In fact, I think that the core idea of creation vs. consumption is the very purpose of AoM. Many other popular men’s magazines/blogs are overly superficial and materialistic. These sources try to convince men that a great body, models, cars, clothes, watches, etc., etc will fulfill their desires and are ends in themselves. In contrast, AoM is really about teaching young men to create their own happiness/success through the improvement of oneself. The articles that Brett and Kate write are guides to lead men on the path to creation.

As a 22 year old college grad, I find myself constantly having to check myself when I’m imagining how much my life would improve if I only had [insert product name here], and this article really puts my internal feelings on the subject into words. Thank you Brett and Kate for this great article and your fantastic website. Your success is proof that you are helping individuals lead a more virtuous and fulfilling life.

-Brett H.

I just wanted to comment on the few who took issue with how reading is a form of consuming — of course it is a form of consuming. If one may be so inclined to read between the lines of the article’s topic, it could be seen that it is more a judgement on the value (product/by-product) of what we consume — not on the act of consuming in itself. If “consuming” this blog or a book helps you to create or otherwise improve yourself or some aspect of this world, then surely it is beneficial.