http://www.returnofkings.com/wp-content/...00x249.jpg 300w, http://www.returnofkings.com/wp-content/...62x217.jpg 262w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />

The following article was sponsored by Gentleman’s Alley

“I would rather prove my self to be a Gentleman, by being learned and humble, valiant and inoffensive, virtuous, and communicable, than by a fond ostentation of riches.”

– Walton, The Angler (1653)

When people hear the word “Gentleman” today, they seem to have a sort of misconception about what it means to be one. Now, we don’t mean to imply that the following paragraphs are the correct and only interpretation of the word, as everyone has their own opinions; we are merely trying to bring the light back to where it once shone, as time has been moving the lamp bit by bit from the original predecessor. Today, when “Gentleman” is heard during conversation, a manifestation of a well-groomed male donning the finest brand name attire and driving a luxurious vehicle comes about. This man is courteous, says please and thank you and lets the lady go first. This, we can all agree, are the qualities that a gentleman should possess—but if this is it, can we also agree that almost every adult male we know is this said gentleman? With this being the case, is being a “gentleman” simply being ordinary and compliant?

Let’s go back in time for a little lesson in etymology. The prefix of the word gentleman, “gentle”, was given to male kin that were born into aristocratic families. The status of these families allowed these boys to acquire an education resulting in the ability to speak multiple languages, most notably Latin and Greek, and be very well versed in numerous amounts of subjects. In a nutshell, these boys grew up to be intellectual, interesting and mannered-“gentle”. As time continued on and the social classes grew less divided, male children from lower classes were also able to partake in the path to becoming a gentleman.

Manners were taught at a young age and knowledge became more readily available. This was needed, in our opinion, because the more gentlemen there are in the world the better off we are as a society. The only downfall to the art of the gentleman being so easily accessible was that it led to less of an exquisite status in being one and therefore less of a desire to be one, hence the decline in gentlemen nowadays. According to a recent London Survey taken by the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom, the era of the gentleman peaked in the 1950’s! So where does the modern male stand now? Is he not interesting enough? Not smart enough? Did he forget his manners?

We at Gentleman’s Alley pride ourselves in agreeing with the 365-year-old quote you read at the beginning of this article, however, like all other gentlemen, we put our own spin on it as well. On top of possessing all of those traits, we believe one should also be a foundation to be built upon. As our Latin-learning gentlemen of the past would say- scio me nihil scire, or “I know that I know nothing”. Never stop learning, never stop growing, never stop saying please and thank you. Respect goes a long way- further than most, actually. Respect that. A gentleman should be intelligent, mysterious, interesting, well-read and cultured. Being rich does not automatically make one a gentleman- being a gentleman is about emanating traits and skills that money cannot buy.

http://www.returnofkings.com/wp-content/...62x107.png 262w, http://www.returnofkings.com/wp-content/...n-logo.png 410w" sizes="(max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px" />

How do we, and our products, tie into this whole universe of the gentleman? We are new but we are constantly growing. Constantly learning. Sharing our knowledge with whomever is interested- just read a blog on our website and learn a little something new today on a plethora of subjects. How about our products? They may seem random, but they all have a purpose. We want your appearance to scream “put-together and cultured” when you’re at the airport for yet another international flight by using our classy passport wallets which hold everything the modern gentleman needs including, most importantly, a pen.

We want you to show efficiency when you’re out and about in a foreign city by using our stick on wallets—much less of a chance of being pick-pocketed or losing anything when all you have is some folded up cash, an ID and credit card attached to your phone! Can’t bring cologne with you, or need to smell good quickly while on the go? Our cologne wipes in four amazing scents will take care of that. At home thinking of your next big idea? Light up one of our amazing candles and relax at the beautiful scent of a wooden fireplace, Asian jungle or many more. Company coming to join you? Wow your guests by using our wine bottle tool kit, which they would’ve thought was a regular bottle of wine, to open up a real one. Pass out our coasters, which were kept together by being in their useful coaster holder.

Finished the wine? Pour your aged cocktail out of your aging-barrel (which looks as beautiful as it is interesting) and wow your guests yet again. All of this, and we’re just beginning. Our goal is to equip you with all of the tools you need to be that mysterious, interesting and cultured man that everyone looks up to and we will keep coming out with new items to further this agenda. On top of that, we want to offer all of the readers a 20% discount off the total purchase by using the discount code KINGS at checkout.

Have a product that may fit the bill or interested in collaborating? Any suggestions, praise or criticism? Contact us at [email protected]. Check out our website at http://www.gentlemansalley.com and join us as we re-introduce the gentleman to the 21st century; don’t forget to use KINGS at checkout for 20% off your total purchase!

Advertise Your Product Or Site On Return Of Kings