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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
emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious 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 possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but
always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who
thinks of the rights and feeling 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
For more than half a century, SAE pledges have recited "The True
Gentleman," and no other words, save perhaps those of the ritual of
initiation, have more nearly represented the ideals of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon. It may be that few members have ever been able to exemplify all
the attributes set forth in the statement, but it does set forth the
perfecting purpose of the Fraternity.
Many years ago Judge Walter B. Jones, past Eminent Supreme Archon of
SAE, came upon "The True Gentleman" and printed it in an Alabama Baptist
quarterly, which he edited. He sent a copy of the magazine to John
Moseley, who was powerfully struck by the elegant words which accorded
with his own philosophy of gentlemanliness. Moseley started using it in
the Leadership Schools in the 1930s and it caught on quickly in chapters
all across the land. Although John Moseley never claimed authorship,
many came to believe that he had composed "The True Gentleman." Because
SAE's had no idea who the author was, The Phoenix indicated that the
piece was simply "anonymous."
In the 1970s Phoenix editor Joe Walt discovered that "The True
Gentleman" was also printed in a manual used at the U.S. Naval Academy
in Annapolis and that its author was John Walter Wayland. It turns out
that many years ago The Baltimore Sun conducted a competition for the
best definition of a true gentleman. John Walter Wayland's submission
was the winner. Thus it was printed in the Baltimore newspaper and was
repeated in many publications thereafter.
No matter who the author, "The True Gentleman" reflects a major part of
the substance of the ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pledges memorize it
and are asked to recite it. Awards are given to brothers who are thought
best to exemplify it. Why do we regard it so highly, and what's in it
for you as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
Every organization is strengthened by tangible forms of a ritual.
Athletic teams have mascots; churches have written rituals. Commercial
enterprises have slogans, and countless private organizations of
individuals, who have chosen to belong for any variety of reasons, have
statements of philosophy that define and express their beliefs. Not only
does "The True Gentleman" remind each brother and pledge of his
Fraternity's code of behavior, it also serves that same function for
non-members. And since it is something 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 the indispensable quality of lasting friendships.
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