On a Gentleman's "Mission"...

This one's quite simple really.  To quote the Dalai Lama (so cliche I know):

I try to treat every person I meet like an old friend, and that gives me a real sensation of happiness.


As I initially set out on this blog, being a gentleman is about experiencing life in a "stand-up" way.  How then, could we not share those experiences in order to help someone else become a better gentleman.


I would like to share the experiences of three true gentlemen who I have the pleasure of knowing and the way that they havew shared their experiences.


First, I am reminded of Jonathan, my boss this summer at an innovative charity.  Not only did he consistently answer my questions with patience and respect, he actively sought out ways to share his knowledge with me, and pushed me past barriers so that I could finish the summer a better person than when I started.  


I am reminded of my Uncle Jim, who has repeatedly shared his wisdom with me, including teaching me about traditional shaving methods (and hopefully he'll write a guest blog post, but until then check out Badger and Blade) and loose leaf tea. 


 And I'm reminded most of all of my father, who year after (ungrateful) year has continued to coach first mine, then my brother's, then my youngest brother's basketball teams--sometimes 3 or 4 teams at a time.  Why?  So that he could share his experience in basketball and in life with a group of young men.  


It can also be simpler. It can be telling someone that you tried a recipe or a restaurant, or just mentioning that someone's shoes are untied.  The best way to find new experiences, and more importantly, new friends, is to share your own.


To friendship!

-The Young Man