The tactical virtues of manly men through all generations are strength, courage, mastery and honor.
Key Points:
- In modern times, we view “honor” as an inner virtue that guides us akin to integrity. In ancient times, your honor was determined by your peers who shared the same honor code.
- Classical honor breaks down into four main components or “tactical virtues.” They are strength, courage, mastery, and honor.
- Strength is raw physical power. It is the ability to stand fast and immovable when pushed.
- Courage is the conviction to employ your strength when you are inwardly tempted to run and hide. Fundamentally, it is an outwardly-demonstrated indifference to risk, pain, and physical danger.
- Mastery involves a deep understanding or knowledge that saves lives and furthers the interest of your group.
- Honor is the mechanism that pushes you to strive for excellence in strength, courage, and mastery. When you have honor, you don’t engage in activities that take away from your group. You pull your own weight and you care for your group.
Quote This:
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. -Winston Churchill
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Define “strength” and grade yourself on this virtue. Do the same for the other 3 “tactical” virtues.
- Do you agree that these four virtues describe the core of man’s honor code? Defend your answer.
- “Strength coupled with virtue, bravery combined with character.” What did ancient philosophers call this? Name a few men in your life or nation who display these qualities.
- How would you define honor?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This topic is adapted from the Art of Manliness YouTube channel.
