Théo d'Or ’s Reviews > A Gentleman in Moscow > Status Update

Théo, you love to write—whether with a fountain pen passed down from your great‑grandfather, with its beautiful patina, or on the keyboard of your latest smartphone. I am certain that if Albert Camus were alive today, he would be writing letters—and WhatsApp messages—to his Maria. On a more serious note: yes, it is possible. One can honor a vanished world by carrying its values and memories within, while still embracing the present.

Bonjour, Théo !

Respecting the past doesn’t mean living only in memories. It means keeping traditions alive in a way that fits today’s world. Even if you inherit something like a royal tradition in a republic, you are not seen as a stranger, because your history connects you to the community. Identity can join past and present without making you feel like an outsider.

Merci.

Oh, Maria, you're getting to know me better and better, day by day. I am pleased to have such a friend. I do love writing, just as much as I love reading. My grandfather used to say " when you write, write like you talk to someone you love ". I didn't realized what that's mean , at that time. But today I realize how right he was...And still, I can't help but think Camus would have still preferred handwriting letters..Or maybe not. But one thing is for sure - when words come from the heart, it doesn't matter if they're typed or scribbled..they still find their way home...
And yes, one can honor a vanished world, if it's a gentleman.

Thank you, Maria.

You're right again, Celeste, as always. We both know what's mean to be a stranger, sometimes. Yes, respecting the past doesn't mean living only in memories. Living only in memories is like trying to walk forward while staring backward - you will miss what's right in front of you. The past should be a compass, not a cage. But sometimes, life throws a heatwave at your brain - like Meursault and that damn sun - and suddenly everything feels off. It's not only the sun, though. Sometimes it's walking into a room where all people seem to know everything, except you. Or realizing the version of you
from five years ago wouldn't recognize the person you are now...But here's the thing - identity isn't about always feeling at home - but more about carrying home with you.
And you know that, better than anyone, if we consider your own case...

Merci, Celeste

.....and , lately, I was thinking, what really means to be a gentleman.
People often think being a gentleman is about good manners, saying " please ", dressing well, holding the door open. And those things, yes, are really nice. But they're just the surface. Because here's the truth - even a creep can act like a gentleman when it suits him. He can say the right things, send flowers - all while hiding selfish reasons. That's not kindness. That's strategy. A real gentleman isn't someone who acts good when it benefits him. He is someone who IS good, even when no one's watching. Even when there's nothing to gain, but sometimes to lose. Being a gentleman means being honest, not just polite. It's means showing up when it's inconvenient, apologizing when you've messed up, and standing up for others even if it costs you something. Mais surtout, it's not about being perfect. And it's not about looking the part - it's about living that part. But you will know a gentleman by how he make you feel - safe, important, seen, and never used. That's the heart of it. Charm can be faked, kindness can't.
In the end, that's what it defines a gentleman - what he does when the lights are off, the mask is off, and the world isn't clapping. That's were the gentleman begins.

That’s exactly it, Théo.
Being a gentleman is a noble art and a conscious choice.
Merci.

À toi également, Celeste.