> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.zenmedicine.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Blood & Ink: Saturday
- URL: https://www.zenmedicine.co/20/
- Published: 2024-10-19T12:35:13.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-09T15:58:27.000Z
- Description: gentleman’s code / basic dignity / reclaiming aesthetics
- Author: Eric Brown
- Tags: Blood x Ink

## **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](https://www.amazon.com/Shambhala-Sacred-Warrior-Chogyam-Trungpa/dp/1590304519?ref=zenmedicine.co)’ 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.