[pg. 18 - 25 Summary] [Introduction: Boys to Men] The transition from boyhood to manhood isn’t marked by age; it’s marked by things that are much more substantial, such as your mindset and your actions, assuming responsibility for your place in the world, and stepping into a new reality – one defined by strength, purpose, and code of honor. As you read, you’ll find that every man you respect adheres to this code. Unfortunately, culture has buried this code beneath layers of enlightenment and progressivism, condemning many males to perpetual boyhood. He doesn’t want anyone to become just another boy victim.
Brian never had a moment in his life when he was declared a man. Because of this, he felt he had to prove his manhood in whatever was our selfish “if it feels good do it” culture told him. He determined his son was going to have a different experience. Brain did a mental survey of the men in his life he aspired to be like. Though they all had different experiences and professions, different personalities and upbringings, every single one of them exhibited the five marks spelled out.
1. Be watchful. I began to see that men had a vision.
2. Stand firm. Men aren’t afraid to stand against the tide when they’re resolved in what they believe. Men take a minority position.
3. Act like men. Men are team players.
4. Be strong. Men understand that they’re wired to produce value. This means that men work.
5. Let all that you do be done in love. Things that are done in love are done for the sake of other people. This means that men are protectors.
No matter where you are in life or what you’ve done, you can choose to be a man. You can embrace these five marks and begin a new path of strength and integrity. It’s time to man up.
