"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 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 (Virginia 1899)
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For more than half a century, pledges, actives, and alumni 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, 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 O.
Moseley, who was powerfully struck by the elegant words which accorded
with his own philosophy of gentlemanliness. Moseley started using it in
Leadership School in the 1930s, and it caught on quickly in chapters all
across the land. Although Moseley never claimed authorship, many came to
believe that he had composed "The True Gentleman." Because SAEs had no
idea who the author was, The Phoenix indicated that the piece was simply
"anonymous."
In the 1970s, Phoenix editor Dr. Joseph 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 has 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.
John Walter Wayland was initiated posthumously at the 67th Leadership
School as a member of the University of Virginia (Virginia Omicron)
Chapter.
Adapted from Section IV of The Phoenix written by G. Robert Hamrdla,
Past Eminent Supreme Recorder |
