Comments on: In Praise of Sprezzatura: The Compleat Gentleman Giveaway

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:45:04 +0000

I agree with Jack, below.

By: Rev. Adrian L. Piazza

Rev. Adrian L. Piazza — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:06:18 +0000

For a compleat lack of sprezzatura, my nomination is Brett Favre. From his weepy goodbye in Green Bay to his super public argument/transfer to NY. Finally, his constant jabbering about going to the Vikings, which did not happen. He talks to everyone and has the emotional fortitude of a feminine fourteen year old.

I learned Sprezzatura from Rev. Dr. Norman Nagel. He could skewer a phony at a 100 yards, but, was invariably polite and genuinely helpful to those who were seeking to learn. He could weave a tale (seemingly pointless) that would keep your attention until he revealed the crux of the matter, followed by an question that kept your mind busy for days. Conducted the Liturgy with a genuine reverence with hair mussed from putting on the surplice. From Australia through Germany and England was always dressed as a Dr. Professor ought: three piece suit or sweater vest and jacket, tweeds in the spring and summer. Only dressed down in his own back yard. Smoked thick black cigars, pipes and drank Foster’s from the can. Never shared, but spoke when he needed and was silent when he listened.

By: Corey

Corey — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:57:18 +0000

I would say that Robert Heinlein, wile an excellent writer, is an example of a lack of sprezzatura. When safe in his career and unhindered by public opinion, his later books (Glory Road, Number of the Beast, Stranger in a Strange Bed, &c.) were all very vocal, and crassly and unrestrainedly vocal, in urging ungentlemanly behavior. Mike the Martian urges faithlessness in marriage and disregard of human life; Lazarus Long is the embodiment of cowardice.
For reasons listed above, C. S. Lewis and his protagonists are far better practicioners of this virtue. For true sprezzatura, I will agree with those who have said George Washington – here is a man who has won vistory against the mightiest military of the day, has won the highest office of the newly formed country, and when asked how he would be addressed, simply said “Mr. President.”

As an aside, I find it interesting that the Victorian gentleman and the Edo-period samurai both found restraint to be the most telling demonstration of proper behavior: note the similarities in the colors of fabric – subdued dark blues, browns, blacks, sometimes with subtle pin-stripes. Fascinating.

By: Joey

Joey — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:17:30 +0000

Tupac Shakur made it looks easy for the smallest man in the room to be the most feared.

By: Harry

Harry — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Francisco D’Anconia, of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, perfectly illustrates the power of this control over oneself. He is a character we all hope to be comparable to in some way…

By: peter

peter — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:08:22 +0000

One person that comes to mind when i think about the concept of spezzatura is Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes. He is a famous british explorer, who was the first man to cross both the north and south poles by surface means. He is such a man that he was able to complete SEVEN marathons in SEVEN days on SEVEN different continents four months after having a heart attack.

This may not have been the wisest move but having watched interviews with Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, i can attest that he is a true gentleman, who considers all the risks before he sets out to do anything. His is also a man of honor who lives by his conscience. I highly recommend looking him up.

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:39:02 +0000

Colin Powell

By: Jonathan Foster

Jonathan Foster — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:36:56 +0000

I would nominate Benjamin Franklin. He is perceived as a gentleman histrocially. He associated with American Patriots and European nobility. He dabbled and investigated just about everything he could in science and philosophy. Philanthropically, he even established a trust fund that continues to this day to benefit Philiadelphia.

By: Gustavo Caetano

Gustavo Caetano — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:27:11 +0000

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel

By: Carl C

Carl C — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:49:37 +0000

My grandfather was the epitome of a gentleman. Severed in WW II, deacon in the church, family man and always had time to teach me how to fish and be a decent person. Nuff said.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:56:00 +0000

My current boss displays sprezzatura. He is very reserved until he chooses to let you into his confidence and always acts the gentleman. His limited communication gets people to talk to him more than they would someone else I think.

By: Beniaminus

Beniaminus — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:48:21 +0000

Leonardo da Vinci. A fine example of the self made man, always learning, athletic, entertaining and self-controlled.

By: dan

dan — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:17:53 +0000

Pat Tillman , beacuse he was a true American who had evreything and gave it up to serve his country.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:23:26 +0000

An interesting fictional example is Gandalf. While not an obviously manly figure, he certainly did not parade his considerable power, kept his own counsel, and didn’t get involved in the affairs of others unless bigger matters were at stake.

By: Spud

Spud — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:18:47 +0000

My cousin Ted, I think, exhibits sprezzatura. Generally quiet yet crazy, the manner in which Ted does what he does is left unexplained to the public, and even to most of family. I am greatly honoured whenever I get to sit and talk with him, because though people know he is intelligent, he is so much more thoughtful and wise than we give him credit for. I admire Ted very much.