Gentleman’s demeanor originated from Western countries. It originally referred to the basic etiquette norms advocated by the male public. Now we generally refer to men’s politeness. I think that for a gentlemanly man, his charm does not put any pressure on his outstanding talents. Be a gentleman, and be a better man!
Speaking of the word "gentleman", the first thing people think of is the British. The rational and introverted cultural temperament and the elegant and steady way of doing things are the traits that people talk about about the British. So how do "gentlemen" come to be? Where does “gentleman” culture originate? Unfolding the historical scrolls, the cultural imprint behind "gentleman" gradually emerges... During the Tudor Dynasty, Britain gradually emerged from an island country on the edge of Europe.
By the time of Queen Elizabeth I, Britain defeated the Spanish Armada, established maritime supremacy, and became one of the strongest countries in Europe. The British autocratic rule is different from other countries on the European continent (such as France). It has a unique constitutional system of "the king in parliament" and "the rule of law", that is, the king's policies must be approved by parliament.
This political atmosphere is inseparable from the prosperity of British humanist culture at that time: Thomas More, an outstanding humanist, created "Utopia", which depicts the good social habits and enlightened religious attitudes of the Utopians. It implicitly accuses the moral decay of European Christian society at that time.
Edmund Spencer, the author of the epic poem "The Faerie Queene", made up for the shortcomings of English poetry since Chaucer and turned poetry into music; it was William Shakespeare who more truly reflected the Tudor era. A talented playwright and poet who influenced Britain, Europe and the world with his profound and exquisite works.
After experiencing civil unrest and violent wars in the 17th century, the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 laid the foundation for the British constitutional monarchy, making Britain the first country in the world to move towards modern civilization. The "Glorious Revolution" ushered in a new era: the royal power was limited, parliament convened regularly, an effective link was established between the executive and the legislative, the rule of law was emphasized, and major changes in foreign and financial policies were achieved, forming the most successful political system in the world at that time and the most active ideological culture. The evolution of politics has contributed to a unique British cultural tradition, which is to make changes within tradition and combine traditional culture with a free and open society.
After the "Glorious Revolution", two political tendencies, conservatism and radicalism, emerged in Britain around political and social reforms. The 1832 parliamentary reform implemented a radical reform of conservatism in a similar manner to the "Glorious Revolution": accepting radical principles but implementing them in the most conservative way possible. This path of change, fused in conflict, continues to the present day.
Britain has never experienced a violent revolution since 1832, and its national development has always followed the path of gradualism, improvement, and practicality. This development model formed in the course of history eventually became a deeply ingrained value orientation in the minds of the British. During the 19th century when revolutionary movements were raging on the European continent, Britain's national image was portrayed as the "home" of common sense, justice and elegant manners, and a "lovable country" ruled by enlightened gentlemen.
Part of the reason for Britain's steady development model can be found in its way of thinking and ethos. The British value practical benefits and results, and respect experience. Edmund Burke once described this brilliantly: "English people never imitate new tricks they have never tried, nor return to old ones that have been found to be faulty by testing." In long-term historical practice, experience The spirit of doctrine and pragmatism has become the characteristic of British thought and culture, and even guided the formation of its national character.
This intellectual pragmatism has governed Britain's long-standing foreign policy of "honorable isolation", that is, avoiding involvement in any formal alliances in peacetime between two competing groups of countries. Maintain maximum freedom of movement and thus be able to play the role of a "balance of power maintainer". Relying on the balance of power, free trade and its superior geographical location, Britain maneuvered on the world political stage in the 19th century and gained an initiative that other European countries did not have.
By the Victorian era in the mid-19th century, Britain had created amazing ideological, political and social changes: liberalism, feminism, the labor movement, socialism, Marxism and many other modern movements. It was formed during that era. The Victorian era was also the period of formation of various etiquette in Britain, which made it a "state of etiquette" and a "gentle society."
The word "gentleman" comes from this period, and the unique British "gentleman" demeanor matured and finalized during this period. What it strives to embody is: the principle of fair and reasonable competition; words and deeds governed by reason; perseverance and courage to move forward, and no hesitation to safeguard the honor of the individual and the country. This style integrates the value orientations of all classes, nurtures the cultural temperament of the entire society, and becomes a powerful driving force and solid foundation for national development.