The True Gentleman

The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emegencies; who does not make the poor man concious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power or boast of his own possesions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his words; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.

~John Walter Wayland

What the True Gentleman means to an SAE.

The "True Gentleman" reflects a major part of the substanceof the ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pledges memorize it and are asked to recite it. Awards are given to brothers who best exemplify it. Why do we regard it so highly?

Every organization is strengthened by tangible forms of ritual. Athletic teams have mascots; churches have written rituals. Commercial enterprises have slogans, and countless organizations of individuals, who have chosen to belong for any variety of reasons, have statements have statements of philosophy that define and express their beliefs. Not only does the "True Gentleman" remind each brother and pledge of his fraternity code of behavior, it also serves that same function for non-members. And since it is something that every member and pledge of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have in common, it helps bond us, providing part of the glue that holds us together. After all, gentlemanliness is the starting point and indsspensable quality of lasting friendships.

Written By past E.S.R. G. Robert Hamrdla