Home > Work > The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man
21 " I don’t know what it is. Perhaps it’s the combination of the smell of hair tonics and the all-man atmosphere. But more so, it’s the awareness of the tradition of barbershops. Barbershops are places of continuity; they don’t change with the shifts in culture. The places and barbers look the same as they did when your dad got his hair cut. It’s a straightforward experience with none of the foo-foo accoutrements of the modern age. There are no waxings, facials, highlights or appointments. Just great haircuts and great conversation. When you walk out of the barbershop with a sharp haircut, you can’t help but feel a little manly swagger creep into your step. "
― Brett McKay , The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man
22 " Unfortunately, many modern men place the gentleman on the sissy end of the manliness spectrum, opposite that of the burping, unshaven, uncouth, “man’s man.” Yet our forebears understood that there was no contradiction in being ruggedly manly and a refined gentleman. "
23 " Hanging out consists of people getting together in groups and doing stuff together. The atmosphere is relaxed and relations in the group rarely rise above the level of friendship (or friendship with benefits). Dating consists of pairing off with someone in a temporary commitment so you can get to know the person better and perhaps start a long-term relationship with them. There is nothing wrong with hanging out, but it’s not a replacement for dating. "
24 " Emily Post’s Etiquette was the most requested book by G.I.s during World War II. "
25 " A man should wear trousers at navel level, not below it. "
26 " The ability to show hospitality has been a measure of one’s character across cultures and time. "
27 " even Saddam Hussein rocked a pocket square when he was on trial—a man should never defend his war crimes without one. "
28 " if you want to get your thumb on the pulse of civic life in your community, head over to the barbershop. "
29 " A woman can still be a man’s equal, and yet be worthy of being treated with honor, respect "
30 " Every man must be ready to put aside thoughts of his own welfare or pressing schedule and be willing to come to the aid of those in need. "
31 " Work nonstop for forty-eight minutes. When the forty-eight minutes is up, take a break for twelve. "
32 " All of history’s great leaders had moments of glorious success and moments of devastating defeat. Great leaders focus on the things they can change and influence, and the past is not one of those things. If you fail, learn from it but cease to dwell on it. When you succeed, celebrate with your followers and move on. A leader who continually dwells on past success shows that he has not set his eye on greater things. Additionally, as we learn from the Greeks, a leader’s hubris can quickly become their downfall. Always stay humble and hungry. "
33 " Good manners are made up of petty sacrifices.” —RALPH WALDO EMERSON "
34 " Listen more than you speak. We could all benefit a great deal if we opened our ears and shut our mouth more often. Make it a goal in each conversation to speak less than the other person. "
35 " This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.” —WILLIAM LYON PHELPS "
36 " What you speak is a mirror of what you think. Filling your mind with positive, clear, intelligent thoughts will ensure that what you speak will benefit others and yourself. "
37 " In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” —THEODORE ROOSEVELT "
38 " Everyone loves to hear of such heroic acts not only because they are inspiring but because they are rarer in an increasingly anonymous and isolated society, a world where it is far easier to step over the man in need than to risk life and limb to save him. "
39 " Yet sacrifice is one of the key qualities of true men. Every man must be ready to put aside thoughts of his own welfare or pressing schedule and be willing to come to the aid of those in need. No man knows precisely how he will act in the moment of crisis. But he can prepare himself to make the right choice when that day comes by daily cultivating a generous and compassionate attitude and by learning the skills necessary to be able to step in to help without hesitation. "
40 " Make it your goal to have your children say about you what Theodore Roosevelt said about his father: “My father was the best man I ever knew. He combined strength and courage with gentleness, tenderness, and great unselfishness. He would not tolerate in us children selfishness or cruelty, idleness, cowardice, or untruthfulness. "