The Heroic Gent

Today we see Socrates through the writings of his student Plato. Perhaps this is why Socrates seems so perfect. Surely, the real Socrates possessed faults that his dramatized counterpart did not. Still, a man who inspired all that Socrates did must have been among the best of men. Indeed, in some ways Socrates was even better than his contemporary reputation. Today, few know that Socrates was a trained hoplite (foot soldier) in the Athenian army. A courageous fighter, he was

Miyamoto Musashi was a Samurai in seventeenth century Japan who remained undefeated in more than 60 individual matches. He wrote The Book of Five Rings late in his life to explain his Zen philosophy on how a man should live. His final act was to write “The Way of Walking Alone,” which makes up these 21 rules on living as a man. Do not turn your back on the various Ways of this world. Do not scheme for physical pleasure. Do not intend to rely on anything. Consider yourself lig

A gentleman’s wallet needs to be both functional and presentable. Only a kid pulls out a lump of nylon stuffed with cash, business cards, and every credit card he can get. If you pull out something tattered, overloaded, and spilling cards and receipts, you’ll look an idiot in front of your girlfriend, boss, or client. The only out then is a hell of a good story about why you carry such a pathetic wallet. The contents of a gentleman’s wallet should be pared down to the essent

Franklin sought to cultivate his character and become a wise and just man by adhering to what he ascertained to be the fundamental 13 virtues. He first developed these when he was 20 years old (in 1726). He recorded them in his autobiography: TEMPERANCE: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. 2. SILENCE: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 3. ORDER: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business