DO YOU WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN?
The WHAT: Men intentionally developing strength of character and practicing classical virtue (and beyond).
The WHY: Because “sterling” character is the foundation of inner excellence, forming the foundation for all outer strength. PLUS, as a man, you know your greatest battles are really with yourself. What are you doing about it?
The HOW: Join our community. Hold yourself accountable to develop your own growth path and intentionally practice classical virtues one day at a time. Get support along the way.
WHAT IS VIRTUE?
What is “virtue”? There are various definitions, but here’s one–a virtue is the outer expression of an inner value.
Here’s another: Philosopher Immanuel Kant says virtue is “The moral strength of the will in obeying the dictates of duty.”
Examples: perseverance, courage, honor, kindness, and fairness.
Classically, the 4 Cardinal Virtues have been prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude.
Some say virtue is human excellence.
Aristotle had much to say about virtue. Character traits and psychological dispositions were the directions he was pointing us in.
Of course, other cultures may have their own traditional list of virtues, eg, in the 1600s Samurai warriors developed their own moral code, known as “bushido”, or “the way of the warrior”, and the samurai spirit and virtues are still present today in the social and economic organization of Japan.
The Bible talks much about the quest for character, and refers to many qualities, such as faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness, love, patience, faithfulness, steadfastness, peace, goodness, endurance, and boldness.
I’d imagine every society has its virtues, values, and character strengths as a way to not only guide personal development, but also societal development. And, within every society, there are sub-groups that may have a more specific code for their community. Think military, religious institutions, and gangs.
BUT WHAT IS MANLY VIRTUE?
Well, technically virtues are gender-neutral. Women need courage just as much as men do, for example, and women demonstrate courage just as much as men do, and plenty of times to a greater degree.
However, my work on this website is primarily with men.
And, without getting into the complicated discussion of gender differences, I will say that men, generally speaking, are often wired (yes, wired) to express various character strengths, values, and virtues differently than women.
And it’s largely NOT because of how boys and men have been socialized. Sorry not sorry. Sure, socialization plays a part, but it’s not the biggest factor.
At least that’s my experience after working on many in-depth “issues of the heart” for over 35 years with both men and women–hundreds (probably thousands) of informal “case studies”. I’ve seen what I’ve seen, over and over and over.
But I believe it’s also what history has consistently shown, across cultures, political systems, and social structures. It’s in the DNA.
Exceptions? Of course. But it’s never wise to appeal to the exceptions to dismantle the obvious.
2 ESSENTIALS FOR CHARACTER GROWTH
The best growth (“best”=efficient, focused, and enduring) ALWAYS happens when the “2 S’s”–SUPPORT and STRUCTURE–are strongly present.
Conversely, when we fail in any kind of “change effort”, it very often gets back to one of these 2 crucial elements being missing–not enough support, not enough structure, or both.
Strong SUPPORT is the wind in our sails. When we’re trying to develop a new skill or behavior, this “wind” is essential.
Strong STRUCTURE is the map that directs the sailing vessel from Point A to Point B. Or, perhaps it’s the clearly assigned duties of the sailors on board.
However you choose to think of it, BOTH are required as we attempt to grow our character strengths and virtue.
INTERESTED?
This will be a monthly membership–stay as long as you like, month-to-month, no long contracts. It hasn’t been launched yet, but I have a pre-launch list I’m building (and you’ll get in on my introductory price).
Contact me HERE for details and to get on my list, or simply go to my Contact page. Just type “Virtue” in the subject line, and I’ll be in touch. No pressure, I promise.