If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?
I would choose the word diligence. Consistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind. Why diligence? What is a man without it?
Word: Diligence
Occupation: Sculptor
Age: 31
From: Kansas City, MO
Who is the manliest person you know and why?
"A man named Jody. He lives on five acres in Colorado. He raises animals, hunts, gardens, and makes his living as a cobbler. He is happy, free, and has a father's heart. One time a young man asked if he minded if he smoked on a ministry trip. Jody responded 'Smoke, we love smoke! It drives all sort of religious spirits away'."
Do you wish you were more masculine? Why or why not?
"Do I wish I was more masculine? Do I wish I was more diligent? Because my word was diligence.... Who doesn't wish they were more masculine? I've tried to grow a beard and it doesn't look super great on me, because it doesn't grow nice and full. I think of a lion in Africa and what would be a male lion without his mane ya know....
I'd like to build my own house from the ground up that is one of my dreams. Uhm... I love being a man and I'm so thankful I was born a man. I love working with my muscles and my physical body. I love helping people.
When I was a young guy, I really wanted a Jeep because I just liked the idea of being able to go and pull people out of the ditch and stuff. And if like somebody is in trouble I have this loyalty inside of me that just wants to be there for them. Like if one of my buddies called me and he was down in Mexico, and he said he needed me. I would drop everything and just go. I think that is a good thing and that's one of the things I like about myself and that I am proud of. If there was more of that, I think that would be great. I think more beards are great, work boots, etc...
Who doesn't want to be more masculine? I do."
What does healthy masculinity look like to you?
"Well, I can tell you one thing that I don't feel like it looks like. Because I have had men over me that haven't been able to admit that they were wrong and it has not made me trust them. I think it's important to admit that you are wrong and I think that is a healthy part of masculinity. When you blow it to be able to own it. I also heard this quote one time, and it said: 'When a man plants a tree for shade that he will never enjoy in his lifetime then he has at least in part learned the meaning of life.' And I think when a man can have the vision and it goes beyond himself or the temporary moment to those that it is going to affect and realize that his decisions aren't just about changing his current situation. I think that is really manly."
