International Protocol Learning: Western chivalry and Japanese bushido for a complete gentleman’s study to become a true gentleman

Gentleman’s etiquette refers to the set of manners and behaviours that are considered appropriate for a man to display in various social situations.

This can include everything from how you dress and present yourself, to how you behave in public and in private. Some of the key aspects of gentleman’s etiquette include being polite and courteous, showing respect for others and being mindful of one’s actions and words. Other important elements include being well groomed, punctual and having good table manners. By adhering to these principles, a man can demonstrate that he is a true gentleman and a respected member of society.

Do you know where you can learn how to behave like a true gentleman? In this article I will explain how a gentleman should behave, which can be learned from Western chivalry and Japanese bushido.

What is the gentleman’s education?

A gentleman’s education refers to the set of knowledge and skills a man should possess in order to be considered a true gentleman. This can include a wide range of subjects and disciplines, such as

1. Literature: A knowledge of classic and contemporary literature, including poetry, novels and plays.
2. History: A knowledge of world history, including an understanding of different cultures and civilisations.
3. Philosophy: A knowledge of different philosophical ideas and concepts, and an understanding of how to think critically and analytically.
4. Arts and Culture: Knowledge of different art forms and cultural traditions, including music, painting and sculpture.
5. Etiquette and Manners: An understanding of good manners and etiquette, including how to dress and behave in different social situations.
6. Communication skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively.
7. Business acumen: Knowledge of business principles and practices and the ability to make informed decisions and manage finances.
8. Physical fitness: An understanding of the importance of physical fitness and the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
9. Self-improvement: A commitment to personal growth and self-improvement, including the ability to set and achieve goals.

Chivalry as a gentleman’s manner

Chivalry is a code of conduct that emphasizes honor, courage, and courtesy in men. It originated in medieval Europe and was associated with the knightly class.

Chivalry emphasizes the virtues of loyalty, respect, and protection of the weak and vulnerable. It also includes a strong sense of honor and the willingness to defend one’s beliefs and values. Men who embody chivalry are often seen as role models and are respected for their integrity, courage, and sense of duty. In modern times, chivalry has evolved to include treating all people with respect and kindness, regardless of their gender or social status. It is a way of showing respect and consideration for others, and can be a powerful tool for building strong, healthy relationships.

Chivalry is a set of values and behaviors that were traditionally associated with the knightly class in medieval Europe. It is characterized by a strong sense of honor, loyalty, and respect for others, particularly women. The principles of chivalry include:

1. Courage: The ability to face danger and adversity with bravery and determination.
2. Honor: A strict adherence to a code of conduct and a sense of personal integrity.
3. Loyalty: A strong sense of devotion and commitment to others, particularly to one’s lord or lady.
4. Protecting the weak: A willingness to defend and protect those who are vulnerable, such as women and children.
5. Courtliness: A refined and gentlemanly behavior, characterized by politeness, good manners, and courtesy.
6. Generosity: A willingness to give of oneself and to share one’s resources with others.

Although chivalry is often associated with medieval times, these values and behaviors are still relevant today and can be applied in modern society. It’s a way of showing respect and consideration for others, and can be a powerful tool for building strong, healthy relationships.

The relevance of chivalry and gentility

Chivalry and gentlemanliness are related concepts that both emphasise a set of values and behaviours considered appropriate for men. Both concepts include elements of honour, respect and courtesy, as well as a sense of duty and responsibility to others.

Chivalry, as traditionally understood, is a code of conduct that emphasises the virtues of courage, loyalty and protection of the weak. It originated in medieval Europe and was associated with the knightly class. It also includes a strong sense of honour and a willingness to defend one’s beliefs and values.

Gentlemanliness, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of manners and behaviours that are considered appropriate for a man to display in different social situations. It includes everything from the way a man dresses and presents himself to the way he behaves in public and in private. It also includes elements of chivalry, such as protecting the weak and showing respect for others.

Both chivalry and gentlemanliness are about being a good and responsible person, showing respect and consideration for others, and being mindful of your actions and words. They both share the same goal of creating a better society by promoting positive values and behaviours in men.

