Comments on: Lessons in Manliness from Gladiator

By: The Best of Art of Manliness | The Art of Manliness

The Best of Art of Manliness | The Art of Manliness — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:34:46 +0000

[...] Lessons In Manliness From the Gladiator [...]

By: Frank Perri

Frank Perri — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:15:30 +0000

>>he did not revel in bloodshed. He only fought when he needed to

As personified by that great line, when Quintas mocks Maximus finishing his service and returning home to farm,

“Dirt washes off easier then blood, Quintas.”

Great line, it puts everything in perspective.

By: Christoph Dollis

Christoph Dollis — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:28:21 +0000

So in other words, he was a Stoic, as was Marcus Aurelius and Aurelius’ mentors, such as Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, and Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:53:03 +0000

Maximus was probably from the Roman province of Spain. From what I remember that was showcased through his armour somehow. He never lived in the city of Rome, but belonged to the Roman Empire. The Romans pretty much owned everything in present Europe.

By: Bartitsu: The Martial Art of Gentlemen | ProfeC.net

Bartitsu: The Martial Art of Gentlemen | ProfeC.net — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:56:24 +0000

[...] Lessons In Manliness From Gladiator [...]

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:40:22 +0000

Wonderful article. And a great analysis of the charachter. This same theme of true virtuous manly behavior has been used in all of my favorite movies. Men struggling against unbelievable odds, with pain and suffering tempering their actions, and honor and belief guiding them daily. Several of the best westerns, as well as movies like The Patriot, and to an extent, Braveheart, hold up the same ideals.
I think that several have touched on the point of Maximus grabbing a handful of dirt before battle. I think everyone was correct, and I had never looked at it from the agricultural perspective before. It was a ritualistic motion, with practical overlays, as well as spiritual. All warriors have these rituals, and given the time and opportunity, will consistently use them. Paratroopers before a jump, soldiers and swat officers before a raid, fighters before they enter the ring, even jockeys before a race. This is a human response to a challenge, and when that challenge is repetitive, eventually the preparation will be also.
The ideals are difficult to reach, but that just makes them so much more worthy of our effort to try.

By: sebendebi

sebendebi — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:57:18 +0000

the best movie…
that all i can say..
=D

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:24:50 +0000

After watching the movie for the first time on a very large screen, I was amazed at how Crowe personified the pinnacle of the male persona. My very first thought was that there are very few men like that in these times we live in and therein lies a huge problem. If men of today were to ascribe to these moralistic standards the world would be a MUCH different place.

I strive every day to love my children and be faithful to them. My ex-wife was not to me ( that is a different story ) but I at least show my wonderful kids that I am their father and will never give up on them.

The only thing I have is an insecurity of myself in a fight. I need to train myself to never ever doubt myself and not to give in to the fear of just “running away to fight another day” ( thank you Jack Sparrow ).

Great article and I will have this posted on my wall for review every day.

By: Feli

Feli — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:11:20 +0000

1. At the time “Spain” refers to the geographic area of the Spanish peninsula, a part of the Roman empire. The territory was probably first called that by Fenician sailors who discovered it (Fenician language was very similar to the ancient Arameic/Hebrew – “Eee Shfaniya”(The island of the rabbits – which were most probably Hyraxes and not rabbits) turned into “E-Spania”, Spain.

2.@Greg: “Leonidas vs. Maximus in a fight. Who would win?”.
Maximus as an individual was turned into what he was by education, decission and circumstances. Leonidas was turned into what it was not only as an individual – his whole people was educated into the same codes. As a fine exemplar and king, Leonidas excelled in the qualities for which he was bred. I personally disliked the sparkle of madness in his eyes, but most probably all heros disregarding their own physical pain and life were at least a little bit mad. By Hollywood’s craft Maximus’s sparkle was dilluted so we could have a more sane and honorable character on screen.

By: Matthew Holzapfel

Matthew Holzapfel — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:54:10 +0000

Maximus rubbed dirt on his hands and smelled the dirt because he was a farmer. Farmers are always evaluating the soil, you can be talking to them and they subconsciencely will pick up a handful of dirt, rub it and smell it. Farmers know the smell and feel of rich, fertile soil.

Maximus’ dreams were dreams of running his hands through the harvest of wheat at his wonderful farm.

Maximus was a warrior – but first he was a farmer. He loved the soil and what it could produce. Watch the movie with this in mind. You will see it pop up in all sorts of places.

By: chum

chum — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:56:17 +0000

Maximus was Spanish. He even says his home was in the hills above Trujillo, which is in Spain.

Even Marcus Aurelius was half-Spanish

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:50:21 +0000

@ James

“Perhaps it’s foolish to strive to be so strongly loyal or so deeply firm in devotion, but after reading this, I suddenly find myself wishing I was like Maximus.”

This made me think. My gut instinct tells me we all would want to pull off upholding these values. However, some may start saying that restricting oneself through these values is just foolish. I propose that it’s mere weakness due to our fear of failure that has anyone denounce these values as foolish. I know the only reason I’d not want to work to uphold these values is because I am afraid of my imperfect humanity, my incomplete manliness, showing itself by letting me down through occasional failure.

By: The Virtue of Moderation | The Art of Manliness

The Virtue of Moderation | The Art of Manliness — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:33:59 +0000

[...] example can be found in ancient Rome. The great battles of the Coliseum, made famous in movies like the Gladiator, began on a much smaller scale. The tradition started as a way to celebrate the funerals of [...]

By: Men with Pens Web Content Writers and Freelance Writing Services

Men with Pens Web Content Writers and Freelance Writing Services — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:13:46 +0000

[...] The Art of Manliness [...]

By: So You Want To Become a Man | The Art of Manliness

So You Want To Become a Man | The Art of Manliness — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:21:48 +0000

[...] contrast, the hero Maximus, the epitome of manhood, consistently chooses restraint and humility. He took care of the men around him, teaching them how [...]