What It Means To Be A Man

Key Takeaways

• 🧠 Being a man involves prioritizing reason and logic over emotions in decision-making.
• 💪 Men have the ability to set aside their fight or flight responses and find rational solutions to problems.
• 🏆 Civilization is built upon the foundation of men using reason to overcome primal instincts.
• 💔 Emotions can lead people astray, but true masculinity involves controlling emotions for rational decisions.
• 🤔 Men can experience deep emotions but still act rationally, distinguishing themselves from sociopaths who lack emotion.
• 🤯 Rationalizing decisions isn’t the same as acting rationally; cowards often rationalize their emotional choices.
• 💡 Setting aside fear and emotions at crucial moments distinguishes men from others and allows for better outcomes.
• 🌍 The ability of men to control fear and make rational decisions has been instrumental in building human civilization.

What Does It Mean to Be a Man?

The Answer Lies in Reason and Logic

In today’s society, the concept of masculinity is often discussed and debated. Many people talk about toxic masculinity and its negative effects. But what does it truly mean to be a man? This question may seem simple, but it holds profound significance in defining our identity as individuals. Being a man is not about bravado or empty pride. It’s about the ability to set aside emotions and let reason and logic guide our actions.

Fight or Flight: A Primal Response

When we look at other organisms, we see that they are ruled by a primal instinct known as fight or flight. This response is essential for their survival. Animals fight to secure their prey, and they flee from predators to avoid being eaten. However, human beings, especially men, have evolved beyond this primal response. We possess the extraordinary ability to control our fight or flight instincts and use reason and logic to find the best solutions to our problems.

Our civilization, as we know it, is a testament to this unique trait. Everything we see around us, from the marvels of architecture to the wonders of technology, is a result of our capacity to set aside fear and rely on rational thinking.

The Heroism in Choosing Reason Over Fear

Let’s imagine a scenario where two soldiers are confronted with an enemy soldier armed with a machine gun. Both soldiers experience fear, a natural and valid emotion in such a situation. However, their responses differ. One soldier allows fear to dictate his actions and runs away, while the other soldier, though terrified, assesses the situation and finds a solution. He spots a nearby boulder that offers protection, takes cover, and eventually eliminates the enemy soldier. This act of heroism demonstrates the power of reason and logic in the face of fear.

Throughout history, the difference between success and failure has often hinged on individuals’ ability to control their emotions. It goes beyond facing gunfire on the battlefield. It extends to everyday life, where emotions can cloud our judgment and lead to poor decisions. Marrying the wrong person out of lust or falling victim to scams due to greed are examples of how unchecked emotions can lead to detrimental outcomes.

The Wisdom of Setting Aside Emotions

The Catholic Church recognized the significance of reason in guiding our lives. Emotions, if left unchecked, can lead us astray. By setting aside emotions and allowing reason to prevail, we can lead fulfilling lives. The soldier who chooses not to succumb to fear and instead assesses the situation exemplifies this principle.

However, it’s crucial to note that setting aside emotions does not mean repressing or denying them. A real man can experience profound emotions, including love, tenderness, anger, and even hatred. The key lies in not letting these emotions rule us. It’s the ability to feel these emotions deeply and still act rationally that defines true masculinity.

Rationalizing vs. Acting Rationally

Some individuals may claim to be acting rationally when, in reality, they are rationalizing their emotional decisions. Cowards often use logic and reason to explain away their actions, masking their fear behind a facade of rationality. However, true men can distinguish between acting rationally and rationalizing their behavior. The former involves using reason to make decisions, while the latter employs logic to justify emotional choices.

Crunch Time: The Ultimate Test

While setting aside emotions and acting rationally is relatively easy in day-to-day situations, the true test comes during crunch time. When faced with immense pressure, many people, including women, tend to break down emotionally. Men, however, possess the ability to control their fear and make rational decisions when it matters most. It is during these crucial moments that the distinction between true men and those who succumb to their emotions becomes clear.

External traits such as physical strength or a deep voice do not determine one’s masculinity. It is the ability to rise above fear and act rationally in difficult circumstances that defines a man. On the other hand, those who panic and let their emotions dictate their actions reveal their weaknesses.

A Powerful Trait That Sets Us Apart

As human beings, we are inherently driven by fight or flight responses. However, what sets us apart from other species is our ability to rise above these primal instincts. Men possess a remarkable trait that allows us to control our emotions, enabling us to build a thriving civilization. This unparalleled capacity sets us apart from lesser civilizations and species.

Our magnificent civilization, with its rich culture, literature, music, and art, is a testament to our ability to overcome our innate fears. We are not toxic; we are the driving force behind the success and progress of our species. Everyone who benefits from the fruits of our civilization should acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of men.

So, the next time someone dismissively refers to “toxic masculinity,” remember that it is our ability to rise above fear and let reason guide us that has shaped the world we live in. We should take pride in this incredible trait that makes us true men.