I love the feeling of a new shirt: one that’s been tailored,
ironed and prepared just so. The fit, the cotton, the brightness of the plain
white poplin cloth all make for a sense of wellbeing that no garment should
provide. Alongside a great suit, a cool pair of shoes and a winning smile it
means you can face a day, a struggle, an emergency or even a firing squad with
calm and poise.
We all have that piece of clothing that makes us feel a little
better. A tie, a pair of shoes, a t-shirt that fits well and reminds you of a
moment you did something people you will never know remember. The question is whether that kind of totem always
needs to be a thing or can it be something less tangible?
Can knowledge give you that same self-assurance? I’m sure it
can. Walking into a room with a great suit on your back is one thing, but
walking in with the secrets of finance, a classical education, literary
analysis or the dark arts of marketing at your beck and call is another. The egoist
façade composed in fabric can be given a foundation
of steel.
Knowledge is the real currency once first impressions have
faded. Deals are done because people connect over the minutiae of their
childhood interests, obscure films and books read like guilty secrets away from
the opinion of the common denominator. Pick these things up like pennies in the
street for long enough and you will be a rich man, no matter who cuts the cloth
on your back.
Although I wouldn’t say no to a one button Huntsman, a crisp
white shirt and Hermes latest draped around my neck.
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