Chase The Kangaroo

Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice On Living the 7 Manly Virtues, by Brett McKay

“So our definition of manliness, like that of the ancients, is simple: striving for virtue, honor, and excellence in all areas of your life, fulfilling your potential as a man, and being the absolute best brother, friend, husband, father and citizen you can be.”

Brett McKay is the creator of The Art of Manliness. If you recognize the name, it’s because a lot of the content found on Chase The Kangaroo, is either inspired by or comes directly from The Art of Manliness. In fact a lot of the quotes found under the tag, “virtue” comes from Manvotionals.

What Brett deems as the seven manly virtues was inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s thirteen virtues, which he researched and refashioned for modern man. If you are familiar with, The Art of Manliness, you know that Brett is on a mission to reclaim the answer to the to the question of, “what is a man?”

In his research for this mission, McKay has discovered some amazing wisdom and insight into what it means to truly be a man. The seven virtues he hones in on are: Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-Reliance, Discipline and Honor. Each chapter is a virtue and with each virtue are found a treasure of quotes, stories and illustrations that define that virtue. By the end of each chapter, you know what that virtue is and have been shown examples of how to live it out. I say, live it out, because that is a mark of a true man. Putting action to knowledge. What’s the point of gaining knowledge if it isn’t heeded or put to practice? Live your words.

I don’t think there is much to argue against the fact that the modern definition of a man has been picked apart, twisted and distorted to an unrecognizable state. For many young men and women, the definition of a man is nothing more than about fashion, appearances, and attitude.

There seems to be a ton of confusion about manliness. Because of so many bad examples, progressive thought deems masculinity as toxic. This distorted and confused view of masculinity is also to blame for the current #MeToo movement. And to make matters worse a lot of men are silent and disengaged out of fear and shame.

It is for this very reason that Manvotionals was written. Modern manliness is lacking and wanting in true manly examples. I find it interesting that Brett chose to look at essays and writings from a hundred years ago and even centuries past to find his examples. So many great excerpts on honor, courage, resolution, etc. from so many that set the benchmark before us. It’s a shame that modern society has either forgotten or down right rejected true manliness. Our world is in need of real men.

McKay’s research makes me want to explore these men of old, their words, their wisdom, their example. Manvotionals serves as a great reminder that, though many have failed or fallen in becoming men, there is always hope for those who desire more for their own lives and the people they touch. This is as good as a time as any for those with heart to rise to the challenge of becoming men.

“A man’s path to virtuous excellence begins with his pursuit of the seven manly virtues. These virtues, if diligently sought after and lived, will help a man unlock his fullest power and potential. The seven virtues are: Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-Reliance, Discipline and Honor. These seven virtues can be striven for by any man, in any situation.”

Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice On Living the 7 Manly Virtues

Originally published: 2011

Genres: Self-Help | Social Sciences

Purchase: Amazon Books

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