August 13, 2023 | Issue #81

1 Quote. 1 Reflection. 1 Question.

1 Quote.

"The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation."

 -From: Henry David Thoreau

-Source: Walden, 1854

1 Reflection.

A few days ago, Oliver Anthony went viral and became an overnight sensation for his song "Rich Men North of Richmond". It is the simplicity and heartfelt emotion that tugged at the heartstrings of millions of people. 

Anthony belts out in verse three, "Well, God, if you're 5-foot-3 and you're 300 pounds Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground 'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down."

Young men have been on the back burner in the last few years. With the rise of toxic masculinity and the feminist movement, young men have been placed in the middle of a culture war with no general to lead them. This is truly tragic because as of 2021, in the U.S., men died by suicide 3.90x more than women. Some day these young boys will enter manhood and face demons all men inevitably face. 

One of America's greatest writers, Henry David Thoreau was on to something when he wrote this sentence in 1854. There is a reason why this is one of Thoreau's most famous quotes, just as there's a reason why Oliver Anthony's song resonated with millions of people.

168 years apart both Thoreau and Anthony address the same issue. Males inherently struggle. In addition to higher suicide rates, men commit more violent crimes, are more likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to engage in substance abuse. 

The bottom line: We need to do what we can to make these desperate boys and men, to devoted boys and men. 

Devoted to serve their communities. 
Devoted to love their significant others. 
Devoted to bettering themselves. 
Devoted to protecting their families. 

Promote this, and we can fix many of the problems facing males today. 

1 Question.

Can you reach out to a young man struggling this week? If not can you encourage someone to take your place?