Thought and Memory

Tag: Fatherhood

  • No Apologies: Why Civilization Depends on the Strength of Men

    In his book “No Apologies,” Anthony Esolen argues that traditional masculinity is under attack in our modern society. He contends that men are being told to apologize for their strength, drive, and ambition. Esolen believes this trend is dangerous and emphasizes the need for men to reclaim their masculinity.

    To support his argument, Esolen presents a wealth of evidence, drawing on history, philosophy, and literature to demonstrate men’s historical roles as builders and protectors of civilization. He utilizes various sources, including the Bible, history, and philosophy, to strengthen his case.

    Esolen further argues that the modern world is endangered due to the loss of respect for traditional masculinity. He suggests that men are now encouraged to be weak and passive, which he believes leads to the decline of civilization. He urges men to reclaim their masculinity and stand up for what is right.

    The biblical concept of manhood is cited by Esolen, who emphasizes that Jesus served as a leader and role model for men, embodying qualities such as strength, courage, compassion, and wisdom.

    Esolen then delves into the history of manhood, asserting that men have always been leaders in civilization and have made significant contributions to society. He provides examples such as Alexander the Great, Michelangelo, and George Washington to support his claim.

    “No Apologies” is recommended for those concerned about the future of masculinity. Esolen presents a powerful and persuasive argument for why men should take pride in their masculinity without feeling the need to apologize for it.

    In addition to being recommended reading for men, “No Apologies” is a must-read for parents raising sons. The book offers valuable insights into the nature of masculinity, helping parents raise their sons to become strong, confident, and responsible men.

    If you are raising a son, I highly recommend reading “No Apologies.” This thought-provoking book challenges prevailing attitudes toward masculinity and equips parents with the necessary tools to raise their sons as men capable of making a positive impact on the world.

  • A Boy and His Dad

    A Boy and His Dad
    Edgar Guest, 1881 – 1959

    A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip—
    There is a glorious fellowship!
    Father and son and the open sky
    And the white clouds lazily drifting by,
    And the laughing stream as it runs along
    With the clicking reel like a martial song,
    And the father teaching the youngster gay
    How to land a fish in the sportsman’s way.

    I fancy I hear them talking there
    In an open boat, and the speech is fair.
    And the boy is learning the ways of men
    From the finest man in his youthful ken.
    Kings, to the youngster, cannot compare
    With the gentle father who’s with him there.
    And the greatest mind of the human race
    Not for one minute could take his place.

    Which is happier, man or boy?
    The soul of the father is steeped in joy,
    For he’s finding out, to his heart’s delight,
    That his son is fit for the future fight.
    He is learning the glorious depths of him,
    And the thoughts he thinks and his every whim;
    And he shall discover, when night comes on,
    How close he has grown to his little son.

    A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip—
    Builders of life’s companionship!
    Oh, I envy them, as I see them there
    Under the sky in the open air,
    For out of the old, old long-ago
    Come the summer days that I used to know,
    When I learned life’s truths from my father’s lips
    As I shared the joy of his fishing-trips.

    https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/boy-and-his-dad

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