The Essence of Gentlemanliness and Luxury: Beyond Definitions

There exists a peculiar 'definition' which posits that a man who fulfils all the criteria of a gentleman is, in fact, not a gentleman at all.

Yet, upon meeting an individual, one can instinctively discern whether he is indeed a gentleman. There is, undoubtedly, an ineffable quality of 'gentlemanliness' that emanates from one's countenance, turn of phrase, and general deportment. Conversely, those who merely affect the appearance of a gentleman are swiftly exposed as impostors.

A similar phenomenon can be observed in the realm of luxury. While verbal definitions of luxury invariably retain a degree of ambiguity, one can intuitively recognise true luxury upon experiencing it.

It envelops one in a sense of warm, crystalline, and sublime purity—a novel sensation that transcends worldly standards of value. (This, perhaps, explains why monetary considerations become immaterial.) Conversely, ersatz luxury exudes its own distinct aura of inauthenticity.

The very fact that both the concepts of a gentleman and luxury resist precise verbal definition allows them to evolve with the times, perpetually captivating human pursuit. Whilst a certain framework of definition is necessary for verbal discourse, it is equally crucial to avoid becoming excessively fixated on rigid definitions in certain circumstances.