Viva Sprezzatura

The meaning of sprezzatura in art and life is somewhat difficult to capture and explain, but it is worth the effort. Count Ludovico, in Castiglione's Book of the Courier expounded on what it meant for social interaction as, "It is an art which does not seem to be an art. One must avoid affectation and practice in all things a certain sprezzatura, disdain or carelessness, so as to conceal art, and make whatever is done or said appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it....obvious effort is the antithesis of grace."

Sprezzatura has to do with the poise and self confidence that a gentleman exudes as a result of working on 'polishing' himself. Once it is acquired it appears almost effortless, think of the coolness of James Dean or Cary Grant.

Although many so called role models for young men in our society, ok virutally all of them, are violent, there is a place, a proper place for mentoring confident, correct, strong and solid poise, not bluster, but confidence. It's my hope that in some way I can contribute to this ideal with this blog.

I have a few questions that I would like to throw out for consideration.

1.) What is an interesting example, from your own life where you either were very poised and confident or you witnessed something so extraordinary in a man that it stuck with you as an example of how men Should Be?