Comments on: The Warrior’s Guide to True Manliness http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/ Men's Interests and Lifestyle Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:30:39 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Paul Hughes http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-45257 Paul Hughes Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:07:09 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-45257 Some of this has been said by others, but this post was not good. First, as at least one comment noted, most men were not warriors — not in Sparta, and not 500 years ago. Not ever. Second, even those who were warriors were often driving by something other than fear, of death or anything, or the survival instinct. Motivations were good and ill, and some of the good ones, which presumably is what we're interested in here, were defense of home or country, love of God, and so on. Third, there are the factual errors — Lance Armstrong won most of his Tour de France crowns before being diagnosed, and he was PLENTY driven WAY before that; in fact it could be argued he has become a bit arrogant with the hubris-like pride stuff since that diagnosis. Martin Luther King Jr. was LED by racism to do his inestimable work? I'd suggest he was not reactive in that way, nor would we want to say the racism led to the good work (props to racism on that one, eh?). Rather his strength clearly came from God, as also his ability to continue the struggle. He believed the U.S. could be what it had promised to be, so that motivated him as well. It wasn't the racism. Next we have the unfortunate contradiction that these rules will put you on, "the never-ending road to greatness" ... but the journey is better than the destination. So is it the never-ending road (no destination) or not? Speaking of which, "All paths are the same" ??? I trow not. A fundamental assumption of this entire enterprise is that there are good ways of become more manly, right? That would be the basis for saying "do this, don't do this," which every post does every day. (And anyway, how can "choosing the correct path" matter, as the authors suggest, if all paths are not only the same — but "lead absolutely nowhere"?) Finally, Mr. McKay, even if you didn't write the piece, which is clear (as you say) from the very first line ... this is your website. Maybe the comments section cannot be held against you (many web logs note just that) but surely we can expect you to read / edit (or reject) guest posts that are unworthy of your otherwise exemplary work? I'd guess the magazine editor wanted something along those lines, since he is one. Yours kindly, paul hughes Some of this has been said by others, but this post was not good.
First, as at least one comment noted, most men were not warriors — not in Sparta, and not 500 years ago. Not ever.
Second, even those who were warriors were often driving by something other than fear, of death or anything, or the survival instinct. Motivations were good and ill, and some of the good ones, which presumably is what we’re interested in here, were defense of home or country, love of God, and so on.
Third, there are the factual errors — Lance Armstrong won most of his Tour de France crowns before being diagnosed, and he was PLENTY driven WAY before that; in fact it could be argued he has become a bit arrogant with the hubris-like pride stuff since that diagnosis. Martin Luther King Jr. was LED by racism to do his inestimable work? I’d suggest he was not reactive in that way, nor would we want to say the racism led to the good work (props to racism on that one, eh?). Rather his strength clearly came from God, as also his ability to continue the struggle. He believed the U.S. could be what it had promised to be, so that motivated him as well. It wasn’t the racism.
Next we have the unfortunate contradiction that these rules will put you on, “the never-ending road to greatness” … but the journey is better than the destination. So is it the never-ending road (no destination) or not?
Speaking of which, “All paths are the same” ??? I trow not. A fundamental assumption of this entire enterprise is that there are good ways of become more manly, right? That would be the basis for saying “do this, don’t do this,” which every post does every day.
(And anyway, how can “choosing the correct path” matter, as the authors suggest, if all paths are not only the same — but “lead absolutely nowhere”?)
Finally, Mr. McKay, even if you didn’t write the piece, which is clear (as you say) from the very first line … this is your website. Maybe the comments section cannot be held against you (many web logs note just that) but surely we can expect you to read / edit (or reject) guest posts that are unworthy of your otherwise exemplary work? I’d guess the magazine editor wanted something along those lines, since he is one.

