10.12.2024
Why standing your ground is the mark of a true gentleman
A gentleman knows when to assert himself and call out unearned arrogance. Discover how to maintain self-respect, handle entitlement, and earn the respect you deserve by standing your ground with confidence and class.

Words: Tunku Sophia
French President Emmanuel Macron and Russia's President Vladimir Putin attend a joint news conference after a Normandy-format summit in Paris, France, December 9, 2019.
REUTERS/Charles Platiau/Pool.
Not long ago, I met a man who proudly claimed to have “royal lineage.”
He was undeniably polished, the kind of man who’d always had life served on a silver platter. His grandfather owns a fleet of luxury cars, his father a series of petrol stations —his world runs on inherited wealth and privilege.
Now, I don’t begrudge anyone for being born into fortune. That’s life, and resentment is often just misplaced envy. But what he said next? That struck a nerve.
“I’m better than others because I’m descended from rulers.”
That was a step too far.
Sometimes, when someone’s ego runs unchecked, a reality check becomes necessary. So I asked him a simple question:
“How many of your ancestors died fighting the British, during the colonization period?”
He had no answer. Because the truth was painfully clear.
I explained to him that he wasn’t descended from rulers as he liked to think. His ancestors were not as illustrious men like YAM Tunku Ahmad Tunggal (Negeri Sembilan) or Tok Janggut (Kelantan) who led or fought for their people—instead, his ancestors were collaborators with British. Men who traded loyalty for pensions and subjugation, men who bowed when told to bow and jumped when ordered to jump.
“Let’s be honest,” I said. “You’re not descended from greatness. You’re descended from men who sold out their country for comfort.”
His demeanor shifted immediately. “You can’t say that,” he protested.
Oh, but I can.
