Blood & Ink: Saturday

There’s a desire in me to expand into the ‘gentleman archetype’, if you can call it that…

In re-reading my highlights from ‘Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior’ by Chogyam Trungpa, I reconnected with a central theme he develops: 

Basic human dignity.

He believes (& according to the Shambhala prophecy), all humans have basic goodness inside of them.

Dignity is the outward manifestation and expression of this basic goodness.

I grew up abjectly opposed to the ‘suit-wearing middle-manager class’. 

I viewed it as a compensation technique and oppressive. A coping mechanism to look good on the outside to make up for internal ugliness, lack of confidence, and weakness. 

I still believe this, but there is nuance. That is not how all people approach the gentleman’s way.

My opinion is shifting…

I believe that taking your appearance seriously, and beyond that, actively trying to cultivate the most aesthetic, presentable, professional version of yourself — is not only an expression of deep self-respect, it is also a way to demonstrate your respect to other humans, and to life itself. 

Of course, the ‘gentleman’s code’ goes far beyond mere clothing and haircuts.

That is but one aspect. Gentlemen reclaim chivalry, rising when a woman enters a room, holding good eye contact, being decisive and purposeful in their words and actions, and rising to the task at hand. 

Does this mean you’re going to see me rocking 3-piece suits in the jungles of Costa Rica? Unlikely. 

But there is something important here. 

Aesthetics and conduct as a way of expressing, and honouring, basic human dignity. 

What do you think?
Eric Brown.