Yours kindly,

paul hughes

]]> By: Brett http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-36786 Brett Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:26:17 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-36786 @Johnny- Quite dishonorable of you, sir, to call me out by name without bothering to read the very first line of this post which says that I did not write this article. A strange oversight for a magazine editor. @Johnny-

Quite dishonorable of you, sir, to call me out by name without bothering to read the very first line of this post which says that I did not write this article. A strange oversight for a magazine editor.

]]> By: Johnny Deadline http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-36752 Johnny Deadline Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:07:33 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-36752 As a professional magazine editor it's obvious to me that the the concepts, structure and even the order in which the ideas are presented were lifted directly from three books by Carlos Castaneda. Primarily from "The Teachings of Don Juan," but also from "A Separate Reality" and "Journey to Ixtlan." This is known as plagiarism. Valid material to be sure, but quite dishonorable of Brett not to cite Castaneda. As a professional magazine editor it’s obvious to me that the the concepts, structure and even the order in which the ideas are presented were lifted directly from three books by Carlos Castaneda. Primarily from “The Teachings of Don Juan,” but also from “A Separate Reality” and “Journey to Ixtlan.” This is known as plagiarism. Valid material to be sure, but quite dishonorable of Brett not to cite Castaneda.

]]> By: Unexpected encouragement « Unconquered amid the night http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-35771 Unexpected encouragement « Unconquered amid the night Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:33:57 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-35771 [...] In the midst of sorrow of leaving the comfort and love of friends I am bolstered by this article http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/  Using death as your guide… priceless truth.  More to the point of the Christian, [...] [...] In the midst of sorrow of leaving the comfort and love of friends I am bolstered by this article http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/  Using death as your guide… priceless truth.  More to the point of the Christian, [...]

]]> By: Le dauphin http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-30603 Le dauphin Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:37:27 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-30603 Hey, Death over a (man's) shoulder was, in fact, discussed (at length) in Castaneda's Journey to Ixtlan- A book which opened my mind widely, and from which I grew a fair amount. Thanks for the refresher & incitement : ) Y'all might also like Leadership Lessons of the Navy SEALs, The 48 Laws of Power, & Good to Great. They're also insightful, rousing & generally yang. Regards, Dauph Hey,

Death over a (man’s) shoulder was, in fact, discussed (at length) in Castaneda’s Journey to Ixtlan- A book which opened my mind widely, and from which I grew a fair amount. Thanks for the refresher & incitement : )

Y’all might also like Leadership Lessons of the Navy SEALs, The 48 Laws of Power, & Good to Great. They’re also insightful, rousing & generally yang.

Regards,

Dauph

]]> By: John Walker http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-30577 John Walker Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:34:41 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-30577 Opinions are like arse holes (everyone's got one). Opinions are like arse holes (everyone’s got one).

]]> By: harigast http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-26355 harigast Tue, 05 May 2009 03:04:04 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-26355 i like how many of you turds got this totally wrong. from the comments made by said turds, i can tell you have no drive for real life unless it involves getting to the next level of world of warcraft. maybe you friendless virgins should move out of your mom's attic/basement and get some sun. i like how many of you turds got this totally wrong. from the comments made by said turds, i can tell you have no drive for real life unless it involves getting to the next level of world of warcraft. maybe you friendless virgins should move out of your mom’s attic/basement and get some sun.

]]> By: S.Smith http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-22004 S.Smith Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:55:46 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-22004 I like Castaneda too. <a href="http://realtaiji.com/only-three-rules/399" rel="nofollow">3 Rules</a> bind the universe. I like Castaneda too. 3 Rules bind the universe.

]]> By: interesting post..opinions? « the things worth believing in http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-21790 interesting post..opinions? « the things worth believing in Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:49:13 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-21790 [...] |   There is an interesting article over at “The Art of Manliness” called “The Warriors Guide to True Manliness”. Here’s an [...] [...] |   There is an interesting article over at “The Art of Manliness” called “The Warriors Guide to True Manliness”. Here’s an [...]

