Gentleman is State of Mind
Before we dive into exactly what we feel the term gentleman means to us, we feel that a brief history lesson is the best approach. The term "gentleman" was actually adopted by the English in the 18th century from the Old French word gentilhomme, but also has some usage dating back to dfthe 1200s. In England, the term "Gentleman" originally meant "a man who is entitled to bear arms, but is not included in the nobility." In fact, for most of the Middle Ages, when there were very distinct social classes amongst the nobility the term "gentleman" was equated to the term nobilis (of noble blood). However, several events that occurred over the next few hundred years, such as the Bubonic Plague led to a redefining moment for the term and by the 1700s, Sir Richard Steele once wrote that "the appealation of the gentleman is never to be affixed to a man's circumstances, but to his behaviors in them." In other words, Gentleman wasn't a title that you were born with, but one that you had to earn through your actions.
This is an important distinction and one we feel is critical in understanding what it means to be a Gentleman in the modern day. A Gentleman isn't defined by his job, his wealth or his social standing, but rather by his character and the way he chooses to conduct himself.
At Cúram Nádúrtha, Gentleman is our State of Mind. We believe that Gentlemanliness is not a set of antiquated rules or behaviors, but rather a mindset and a way of living your life that is both respectful and honorable. It's about taking the time to do things properly, and treating people with courtesy and respect, no matter who they are or what they have.
Being a Gentleman is about being self-aware and making conscious decisions based on your own values system. It's not about following someone else's rules, but rather about living your life in a way that you can look back on with pride. Gentlemanliness is about putting others before yourself, being honest to a fault, and never allowing your good name to be besmirched by anyone else's bad behavior or negative actions.
Primarily Gentleman has come to mean men who are well-dressed in public. However Gentleman doesn't have the same connotations. Gentleman is not stuffy, it's not boring. Gentleman is State of Mind! Gentlemen have a sense of being connected to the world around them and having an appreciation for all life has to offer. There is a focus on being present in the moment and enjoying life's simple pleasures. A Gentleman is secure in his own skin and doesn't need to put on a show for anyone. He is comfortable in his own masculinity and isn't afraid to show his emotions. He is strong, but also knows when to be vulnerable. A Gentleman is a natural leader, but is also happy to follow when the situation calls for it. He is confident, but not cocky. He is humble and always puts others before himself. A Gentleman is someone you can always count on, no matter what the situation. He is honest and authentic, with a strong moral compass. A Gentleman is someone who you can trust, and who you know will always do the right thing. A Gentleman is a man of his word. He is reliable and always follows through on his promises. He is a man of integrity and always does the right thing, even when it's difficult.
Sir Richard Steele
Irish Writer/ Politician
Which leads us to one of our primary ethos for our brand...
To us, gentleman is a state of being, a mindset if you will. A mindset in which we encourage men of all ages and backgrounds to really dig deep and embrace the gentleman mindset. But how does one do this? It really is more simple than one would believe. Gentleman is a state of mind that can be adopted through various actions. These actions can be the most subtle change in behaviors, mannerisms, or small acts of kindness. Gentleman always strives to maintain good manners and standards while embodying an air of confidence. The ideal Gentleman should also strive for high levels of personal hygiene and appearance by keeping themselves well groomed and dressing to impress. Gentleman is a state of being, a mindset if you will. But how does one do this? It really is more simple than one would believe. Gentleman always strives to maintain good manners and standards while embodying an air of confidence.
The state of becoming a gentleman is a shift in your thought process that can occur through various actions. These actions can be the most subtle change in behaviors, mannerisms, or small acts of kindness. A Gentleman is always polite, thoughtful, and carry themselves with confidence. The ideal Gentleman is well groomed, stands up for what he believes in, and looks great doing so. However, not every man achieves this in their lifetime, only a select few truly embrace this way of life. This is why we wanted to offer a new lifestyle for men from all backgrounds and ages, because a man is capable of becoming a true gentleman, regardless of the circumstances. Just as Sir Richard Steele stated, a gentleman should never be judged by his circumstances, but rather, the way in which he behaves within his circumstances. Gentleman is a state of mind that all men should aspire to achieve, and it can be achieved through various actions.
Actions such as:
1. Being polite and well-mannered
2. Showing respect to others, no matter who they are
3. Dressing to impress
4. Maintaining good personal hygiene
5. Being confident
6. Standing up for what you believe in
7. Being well-groomed
8. Being thoughtful
9. Carrying yourself with dignity and class
10. Embracing the gentleman lifestyle
One way to become a Gentleman is by simply changing the way you speak. Use polite language, think before you speak, and always be respectful. Another way to change your behavior is by being more thoughtful in your actions. Offer to help your neighbor carry in groceries, open the door for someone, or offer to help. Gentleman are always polite and thoughtful! Another way of becoming a Gentleman is by maintaining good hygiene and personal appearance. This means showering regularly, keeping your hair trimmed and styled, and wearing clean clothes that are wrinkle-free. A well-dressed man is always a Gentleman!
A Gentleman is also well groomed at all times. This means wearing nice clothes that fit correctly, styling your hair nicely, shaving daily if need be (or even just trimming the beard), and smelling good every day. You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothes, but you should at least take the time to look your best. A Gentleman is also always well mannered. This means using please and thank you, not interrupting conversations, never being rude, and always behaving in a respectful manner. Lastly, a Gentleman always strives for high levels of personal hygiene and appearance by keeping themselves well groomed and dressing to impress.
We strongly believe that every man has the potential to Unleash Their Inner Gentleman by embracing the idea that Gentleman is truly a state of mind, that when embraced fully can drive true change in your day to day life. If you embark on this journey with us and embrace the Cúram Nádúrtha life style, the changes may be subtle at first, but over time you can notice significant changes happening around you. We are offering you more than just a brand, we are offering you a new way of life through our products. If you look good, smell great, and feel fantastic the trasnformation becomes a lifelong evolution in which your true inner gentleman is unleashed upon the world. We truly want men from all walks of life to embrace their inner gentleman and become the best versions of themselves. Gentleman is State of Mind! Gentleman is a way of life! We are all Gentleman, and we're here to help YOU!
So there you have it! These are just some of the things that you can do to become a Gentleman. It's really not as difficult as one might think. Just remember, being a Gentleman is a state of mind, and it all starts with changing your thought process and the way you view the world.thank you for reading this! I hope it was informative and helpful. Gentleman is a state of mind, and it all starts with changing your thought process and the way you view the world. Be sure to check out our website for more tips on how to become a Gentleman. Thank you!
Until next time!
Slaìnte,
Mike
About the Author
Greetings, my name is S. Michael Holt and I am a Marine Corps Veteran with a bachelors in psychology. I have been pursuing my interest in mental health while owning Cúram Nádúrtha Men's Grooming Products by building a philosophy around knowing yourself and seeking self-improvement/ self-awareness. My brands philosophy strives to empower men in their daily lives and embrace their inner gentleman, by providing them with an approach that caters to all of their grooming needs all under one roof. Our slogan "Unleash Your Inner Gentleman" has a very deep and contextual meaning that requires a change in your self perception to truly understand what it means. Unleash Your inner Gentleman stands for: changing your perspective, being in control of your life and pushing forward, all while maintaining the balance needed for peace of mind through the utilization of premium grooming products. Gentlemen should carry themselves a certain way, and desire to improve every aspect of their lives. With that being said, this evolution requires a shift in your state of mind, one must truly embody the Gentleman's State of Mind. In this Journal, you will find articles about men's mental health, grooming tips, information about ingredients and/or products, and other informational entries that carry vital information for the Modern Gentleman.