Classic Masculinity: Lessons from Plato's Republic on What it Means to be a Man.

The word masculine is under threat! At a time when 'extreme' feminism and woke ideology is degrading what it means to be a man - in the genetic sense of the word, It is a hugely divisive topic, & has many public figures often expressing polarising views on what it means to be male. The classical world of Plato however may have some 'timeless' wisdom that could still be relevant to stir the masculinity conversation today.

Introduction

You only need to have quick glance at social media, modern entertainment, or tune in to most podcast platforms, to realise that the concept of masculinity has been grossly distorted.

You have the polarizing extremes & absurdities from the likes of Sam Smith, all the way to the polemical message of Andrew Tate, & everything in between.

Is there any wonder why there is a crisis in male identity, today? Why young boys would much prefer to spend every waking moment watching nonsense on Youtube or playing video games in an entirely non-reality world?

I think the answer therein lies in the lack of balanced masculine role models to aspire too, or to inspire an alternative way of living within the world! Not to mention, as is becoming increasingly popular, that the male influence on film/TV is being slowly replaced by the female hero; or the fact that gender itself is under attack.

The consequence is a young male generation whom have little-to-no positive examples of what it means to be a man!

How could it be that a philosopher living nearly 3000 years ago could offer some timeless wisdom that is relevant to our contemporary conversation around developing a positive view of masculinity?

For Plato, the conversation started with education.

Education, In Plato's Republic

Socrates illustrates the importance of education that is fundamental to developing a well balanced, high-performing, physically strong, capable & cognitively intelligent man (education for Socrates was paramount to all of society, but remember education here in the ancient world is not to be confused with school systems as we understand them today).

After all, all the research in evolutionary psychology & masculinity points to the notion that males yearn for purpose, competence, respect, & a sense of contribution & meaning. Remove either of these variables, & watch as chaos descends rapidly in their lives!

Likewise, (reluctantly) agreeing with Tate's message, men whom seek guidance out of chaotic depressive states do not need to talk about their feelings (as is the female influenced narrative), they need to be shown how to discover purpose in their lives, & given the tools to develop competence as they move toward it.

Socrates observed this phenomena in his day, which sheds light on our 'lack' of evolutionary capabilities, because much of what he discussed is very much where we see the conversation today!

This is why Socrates' focus on education is imperative to realign what it means to a man.

To combat this, he recognised the importance of both intellectual & physical education.

1. Intellectual Education was understood as the studying of philosophy, literature, history, art & poetry. The purpose being to develop an appreciation of logical reasoning & philosophical temperament, which develops a calm & balanced, intelligent perspective that seeks to value the grace & beauty in the world.

For Socrates the ability to intelligently make sense of the world around you, appreciate the deeper concepts of what it means to be human, as well interpret current societal norms & trends from a philosophical perspective, was crucial to becoming a high-performing independent, intelligent man.

2. Physical Education has the sole purpose, not simply to make people 'tough', but to stimulate 'energy & initiative' that is crucial for societal contribution! For Socrates, the consistent & routine ability to seek out physical suffering to develop strength, perseverance, & development of character was imperative. In his mind, being physically strong also reduced the 'excessive need for a doctor', which refers to maintaining the sense of meaning & purpose that males desire.

Socrates, when asked why physical education is important, he said regular physical stimulation was more about the mind than anything else! When both the intellectual & physical education practices are utilised, the result is a well-balanced temperament , a physically strong & capable individual, & an intelligent, grounded character.

How many young men are being sold this message today? The answer is NOT many!!

Plato's Polarizing Extremes

Developing this idea, Socrates illustrates the necessity of the balance between the two educational principles to 'produce a character that is self-controlled & brave'. He therefore presents two polarizing male sub-groups to highlight the extremes. He says:

'Have, you noticed how a life long devotion to physical exercise , to the exclusion of anything else, produces a certain type of mind? Just as a neglect of it produces another type?... One tends to be uncivilised & tough, the other soft & over sensitive.' - Socrates, (Republic)

For the devoted physical gym buff he says: 'It is the energy & initiative in their nature that make them uncivilised... there is a man who takes a lot of strenuous physical exercise & lives well, but has little acquaintance with literature & philosophy'. The result, of someone who has no intelligent interests is: 'he becomes deaf & blind... & so he becomes an unintelligent Philistine... with an animal addiction to settle everything by brute force'. - Socrates, (Republic)

For the devoted intellectual he says: 'the philosophical temperament is gentle. But too much relaxation may produce an excessive softness... He becomes what Homer calls a feeble fighter... making him unstable... his energy degenerated into peevishness & ill temper, subject to constant irritability'.

Socrates concludes these examples in a poetic irony, by noting:

'We may venture to assert that anyone who can produce the perfect blend of the physical & intellectual sides of education & apply them to the training of character, is producing music & harmony of far more importance than any mere musical tuning strings'. - Socrates, (Republic)

Surely, this is what it means to man?

Is this not a view of masculinity that cuts across the current cultural narrative that advocates toxic male behaviour?

When the equilibrium between the intellectual & physical is well balanced, a man emerges of whom has a strong & attractive character, who is fit, competent & capable, yet gentle, stable & full of grace.

This breed of masculinity also produces an inspiring role model for the young male generation to aspire too. A model of respect, intelligence, discipline & focus. But it can only come through hard work, determination, & an eager desire to want to become better than you are now.

Summary

Testosterone without intelligence, & intelligence without testosterone is a recipe for disaster. The harmonisation of the two, I propose would eradicate much of the masculinity crisis we experience today.

Oppressive views of women, distorted views of male identity, emotional instability, increased percentages of male suicide, to name a few, could be extinguished if only our young men where taught the important value of strenuous physical activity, the beauty of philosophical reasoning, along with an eager desire to self-reflect & learn.

As an exercise, choose any past or present positive male role model that comes to mind. I can guarantee they epitomise these characteristics. They will value intelligence & routine physical exertion. Any male who is truly killing it in life has mastered the art of the balance between intellectual & physical education.

Socrates concludes, 'we must therefore ensure that there is always someone like this in charge of education in our state, if its constitution is to be preserved'!

Perhaps this is where our culture has collapsed?

However, there is hope! I am optimistic.. But, its up to the men to bring about change & decide for a better, more attractive future. Which will hopefully inspire the next generation of young men to put down their tablets & headsets, & take charge of becoming the best men they can be.

Much love,

Rossi