Comments on: The 5 Switches of Manliness: Legacy

By: Beardy Ben

Beardy Ben — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:06:22 +0000

This is right on and very timely! I have just been thinking about how the general lack of long-term perspective is hindering progress and education in the last few days. It must be a common thing among men to want to improve the world around them for the future, and it is terrible that the culture’s “disposable” paradigm directly opposes this urge. It seems that leaving a legacy was expected of men years ago, each man was expected to be known for something: courage, creativity, leadership, vision, sacrifice, etc. but now no one expects anything – just do what you want, whatever feels right is fine. Its disappointing really and I believe its the cause for students coming out of schools with paltry knowledge of history, economics, civics, and fine arts. Just like you said, we need to create as many colleagues and replacements in manliness as we can or our descendants will suffer for it.

By: Andy O

Andy O — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:14:59 +0000

Outstanding article in a solid series.

To my mind, a man’s legacy has many parts:

-the biological. Offspring. Not always possible, and in this day and age the least relevant. Yet it is still the ur-legacy. Children carry on the genes.

-the social. The effect a man has on those with whom he crossed paths in life. How many did he teach? How many did he encourage? how many boys did he turn to men? In short, how many colleagues and replacements in manliness did he create?

-the cultural. Innovations he brought about. This can be the oft-referenced artistic creativity or technological invention, but for those not gifted for that, it’s anything “new” to improve or add variety/usefulness to those around him.

-the physical. Assets and artifacts that the man added to the civilised world. Not “new” things, just instances of old ones that took his labour, planning or resources to reproduce. The software I write is part of my physical legacy. So are the cabinets I installed in my mother’s kitchen.

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:58:05 +0000

@ Georgiaboy61: there’s a difference between “sending” women into combat, and allowing those who want to fight, to go and make their mark in the way they choose.

Very good article, on the whole. Some parts only seem to apply to America (the “we’ve lost touch with our past” problem). Also, as Mary says, it doesn’t only apply to men. Being able to prove that we’re worth something, that our existence will be noticed, applies to everyone, and child-rearing is a dual-gender thing. Simply producing a child, yes, female-only, but as many have said here, it’s rearing that child that leaves a legacy, and that’s a job for either gender, with adoption being just as valid a a genetic relationship.

My dad’s got his legacy sorted: he’s taught me, and others, a lot.

By: Alejandro

Alejandro — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:19:30 +0000

It’s sadly ironic that the lives of males are still considered expendable. Even in this politically correct society – where bleeding heart liberals clamor for the welfare of death row inmates – that probably won’t change anytime soon. Women seem thoroughly satisfied with the double standard they’ve imposed upon us. They demand equality in jobs, education and pay, but still want to be the first ones in the life boat when the ship hits the iceberg. And, men are letting them get away with it. Men shouldn’t have to certify their worth solely through good deeds; that is, actions that make adult females safe and comfortable. On the eve of “Father’s Day,” I know men are more valuable than what they have in their bank accounts. And, we shouldn’t have to compete to the death with other males to prove it.

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 18:49:07 +0000

This is very interesting, but I don’t think it only applies to men.
Many women want just as much to leave their mark. It doesn’t mean that because they had children they’re done. We’re just as terrified of death, we also want a legacy that it doesn’t necessarily involve breeding

By: Max

Max — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:41:43 +0000

This should be taught at school, wait, we should strive to get his into the school curriculum, wait, it might already be there?…

By: Emmanuel

Emmanuel — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:13:18 +0000

Thank you very much for this wounder full post.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:49:41 +0000

I forgot to mention that the cycle tour (called BikeJava) raised enough money for a child to get a life-saving surgery, a community to gain much needed supplies to conserve the nature near their land threatened by housing developments, and a poor school got school supplies and hundreds of books.

Write on!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:44:42 +0000

This blog had a post several months back about philanthropist adventurers – that article inspired me to set up a philanthropic cycle tour across the island of Java in Indonesia. I didn’t make it because of a traumatic head injury that caused short-term amnesia. I only mention the cycling tour as an example of how things we do (you specifically) that have legacies you may have no idea about.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:17:33 +0000

You want to talk about legacy? ADOPT! In my opinion, the greatest legacy you can ever leave in this world is being a parent to a child who is not yours. My wife cannot have children, but we made the decision to adopt and are now in the system awaiting placement. There are so many children out there in need of a good home. Imagine life without family! As much as I want to deny, my parents shaped who I am. I want to pass on the skills and values I have learned.
Other thoughts on legacy, one of my ancestors was General Sherman. Learning about my past helped me shape my future as I always felt a deep connection toward military service. I served in the Marines for 5 years and now continue serving my country in the form of contractor work. I’m hoping to instill this love of country in my children too. They may not be blood related, but that won’t matter.