Why I Wrote Manly Men
My new book, Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men, has just been released and it is getting a lot of attention. Glenn Beck read from the book on his show today and urged his audience to get it and give it. The Washington Times just came out with a positive review. Bloggers are extolling it and in the next few weeks I’ll be discussing it on numerous national shows.
I’m grateful for it all. Still, I won’t be satisfied with just another successful book. That sounds awfully arrogant, I imagine. What I mean is that while I want the book to sell and sell big—frankly, I want every man in the world to read this book—I’m actually hoping for a movement. I want men everywhere to start being the kind of men, creating the kind of culture, and having the kind of impact I describe in the book. Sales are part of this. May they soar! But sales aren’t my ultimate goal.
I wrote this book for some very specific reasons. Here they are.
First, I have a son. He’s fighting to be an exceptional man in an age that doesn’t make it easy. The book is for him.
Second, I have a daughter. She’ll likely date and eventually marry a fine young man. The book is for him.
Third, I spend time with a lot of young “Millennial” men. Society says they are narcissistic girly men. I don’t think so. I think they could be our greatest generation yet. The book is for them.
Fourth, I do a great deal of leadership coaching. Much of what I help fix is the impact of flawed versions of manhood on young executives who want to be great men. The book is for them.
Fifth, I help leaders address social problems. Many of those social problems exist because too many men aren’t true men. Instead they are childish, irresponsible, ruled by their crotches, abusive, addicted and dead inside. The book is for them.
Sixth, I’ve had the privilege of knowing some great and heroic men—men who have made me want to be more than I am. Some are generals and some are NAVY Seals. Some are doctors or lawyers. Some are paraplegics who take the bus to work every morning. Some work at the Y and some run the family store. They inspire me. They make me keep going. The book is for them.
Seventh, I love the women in my life. I love my daughter and her rowdy, brilliant friends. I love my son’s girlfriend. I’m moved by the gifted professional women I get to work with and the strong, smart, hilarious women my wife has befriended. Then, of course, there is my love for Bev. All of these represent to me the billions of women worldwide who deserve to have in their lives loving, devoted, righteous men who respect them and help them soar. The book is for them.
Be part of this. The book is also for you.
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