]]> By: Jared http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-21245 Jared Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:19:01 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-21245 Kudos to the author. I've been rereading this article to get inspired over the last few days. It has become my "manvotional." I'm making some very big and tough decisions, and this is helping me in that a lot. I sincerely disagree with all dissenters and found their logic to be poor and/or greatly flawed. Kudos to the author. I’ve been rereading this article to get inspired over the last few days. It has become my “manvotional.” I’m making some very big and tough decisions, and this is helping me in that a lot.

I sincerely disagree with all dissenters and found their logic to be poor and/or greatly flawed.

]]> By: Best of Art of Manliness, March 2008 | The Art of Manliness http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-4273 Best of Art of Manliness, March 2008 | The Art of Manliness Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:03:38 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-4273 [...] The Warrior’s Guide to True Manliness (This was a guest post by Evan and Spencer Burton from Living Indubiously) [...] [...] The Warrior’s Guide to True Manliness (This was a guest post by Evan and Spencer Burton from Living Indubiously) [...]

]]> By: true warrior achievement http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-1915 true warrior achievement Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:57:44 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-1915 [...] folks for sins they did not commit:http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20080328/cm_uc_crpbux/op_335665The Warrior??s Guide to True ManlinessIt was not long ago that men were born to be warriors and had no other obligations than to uphold [...] [...] folks for sins they did not commit:http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20080328/cm_uc_crpbux/op_335665The Warrior??s Guide to True ManlinessIt was not long ago that men were born to be warriors and had no other obligations than to uphold [...]

]]> By: Brett McKay http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-1866 Brett McKay Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:20:05 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-1866 @Justus- I don't remember deleting your comment...are you sure it went through? The last comment I got from you was on the Wartime Sacrifice post. @Justus-

I don’t remember deleting your comment…are you sure it went through? The last comment I got from you was on the Wartime Sacrifice post.

]]> By: Justus http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-1862 Justus Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:52:43 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-1862 Lol Was my comment deleted? I did get rather off topic. I sure hope it wasn't deleted because I was opposed to the article because, quite to the contrary, I completely agree with the article. And I agree with Loki as well. Sometimes things like this aren't meant to be literal. "By and large, this is a crock. Most men in most places have been farmers, not warriors; warriors have in general been a parasitic class on the farmers. The choice of a (fake) Spartan for your image is a case in point — the citizens of Sparta were all non-productive warriors; the productive work that fed them was done by helots (serfs). See this fascinating article." And to the writer of that comment...Would you rather be the Helot? Or the Spartan? Think about that. Lol Was my comment deleted? I did get rather off topic. I sure hope it wasn’t deleted because I was opposed to the article because, quite to the contrary, I completely agree with the article. And I agree with Loki as well. Sometimes things like this aren’t meant to be literal.

“By and large, this is a crock. Most men in most places have been farmers, not warriors; warriors have in general been a parasitic class on the farmers. The choice of a (fake) Spartan for your image is a case in point — the citizens of Sparta were all non-productive warriors; the productive work that fed them was done by helots (serfs). See this fascinating article.”

And to the writer of that comment…Would you rather be the Helot? Or the Spartan? Think about that.

]]> By: Loki's Playground http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/comment-page-1/#comment-1844 Loki's Playground Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:14:15 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/04/the-warrior%e2%80%99s-guide-to-true-manliness/#comment-1844 Well so many responders have proved their lack of worth and understanding. What are you looking for? Spoon feeding? Silver platter? Look at what is being said beyond the black words. Fools... To those who saw past the black words... much of what was said by you needs no further clarification. The authors have doen a great job. But I challenge you to look at one thing. Rather than the concept of a fear of death. Awareness of it and understanding of it. It is not a fear of it but an acceptance of it. Well so many responders have proved their lack of worth and understanding. What are you looking for? Spoon feeding? Silver platter?

Look at what is being said beyond the black words.

Fools…

To those who saw past the black words… much of what was said by you needs no further clarification. The authors have doen a great job.

But I challenge you to look at one thing. Rather than the concept of a fear of death. Awareness of it and understanding of it. It is not a fear of it but an acceptance of it.

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