Bushido – Japanese samurai chivalry

Bushido is a code of conduct that emphasises the virtues of loyalty, courage and honour in men. It originated in Japan and was associated with the samurai class. The principles of Bushido include

1. Loyalty: A strong sense of devotion and commitment to one’s lord or master, as well as to one’s family and community.
2. Courage: The ability to face danger and adversity with bravery and determination.
3. Honour: A strict adherence to a code of conduct and a sense of personal integrity.
4. Respect: A deep sense of humility and respect for others, especially one’s elders and superiors.
5. Discipline: Strict adherence to a strict code of conduct and self-control.
6. Compassion: A willingness to show compassion and empathy towards others, especially the weak and vulnerable.
7. Integrity: A strong sense of moral and ethical principles and a willingness to act in accordance with them.

Bushido is not only a code of conduct but also a way of life and was considered the foundation of the samurai class’ behaviour and social status. The samurai were expected to live by these principles and uphold them in all aspects of their lives. Today, however

What is Japanese samurai?

The Japanese samurai were a class of warriors in feudal Japan who served as military retainers of the daimyos (feudal lords) and shogun (military governors). They were known for their strict adherence to a code of conduct known as bushido, which emphasised the virtues of loyalty, courage and honour.

The samurai were highly trained in the art of warfare and were skilled in the use of various weapons, including the katana (sword), bow and spear. They were also expected to be well versed in the arts and literature, as well as the principles of Confucianism and Buddhism.

The samurai had a privileged status in society and were often given land and other gifts by their lords in return for their services. They were also expected to act as protectors of the local population and were often called upon to put down local rebellions and defend their lord’s territory.

The samurai played a significant role in the politics and governance of feudal Japan, and many held important positions in the government and military. They were also instrumental in the development of Japanese culture, particularly in the areas of art, literature and philosophy.

In the late 19th century, the role of the samurai was abolished and many were forced to take on new roles in society.

Today, the samurai are remembered as a symbol of Japan’s traditional values and culture, and their legacy lives on in many aspects of Japanese life, including the martial arts and other traditional practices.

Comparison of chivalry and bushido

Chivalry and Bushido are both codes of conduct that emphasise the virtues of loyalty, courage and honour in men. Both concepts originated in different parts of the world and were associated with the warrior class.

Chivalry originated in medieval Europe and was associated with the knightly class. It emphasises the virtues of courage, loyalty and protection of the weak. It also includes a strong sense of honour and the willingness to defend one’s beliefs and values.

Bushido, on the other hand, originated in Japan and was associated with the samurai class. It emphasises the virtues of loyalty, courage and honour. It also includes elements of respect, discipline, compassion and integrity.

Both chivalry and bushido are about being a good and responsible person, showing respect and consideration for others, and being mindful of one’s actions and words. They both share the same goal of creating a better society by promoting positive values and behaviours in men. They were also both codes of conduct for the warrior class and were seen as the basis of their behaviour and social status.

A gentleman’s education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing skills and attitudes that make a man a better person and a respected member of society. The most important aspect of a gentleman’s education is the ability to use the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in real life situations.

The key to being a true gentleman

Gentlemanliness and gentlemanly etiquette are related concepts that both focus on the knowledge, skills and behaviours that a man should possess in order to be considered a true gentleman.

A gentleman’s education refers to the set of knowledge and skills a man should possess in order to be considered a true gentleman. This can include a wide range of subjects and disciplines such as literature, history, philosophy, art and culture, business acumen and physical fitness.

Gentlemanly etiquette includes everything from how you dress and present yourself to how you behave in both public and private settings. Some of the key aspects of gentleman’s etiquette include being polite and courteous, showing respect for others, and being mindful of one’s actions and words. Other important elements include being well-groomed, punctual and having good table manners.

Both men’s training and men’s etiquette are important aspects of becoming a true gentleman. A gentleman’s education provides the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the world, while gentlemanly etiquette provides the tools necessary to interact with others in a respectful and courteous manner. Together they form a holistic approach to becoming a well-rounded and respected individual.

Gentleman’s Studies at ICPA