A Good Man

It takes a man to make a man.

I know, I know.

Some people believe it takes a village to raise a child.

Others go with two moms, or two dads.

And how about single moms?

Or when grandma raises the kids?

There is room for a whole diversity of opinion, right?

Let’s start with the idea that boys need their dads.

Marcus Aurelius thinks so.

The idea of manliness

Here is what this great philosopher says about the topic in his Meditations:

“My father (from my own memories and his reputation) – integrity and manliness.”

You know why this idea resonates with me?

Because the world needs men who are men.

Not in the macho sense, but in the sense of people who will take charge, protect others, and be courageous.

Being a man is not just about being tough and strong.

Far from it.

Being a man means:

Being good. Having clear values and being guided by them. Taking a stand. Saying “No!” when you must.
Doing the right thing. Developing a good reputation. Learning from your experience. Honoring your teachers – especially your parents.
Doing good for others. Taking charge. Protecting the weak. Giving people courage.

Yep. The big, hairy brute is not the epitome of manliness. The strong, caring man is, however.

This is very true with regards to money.

In the world of finance, the man steps up and buys the life insurance he needs to protect his family, even when he is not around to provide for them.

That is a supreme act of love and caring. The real man provides for his family from the grave, you might say.

The fact of the matter is that the great men of history have come from all types of families.

Many, in fact, were orphans.

Some achieved their greatness because of their childhood circumstances; others, in spite of them.

But they all did good in some way.

What do you think it takes to make a good man?