THE CIVILIZED MAN IS A CREATURE WHO TRIES

THE CIVILIZED MAN IS A CREATURE WHO TRIES, AS A MATTER OF BREEDING, TO KEEP SOMETHING OF A LOW PROFILE, EVEN IF HE IS A PUBLIC PERSON. BUT HE IS EASILY SPOTTABLE WHENEVER HE VENTURES FROM HIS LAIR, SO DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT IS HIS BEHAVIOR FROM THE PUSHY, GRASPING, TRENDY AND BRUTISH HERD. HERE ARE A FEW SELECT TRAITS THAT DISTINGUISH HIS KIND.

Does not allow himself to display impatience, contempt, or irritation when dealing with people less intelligent, or less decisive than himself.

Is never, under any circumstances, sycophantic.

Does not bully.

Never argues with a fellow guest at another person's home.

Never jumps a line.

Does not blame his subordinates for mistakes he himself has made.

Apologizes after losing his temper, even if he was justified.

Prefers the pursuit of the best to the pursuit of the latest.

Learns for the pleasure of it, and never considers his education to be finished.

Dresses his part, and no matter what that part is, he would never ever contemplate wearing something in public that would be distasteful, or embarrass anyone accompanying him.

Is never one-dimensional in his interests. He tends to be innately keen on a great variety or things: history as well as religion, music as well as technology, art as well as science.

Always has something to talk about other than himself.

Mixes comfortably with people at all levels.

Is discreet, but not hypocritical, about his vices.

Finds a way to be useful in an emergency.

Always has at least one book that he's reading for pleasure.

Never hesitates to speak up if he doesn't understand something.

Takes more pride in professional skills than in office political skills.

Never tells anyone how much he is worth, and wouldn't dream of asking anyone else that question (nor would he ask the cost of anyone's possessions).

May be impressed by people, but never by their income, titles, or positions alone.

Is never rude, condescending, or abusive to people who are serving him, whether it's in a restaurant, an airplane, a store, or a bank.

Never pulls rank regardless of the circumstances.

Never tips his way into a restaurant.

Can entertain children, even if he isn't particularly fond of kids.

Can tell a dirty joke to a lady and be funny without being offensive.

Gives to charity on a regular basis, and without publicizing the fact.

Speaks at least one language well in addition to his native tongue.

Is seldom a real estate developer or banker.

Doesn't pursue instant, and passing, friendships.

Only buys art, antiques, or collectibles for the love of it. Builders of status collections are uncivilized.

Knows the difference between teasing and harassment.

Shows up on time at events to which he's been invited.

Tolerates the occasional bad moods of his colleagues.

When playing a game with a friend, never cares who wins.

Takes all legal deductions but never lies on his tax return.

Can always come up with a clever and/or appropriate toast.

Would not become a snowmobile, ATV, or pro wrestling enthusiast.

Thinks twice before telling a lie, no matter how white or little.

Hasn't got a lot of patience for lawyers or corporate wannabes, even if he is one.

Keeps his promises, and never promises what he can't deliver.

Never stoops to gratuitous personal criticism of career associates.

Writes thank-you notes.

Stays in the right lane except when passing: blinks his headlights instead of blowing his horn at the car in front when he wants to pass.

Prefers the company of women with a healthy sense of autonomy and aren't likely to need a man to define who they are.