What makes a person "classy"? | FerrariChat

What makes a person "classy"?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by zippyslug31, Mar 4, 2010.

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  1. zippyslug31

    zippyslug31 Formula 3

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    #1 zippyslug31, Mar 4, 2010
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2010
    Going through several life-changing events and its gotten me wondering about a lot of fundamental things. Don't want to get too deep on everybody here, but just wondering..... in your opinion, what makes a personal a class act? Say it however you want, but certain people just rise above drama, come out looking more adult/mature, etc. People, when faced with adversity, don't lower themselves to saying stupid things or acting in a regrettable manner.


    Can this be traced back to a level of education?
    God-given/raw intelligence?
    I'm sure having more money can't be attributed to this, but what do you think?
    Life experiences? If so, this implies that pretty much everybody starts out as a bunch of jerks. ;)
    Is this up-bringing?

    All of the above?

    What do you think?
     
  2. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    This may sound flippant, but not using the word 'classy'.
     
  3. Ferraribot

    Ferraribot F1 Veteran

    I myself consider myself KLASSY, with a K!

    But yes, I do think life experience can at least help a person to react to certain situations in a more classy manner.
     
  4. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    A person would be 'classy' because they performed 'classy' acts. Thats it.

    It doesnt matter what they look like, what their background is, what their financial status is.

    Classy is all about how they act.

    Do they help their fellow man without expecting anything back ? Thats classy.

    Do they respect the environment around them ? Thats classy.

    Do they 'turn the other cheek ' ? Thats classy.

    Fini
     
  5. zippyslug31

    zippyslug31 Formula 3

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    nor arguing semantics.
     
  6. joba

    joba Formula Junior

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    I believe it has nothing to do with money or education. It the way a person deals with friends, family and strangers. All about dignity, integrity,honor,charity, kindness,and humility.
     
  7. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    +100
     
  8. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    The post wasn't meant as a dig at word choice. Rather, I've noticed that people who frequently use the word tend not to possess the constellation of virtues they're attempting to describe.
     
  9. Radiopilot

    Radiopilot Karting

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    +1

    I think someone like Rick Steve a world traveler is 'classy' and I think a person who enjoys the finer things in life without being arrogant and is humble enough to realize it is my definition of someone with class.
     
  10. 208 GT4

    208 GT4 Formula 3

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    ...and a little bit of style.
     
  11. Zack

    Zack Formula 3

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    Halle Berry - classy.
    Dingle Berry - not so much.
     
  12. zippyslug31

    zippyslug31 Formula 3

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    Fair enough. So one could draw the conclusion that you imply "education" as the answer.
    Presumably if one does not possess the correct word to use then that person has simply not yet learned it (in school or in life)?

    As an aside, what other single word would you choose? I can't think of any other generic word that gets the point across. "Grace", "Dignity", "Poise" perhaps? Doesn't actually matter as you still understand my OP.


    More to the point, I'd still be interested in what your own definition of "that thing" is.
     
  13. zippyslug31

    zippyslug31 Formula 3

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    "Style". Interesting. I'm sure you don't mean "fashion sense", so how exactly do you define "style"?

    Seems as foggy to me as the word "classy".
     
  14. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #14 WILLIAM H, Mar 4, 2010
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2010
    There are lots of factors starting w the basics such as personal hygiene, dressing well, knowing how to behave in social settings, having a good vocabulary, body language

    Once the basics are down I think the most important is to treat everyone and everything with respect. I dont care if I'm speaking to a billionaire or a homeless person.

    I think it was Gandhi who said that " A society must be judged by how well it treats the most defenseless not the most powerful."

    Another thing is to never agrandize yourself. Dont talk about how great you are, or your cars, or $. Let people figure that out for themselves and you will come out looking much better.

    Check this site out http://realsocialdynamics.com/ They are focused on preparing men to attract women but what they teach is applicable across the board in all kinds of social situations
     
  15. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    interesting. Id have to disagree with that.
     
  16. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    My definition wouldn't be very different than those above: a combination of grace, poise, humor, kindness, patience, humility, charity, magnanimity, deportment, and dignity. William H's point below about treating everyone with respect goes straight to the heart of the matter.

    Education can help, but we all know well-educated boors.

    If pressed, I'd say that it is something that comes from within; something that is cultivated rather than bestowed, bought, worn, driven, or found. For me, it is most often (but not only) expressed in acts toward others, whether giving someone else time and recognition (e.g. not blowing off the janitor because 'they're just a janitor'), assisting a person in need, sparing someone undue embarrassment (or, suavely, making them part of the amusement rather than the object of it), or simply doing something kind for another.

    Like pornography, we know it when we see it. And I like to think we're all capable of it, though it is not always easy to listen to "the better angels of our nature".
     
  17. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    I got your f***in' class right here.




    :D
     
  18. 8 SNAKE

    8 SNAKE F1 Veteran

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    I have to agree with Jerry on this one. The traits that William describe are more indicative of social class than personal class.
     
  19. joba

    joba Formula Junior

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    I think you can substitute the word polish. You can be poor and still be polished. A man can be wearing a five thousand dollar suit and be tacky.
     
  20. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Yeah thats social grace not class.

    Of course William comes from such a different world than most of us its going to be different for him I suppose.
     
  21. 8 SNAKE

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    We all came from the same world. William's family has just "visited" a few more than the rest of us. ;)
     
  22. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    I hope that didnt sound like I was insulting him.. Not at all. Was just saying I could see how he might see things a little different than us common folk

    :D

    Just teasing William !
     
  23. 8 SNAKE

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    I can't speak for William, but I didn't perceive your remarks to be insulting at all. By the same token, I hope that my retort was taken in similar jest. This is a thread about class, after all!
     
  24. GrigioGuy

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    How to be classy in 2 easy steps:

    1) Watch me
    2) Do the inverse
     
  25. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    You either have it or you don't.
     

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