09/03/2022
There are some stereotypes which I believe were generated by pop culture that really kill our potential as men. Hollywood has perpetuated the myth that body builders and such are dumb as a rock, that intelligent people are scrawny and couldn't punch their way out of a wet paper bag. There's the stereotype that a religious man is usually old and can't or won't fight in a real physical battle, unless of course, it's to portray him as a bad guy in which case he's a brutal warmonger who has no desire to allow any dissenter to live. The fighter is considered to be a cold hearted brute and a barbarian with no reverence for God or life.
I think we believe these things and live them out and it has hurt our culture. In my growth as a man just having crossed the line of midlife, I've observed that a well-put together man must be all of those things and more. I believe that the ideal man should have physical discipline and a fit, muscular body. I believe that same man should be well read, well cultured, and be able to offer intelligent opinions in discussion and debate. In fact, he should also have an art or an aesthetic to cultivate and nurture. I also believe that said man should honor and revere God and seek His purpose for life. That same man should be skilled in hand to hand combat as well as at least one weapon of choice.
A couple of other things: It's believed that since I revere God, I must not in any way desire women and seek to indulge my sexual energies.
It's also often believed that a man who reveres God shouldn't desire to cultivate and build physical wealth.
I hold that the well rounded man should have everything I mentioned above. I believe that a man shouldn't deny any one part of his life for the sake of other areas. And I believe it's possible and it's what I aspire for in the remainder of my life.
I love God. I enjoy pleasure. I know how to fight and am a skilled martial artist as well as have a confidence in various projectile weapons. I desire wealth. I love good books. I love to intelligently debate and discuss. I know theology and philosophy well, and I enjoy alcohol, ci**rs, and a bit of w**d. I like everything and want everything and I don't know why that's bad. I aspire to attain what I lost during the first half of my life. IT SUCKED. And I want to enjoy the second half should God and the universe so desire to let me. It's high time we allow men to be men, encourage them to be even more so, and see real masculinity take on a vital role in all of these areas of life and society.
