Some people look at me slightly differently than just a man living his life, and during some conversations, I often go to the saying, “I’m still a guy.” This is why I have been recently thinking about what it means to be a man in a world of complexities towards men. Mainly the processing of emotions that make us human. The majority of men do not see the world in an emotional way but rather in a more logical perspective. That is one thing that separates men from women; it’s neither good nor bad; it is simply how we operate. As a result, a fracture has been developed in the foundation of what it means to be human in modern society.
Modern society wants us to be more openly attuned to our emotions as men. There is a time and place to do just that. It is alright to take time, feel your emotions, and note why you feel a certain way. But at other times, you have to keep moving forward and not dwell in the pool of emotions. You will drown in them. Men are built to withstand damage—at least we were at one point in time.
Recently, a few people have told me I’m “stoic,” which is not surprising considering that I have read many ancient writings by those who claimed that title. Therefore, I found myself adopting some of their views. I think those people said that because during times when being emotional was inevitable, I was able, for the most part, to keep mine in check. This does not mean I didn’t feel anything. However, part of being a man, or rather a strong human, not just physically and mentally but emotionally, is to be the one that people can look to when they need strength. Whether you are a man or woman, emotional stability is necessary in life.
This world is a hard place, so all humans should undergo hard things willingly. Lifting weights, Jiu-Jitsu, and learning complex subjects is what I decided to do with the time that has been gifted to me. Because each of them is preparing me for a variety of hardships down the road. Could I be lazy and not do anything? Absolutely, but is that a life worth living? I am telling you it is not. We men might be called to action, to stand against evil, to speak what is right. A weak and emotional man can not do that. It requires strength in every aspect of life to be a good man, especially in a world where there is a lack of good men.
To us men out in the world, remember, it is our moral purpose and duty to be the last man standing.
Peyton.
