Slowing Down

Our Digital World – Risks & Opportunities for the Modern Gentleman

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

As modern day gentlemen, we face unique challenges that no other generation before us has encountered. We live in a digital world. This flies in the face of much of what a gentleman values. The difficulties presented by our increasing dependence on our devices have left us paralyzed and confused as to what is truly […]

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Abraham Lincoln on the Importance of Reading in a Gentleman’s Life

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

“Sorry, I’m just not a reader”. I can remember myself saying that line on many occasions growing up. I’d bet at least a handful of you can remember yourself saying it too. And while maybe for some of you it was a clever way to get out of extra reading at home, for me it […]

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The Simplest Thing – What History’s Most Influential Men Have In Common

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

Ludwig van Beethoven: A brilliant German composer in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Aristotle: A Greek philosopher and scientist who lived hundreds of years before Christ. Charles Dickens: One of history’s greatest writers. Lived and worked during the Victorian Era. What do these men have in common? These men share a pastime with many […]

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John Wayne, and the Pancakes That Followed

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"I have great faith in fools; self-confidence my friends call it." - Poe
Mr. Rafal
Latest posts by Mr. Rafal (see all)

In an attempt to get the New Year started off well, we have been rather serious with our posts as of late. Please do not misunderstand, I rather enjoy the quality posts that we have been putting up but I also think a bit of a change is pace and direction can refresh us and […]

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Learning from Loneliness

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

Welcome back, gentlemen! Last week we dove into a topic that is critical for any man’s understanding of how he is to lead others and himself well. We discussed the importance of loneliness and self-reflection. We looked at why intentional, quiet time set aside for the purpose of looking inward is both challenging and infinitely […]

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Embracing Loneliness

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

When was the last time you set aside an evening to be alone? Depending on your life’s circumstances, chances are you can look back in the last month or two and remember at least one evening that you spent without others around. But with that said, I want to dig one level deeper. When was […]

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What Learning an Instrument Can Teach Us About Being a Gentleman

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” - Ernest Hemingway
Mr. South

I’m a guitarist. I’m definitely not advanced in skill level, but I am proficient…on good days. Recently, I was introduced to an advanced guitarist by the name of Todd Pritchard. He has an incredible Instagram account filled with clips of him nailing various original and cover songs. I was inspired by Mr. Pritchard to dabble […]

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Topics for Discussion While Smoking Amongst Gentlemen

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” - Ernest Hemingway
Mr. South

A good rule of thumb when it comes to conversations during a smoke with fellow gentlemen is to ignore the rule of thumb of discussion topics at the workplace. We are encouraged to stay away from topics that may stir up controversy during our professional work hours (religion, politics, money, etc.), and in most cases, […]

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Holiday Stress – Leading Well In Brokenness and Tension

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

It’s that time of year. The holidays are upon us and the scent of autumn is in the air. Your family and/or friends have gathered once more to slow down and take time to appreciate their gifts and to count their blessings from another year passed. Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday anchored in rich traditions […]

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Enhancing a Moment With Music

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” - Ernest Hemingway
Mr. South

Music is a tool that can be used to enhance virtually every situation. More specifically, the right music at the right time can be used as a tool to enhance virtually every situation. The movie Inception is accompanied by my absolute favorite soundtrack of all time, composed by the musical mastermind, Hans Zimmer. The movie […]

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