From the monthly archives:

February 2009

Manvotional: The Man in The Arena by Theodore Roosevelt

by Brett & Kate McKay

If you’ve been reading AoM for awhile, you’ll know that we’re big, big fans of Theodore Roosevelt. TR’s life shows us that hard work, tenacity, and a desire to do the right thing can get you far in life. In the most memorable section of his “Citizenship in a Republic” speech, Roosevelt captured his life [...]

19 comments | Read the full article →

Soda Review: Which is the Best Cola?

by Brett

In celebration of the Art of Manliness’ love for the finely crafted, independently made soda, today we return to our soda reviews. Last time, we had the pleasure of reviewing some of the best root beers in the land. Many, many commentors raved about one particular brew that we had left out: Virgil’s. We couldn’t [...]

60 comments | Read the full article →

Dressing for Life’s Big Events: How a Man Should Dress for Weddings, First Dates, Religious Ceremonies and More

by Antonio

A man’s life is full of moments that will require him to dress a certain way. From his high school graduation to walking his daughter down the aisle, a man needs to understand the basics of formal, semi-formal, and casual dressing so that he knows when to wear what and how. Because a gentleman understands [...]

37 comments | Read the full article →

So You Want My Job: Game Warden

by Brett & Kate McKay

Tom McKay, New Mexico State Game Warden, 1975
Today we return to our “So You Want My Job” series, in which we interview men who are employed in desirable man jobs and ask them about the reality of their work and for advice on how men can finally become what they always wanted to be when [...]

19 comments | Read the full article →

Discovering a Lost Genre: Safari Stories

by Brett & Kate McKay

Editor’s note: This post is from Chris Hutcheson, a former guest writer, and now official Art of Manliness contributor. His friend, Josh Parchman, helped research this article. Thanks Josh.

Welcome Hutch! The site is even manlier with you on board.

“Nowhere on earth (and possibly space either) can the senses as well as the emotions [...]

33 comments | Read the full article →

Clip the Tip? Point/Counterpoint on Male Circumcision

by Brett

Whether or not to circumcise your newborn son is probably the very first big decision you’ll make for him. Several decades ago, the choice would have been easy; in the 1970’s, around 90% of American-born males were circumcised. Today that number has fallen to around 60%, and the practice is markedly less popular in many [...]

161 comments | Read the full article →

Manvotional: Playing the Game

by Brett & Kate McKay

Image from paoloboza
I ran across this poem by an anonymous author the other day. I think it sums up nicely how a man should approach life: play fair, don’t whine when things don’t go your way, and bust your butt in everything you do. Play the game of life well, and you’ll be a success.

3 comments | Read the full article →

The Art of Manliness Weekly Roundup

by Brett & Kate McKay

Once again, it’s time for the weekly roundup, in which I share interesting links that I found while surfing the web this week.
50 Nifty Tricks for Big DIY Savings (@ this old house) In this tough economy, the little things can add up to big savings. The folks at This Old House have put together [...]

5 comments | Read the full article →

How Martial Arts Can Supercharge Your Man Spirit

by Brett

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Rodney King.
Robert Moore, a psychologist and theologian, emphasized that for men the warrior spirit was “hard wired.” Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were warriors. As warriors they where required to defend themselves to survive. They had to defend their family and tribe. This was necessary for the lineage and [...]

49 comments | Read the full article →

12 Tools Every Man Should Have in His Toolbox

by Brett

Your girlfriend needs help putting some furniture together. Your wife asks you to install a ceiling fan. Your kid needs her bike fixed. Of course you have the tools to take on these jobs, right? For many younger men these days, owning a well equipped toolbox is something that only their dads do. Often when [...]

134 comments | Read the full article →

Every Man Needs a Man Mentor

by Brett & Kate McKay

When I was 15, I met a man who would have a profound impact on my life. His name was Andrew Lester. I first encountered Mr. Lester at church. He was the fun old guy that everyone liked being around. Despite being in his 8os, he had this boyish, mischievous look to him. He also [...]

48 comments | Read the full article →

The Art of Manliness Weekly Roundup

by Brett & Kate McKay

Here’s some interesting links I found while surfing the interwebs this week that might be of interest to AoM readers:
Specialization and Decline (@ financial sense) An interesting essay that compares today’s Western economies and culture to ancient Rome’s. The author argues that the more complex an economy becomes and the more decadent a culture becomes, [...]

5 comments | Read the full article →

Is Manliness Obsolete?

by Brett

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Will Briggs. Will frequents the AoM forum, blogs at Letters to Liam and from what I can tell, is one of the nicest and most sincere gentlemen around.

Some years ago I read a book (Manhood in the Making, by David Gilmore) which surveyed the concept of masculinity [...]

55 comments | Read the full article →

5 Gut Busting Conditioning Drills from the Gridiron

by Brett

Back when I played high school football, there was nothing I dreaded more than conditioning drills at the end of practice. After three hours of practice in the hot and humid Oklahoma sun, all you wanted to do was take a cold shower and chug Gatorade. But my coaches had other plans. In their spare [...]

52 comments | Read the full article →

The Winners of the Proflowers Valentine’s Day Giveaway+15 Creative Date Ideas

by Brett

A big thanks to all those who participated in the Proflowers Valentine’s Day Giveaway. Reading through your date ideas and experiences was downright touching; I am thoroughly impressed with the creativity, devotion, and selflessness of AoM’s readers. Anyone who thinks romance is dead and that gentlemen are extinct should take the time to read [...]

12 comments | Read the full article →

← Previous Entries