“We need the iron qualities that go with true manhood. We need the positive virtues of resolution, of courage, of indomitable will, of power to do without shrinking the rough work that must always be done.” – Theodore Roosevelt
One of the crying needs in the world today is for men who know how to be men. True manhood is not chauvinistic, neither does it require an exaggerated swagger. It is both humble and self-assured, respectful yet firm, protective yet not overbearing.
True men never lend their capacities to hatred or any of its derivatives. True men are always motivated by and centered in love and as such, their presence and expression tends to intensify all that thy touch.
Love, in this sense, complements that which is consistent with its nature and draws the line relative to that which is not. Like a father teaching his son resolution, courage and the willingness to do the rough work, love compels the highest and finest while putting appropriate pressure on that which is no longer fitting.
Gregory Hake 
A timely reminder on how to be a true teacher as well, which I needed as we are winding down the school year. No time to get lazy in the righteousness department 🙂 Thanks so much Gregg!!
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Never!
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A great post for true men and true women!
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Thank you for such powerful words for men to hear. They are a call to upright oneself and to see what has and has not been of the character of manhood. Just to have the awareness to do the rough work is a merciful reminder and a gift.
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If you develop the habit of treating all work equally, that is, not judging the work to be done, the difficult work is instantly made easier!
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Most men and women waste their power on pettiness, fear and seeking comfort. Unfortunately, the qualities of true manhood are typically not taught or exemplified. Examples of what it is to be a man are revealed daily in the media, government, on tv, etc., but unfortunately most do not personify the qualities you mention. Each of us needs to take responsibility to be inspiring examples to our children and others of the qualities of manhood, and we are all a part of helping with this whether we are a man or woman..
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I see so often the tendency to shy away from any intense situation. For example, all of the articles you read about pressure being bad for you makes it seem like to be healthy you should try to live in a world that is “stress free”. What is unhealthy is the oscillation where right intensity tries to be built and a person shies away from it over and over. That is what I would call “stress”. We are weak because we shy away from our responsibilities. I am of the opinion that most people know what they should be doing, and most of the time do something different. To be a true man, you must embrace these things and seek them out, not try to shove them under a rug. There is always “the rough work” to be done, and to do that requires some dedication above what most are willing to give.
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I’m saddened when I see how often a whole generation of men will be in danger of dilution because of a passing trend or ideal that becomes popular in an effort to personify a real man. The “Marlboro” man syndrome is such a farce. History shows many of the heroes and icons were just as deliberately crafted.
Love is the power and the iron strength of all people. Thanks for your words.
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