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There is a need to develop 'masculine' values.
The Crisis Of Masculinity And How To Develop ‘New’ Values.
During the evolution of mankind the masculine part of the world population adopted activities that were defined through superior muscle power. Not too long ago, men had to hunt down the mammoth and the wild boar with spears and axes only. It required strength and courage. Survival of a clan depended on male physical strength, particularly during the Ice Ages. The need for physical strength, however, camouflaged a man’s need to develop on mental and emotional levels. After the mechanical revolution, the electronic revolution and the entry into the information age, such muscular ‘advantages’ do not count a lot any longer: a woman can drive a truck, steer a supertanker, fly a jetfighter plane or manage a supercomputer.
This means that masculinity has to evolve. Today’s masculine world population doesn’t live up to its potential – it is mired in egoism, machismo, lottery, politics and some other concepts that fill a catalogue of worn-out stupidities. Having strong muscles and a banana dangling between one’s legs isn’t good enough any longer – it never was. Running after money and the quest for power doesn’t make up for it either. In the end, it’s a waste of time and energy, and devoid of inner meaning and blessing.
Masculinity today means, in particular, to practice gentleness and patience. Within that scope men have to find what they are good for. And there is plenty of work to be done. Let me offer you my personal credo, distilled from many years working and traveling around the world.
I believe we need to resurrect values of a gentleman and chivalry, and adapt them to the new age. Our modern world is dreadfully empty of romantic love, and male compassion. We need the Knights of the Round Table. We need commitment, blue faithfulness and heroism. The world is longing for devotion toward certain aspects of life that really do matter. So many men talk about love, and so few really know what love really means – if it were understood, the world would be a different place. I believe my listed below values are truly universal:
- Engage with loving compassion. Human beings (in particular women) are like flowers, in need of water every day. Deprived of water, a flower dies, and so does a lady’s heart, if left lonely and without affection. Human beings need empathy. Show your partner that you love her, hold her hand, and offer her sincerity, and heartfelt words. Be there for her. Caress her cheeks, and enjoy her inner beauty, softness and blessing.
- Share your power of joy. Any activity has a root of joy, and this root can be strengthened and made grow to become a mighty, powerful tree. Share your joy, and make the world dance. Hold your partner firmly in your heart, and share your joy with her. Good sex falls into this category. Make her laugh, and be playful.
- Offer generosity. Generosity is another enlightened activity. The term generosity makes us think about lavish gifts etc. True, generosity can materialize on this level, but physical gifts are elusive. Every product of this world will turn to dust sooner or later. Generosity can be many things: listen to your partner with patience, sing a song for her, recite a poem, give her a passionate hug or just be there for her. It could also mean to give in to the wishes of your sweetheart. Assume your strength and responsibility, even if it can mean an additional burden – and carry it with pride.
- Grant protection. This quality is, and always will, remain the ultimate qualifier of male existence. It’s the crown of any masculine achievement, because without protection nothing noble or precious can ever develop. A man has to protect his lady, and his family – even if it comes at the cost of his life. Like a noble Samurai – when the moment comes, he will pull his magic sword and fight the enemy with heartfelt determination, and against all odds, and perhaps to a bitter end. The ultimate role of a man being: originate life, protect life, and be prepared to die for it.
© 2004 by Franz L. Kessler
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But on the flip side, females have evolved, too, in this modern, chaotic world of ours. Many females now work in the business world, compete for top positions, get their family dinner from a fast food restaurant instead of from the oven, raise children without the help of a man, and even disdain old fashioned male chivalry, when it is offered to them.
Perhaps both sexes have a lot to learn, or re-learn, these days.
Interesting Premise; thought provoking essay. Well Done!
This article is so good, I wish I'd written it. But I'm glad a man wrote it, instead. Thanks.
Carmen :-)