Philosophy isn’t just an academic pursuit for me—it’s the foundation of how I approach life. The way I think, act, and shape my path is deeply influenced by certain ancient philosophers, their ideas, and their unwavering commitment to strength, discipline, and truth. At the same time, there are those whose ideas I reject, seeing them as obstacles to the true masculine path. Let me walk you through the philosophical influences that have shaped my worldview and the ideas I stand against.
Inspirations: The Pillars of Masculine Philosophy
1. Socrates
Socrates was a man who championed questioning everything—a philosophy that resonates deeply with me. He rejected the idea that one could accept things at face value, urging people to challenge assumptions and pursue knowledge relentlessly. His belief in the power of dialogue, self-examination, and personal responsibility laid the foundation for a mindset I live by. Socrates never accepted mediocrity and pushed for self-discipline, values I hold dear.
2. Aristotle
Aristotle, with his emphasis on virtue ethics, has greatly influenced my belief in self-discipline and personal responsibility. His concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing, perfectly encapsulates what it means to strive for excellence in every aspect of life. Aristotle’s philosophy emphasizes that we must cultivate virtue through habitual action—something I deeply believe in. Men who want to grow must first build a disciplined life, acting in accordance with their values to achieve their fullest potential.
3. Stoics: Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius
The Stoics have had an immense impact on me. Epictetus’s focus on accepting what we cannot control and taking responsibility for our actions resonates with my belief in personal agency. Seneca’s reflections on the fleeting nature of life push me to act with urgency and purpose, while Marcus Aurelius reminds me daily that a real man is someone who stays calm and focused in the face of adversity. Stoicism teaches us to build mental toughness, to focus on what we can control, and to let go of the distractions that prevent us from living a life of true strength.
Enemies: Ideas That Weaken Men
1. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
While I respect Plato’s contributions to philosophy, his Allegory of the Cave represents an idea I cannot accept. The idea that we are all chained to a false reality, unable to see the true world, undermines the power of free will and self-reliance. I believe a real man doesn’t wait for someone to show him the truth—he seeks it out, confronts it, and lives according to it. Plato’s vision of human life as a passive search for truth doesn’t align with my belief in active engagement with the world, shaping it through our own actions.
2. Descartes’ “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am)
Descartes’ idea of doubting everything except his own existence places too much focus on individual perception. While introspection is valuable, it should not become an excuse to overthink or deny the reality that exists around us. His philosophy has led to a disconnection from the world, where people retreat into their own minds and reject the tangible, external truths that make up our reality. This weakens men by encouraging them to live in abstract thought rather than engaging with the world and taking responsibility for it.
3. Marxism
Karl Marx’s ideas, with their focus on class struggle and the abolition of private property, represent an ideology that diminishes individual responsibility and personal achievement. Marxism rejects the concept of self-reliance, placing blame for one’s circumstances on external systems rather than encouraging individuals to take ownership of their actions and outcomes. A true man creates his own wealth through hard work, discipline, and responsibility—something Marxism undermines by promoting a sense of entitlement and dependence on others.
4. Nietzsche’s Übermensch (Overman)
While Nietzsche’s philosophy of transcending ordinary life and seeking personal greatness is appealing, I find the idea of the Übermensch to be flawed. It places too much emphasis on individualism and power, disregarding the importance of community, humility, and collaboration. A man must be strong, but he must also be part of something greater than himself—whether it’s his family, his community, or the pursuit of a higher moral good. Power for the sake of power alone leads to emptiness.
5. Solipsism
Solipsism, the idea that only one’s mind and perception are sure to exist, is an ideology that paralyzes men with self-doubt and ego. It promotes a worldview where everything revolves around the self, and nothing outside of one’s own mind is real. This is a weakness—men who believe in solipsism fail to take responsibility for their actions and their place in the world. They become passive observers instead of active participants in the life they could create.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Philosophy has shaped who I am, and I believe every man should have a philosophical foundation to guide his life. The ideas of those who came before us can either strengthen or weaken us. I choose to be inspired by those who have shown us the path of personal responsibility, self-discipline, and resilience. I reject the philosophies that turn men into passive thinkers or encourage them to disconnect from reality. A real man knows his own power, shapes his own destiny, and takes full responsibility for his actions.
