I read Iron John for the first time decades ago; we’ve known about the problems for so long it’s baffling we’re only starting to discuss it seriously now.
Iron John illuminated the spiritual mythos of masculinity in a way that the red pill/manosphere, and now whatever that's degenerated into, is totally missing. The deep meaningfulness of being a man has been lost, across the culture. It's good to see posts like this touch on that, one shave at a time, as well as your overall Stack, which is why I've subscribed. Keep the flame lit, it's needed.
Bly's Little Book of the Shadow was also quite powerful.
It's very important to have a fatherly figure around.
I now understand what you said on how we are losing the culture of old.
Men these days, don't teach their male children the "way of a man".
My father didn't teach me these things and honestly I don't blame him. I was in school when my hair sprout from my chin. I was forced to learn how to by myself.
But this is a reminder for fatherly figures to teach their young ones these things - how to shave, how to remove a tire, how to knot a tie.
Hopefully one day when I have a make child will teach him these things.
At present, the idea of a man offering a gentle hand and teaching a younger man to shave or tie a tie— is the most romantic thing I can imagine.
There’s a great intimacy to these simple acts done out of love, it’s truly inspiring.
Beautifully said. Thank you.
Thank you for reading!
Nice and thoughtful piece. If only Bly's prescriptions had caught on culturally, we'd be in a little less of an atomized mess.
I read Iron John for the first time decades ago; we’ve known about the problems for so long it’s baffling we’re only starting to discuss it seriously now.
Iron John illuminated the spiritual mythos of masculinity in a way that the red pill/manosphere, and now whatever that's degenerated into, is totally missing. The deep meaningfulness of being a man has been lost, across the culture. It's good to see posts like this touch on that, one shave at a time, as well as your overall Stack, which is why I've subscribed. Keep the flame lit, it's needed.
Bly's Little Book of the Shadow was also quite powerful.
I helped covert both my father and brother into safety razor shaving. I know when I have children they will be initiated as well.
Thanks for sharing this.
It's very important to have a fatherly figure around.
I now understand what you said on how we are losing the culture of old.
Men these days, don't teach their male children the "way of a man".
My father didn't teach me these things and honestly I don't blame him. I was in school when my hair sprout from my chin. I was forced to learn how to by myself.
But this is a reminder for fatherly figures to teach their young ones these things - how to shave, how to remove a tire, how to knot a tie.
Hopefully one day when I have a make child will teach him these things.
I’m so sorry to hear your father couldn’t be there for you in that way.
Hopefully you can take comfort in realizing how many men share in that felt absence.
I hope you recognize that, by aiming to do what your father didn’t, you are helping to improve lives, and you should take pride in that desire.
Ok then, check my posts, if you like it, please DM me.
https://aadilschoolstuff.substack.com/p/why-do-some-succeed-and-some-dont?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=6zlp42