intention and purpose. A true gentleman knows when to be assertive and when to be patient, and is always in control of his actions and emotions. By embodying the qualities of a patient wolf, a gentleman can navigate any situation with grace and confidence.
“A gentleman is someone who knows how to play the banjo and doesn’t.” – Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s quote is a humorous take on the idea that being a gentleman is not just about having certain skills or abilities, but also about knowing when and how to use them appropriately. In this case, the banjo may represent a skill or talent that could be used to show off or draw attention to oneself, but a true gentleman knows that it’s not always necessary or appropriate to do so. This quote reminds us that being a gentleman is about more than just outward appearances or actions, but also about having a certain level of self-awareness and consideration for others.
“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn’t.” – Tom Waits
This humorous quote from musician Tom Waits reminds us that being a gentleman isn’t just about having good manners or being well-dressed. It’s about having a certain level of self-awareness and humility. A true gentleman doesn’t feel the need to show off or prove himself to others. Instead, he is comfortable in his own skin and doesn’t feel the need to seek validation from others. This quote is a reminder that being a gentleman is about much more than just appearances.
Related: Boys who know how to express emotions were taught this.
If you found these quotes about gentleman helpful, also check out these inspirational mother and son quotes.
More Quotes About Being a Gentleman to Teach our Boys
A gentleman is both a man of action and a man of thought. These brilliant men of history explain the importance of hard work, the value of a woman, and how to be a true gentlemen.
Share these motivational gentleman quotes with your growing boys:
- “A Gentleman Is One Who Never Hurts Anyone’s Feelings Unintentionally.” – Oscar Wilde
- “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.” – William Lyon Phelps
- “Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.” – John Locke
- “Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” – Vin Diesel
- “Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time.”- Luigi Pirandello
- “The gentleman is a man of truth, lord of his own actions, and expressing that lordship in his behavior, not in any manner dependent and servile either on persons, or opinions, or possessions.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “What is a gentleman? It is to be honest, to be gentle, to be generous, to be brave, to be wise; and possessed of all these qualities to exercise them in the most graceful manner.” – William Makepeace Thackeray
- “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.” – Desmond Tutu
- “I was brought up to be a gentleman. That means you know how to walk, talk and dress the part.” – Brian McKnight
- “The word of a gentleman is as good as his bond; and sometimes better.” – Charles Dickens
- “It is almost the definition of a gentleman to say that he is one who never inflicts pain.” – John Henry Newman
- “The truth about any man can only be calculated by the sum of everything that has been said about him.” – Orson Welles
- “About myself I have no great illusions. I know what I am. I know what I’m good at. I know what I ain’t. I’m always hoping to surprise myself.” – Keith Richards
Final Thoughts on Quotes About Gentleman
My favorite quote for my sons is this:
“A gentleman doesn’t have one set of manners for the house of a poor man and another for the house of someone with an income incomparable to his own.” – William Maxwell
This crazy, modern mess-of-a-world needs more parents to raise a real gentleman – who treats everyone with respect.
For more parenting tips, read The Art of Raising a Gentleman.
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