In this episode of MANLY CHUNKS OF WISDOM we’ll take a look at some of the amazing wisdom of Dostoevsky, quotes pulled from his novels “The Brothers Karamazov” and “Crime and Punishment amongst others.
If you like these Chunks of wisdom, download our free ebook 500 Chunks of Manly Wisdom: http://manlihood.com/chunks
Quotes from Dostoevsky
“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
“To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
“I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground
“Man only likes to count his troubles; he doesn’t calculate his happiness.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground, White Nights, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, and Selections from The House of the Dead
“People speak sometimes about the “bestial” cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal could ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
“But how could you live and have no story to tell?” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, White Nights
“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
“The world says: “You have needs — satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don’t hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more.” This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky
“Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing easier than flattery.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky
In the heart of the maelstrom that was World War I, amidst the chaos of battlefields and the deafening roars of machine guns, a most unexpected hero emerged—an unassuming man named Alvin York. York’s journey was not one of conventional heroism; rather, it was a saga of unwavering courage, unyielding faith, and a relentless commitment to a higher calling.
York has been called “The Deadliest Pacifist in US History.”
After he single-handedly captured 132 enemy soldiers, they asked him how he did it. He said, “I surrounded them.”
Alvin York’s testicular fortitude was in his strategic brilliance that completely went against all of the conventional norms of warfare.
He was born in a log cabin near the Tennessee-Kentucky border in 1887, grew up in a family sustained by subsistence farming and hunting. In 1915, he had an experience with God, and became a devout Christian
As World War I engulfed the world, York, now a man of profound faith, sought conscientious objector status upon being drafted. That pacifist position was challenged though, when he encountered Luke 22:36 “He who hath no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one.” Guided by those words from Jesus, York abandoned his initial stance and enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Infantry Division.
The crucible of York’s heroism unfolded on October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the final Allied push against German forces. Tasked with seizing German-held positions, York’s battalion was under fire – a German machine-gun nest rained bullets upon them.
As chaos ensued and the unit’s numbers dwindled, York was thrust to the forefront, commanding a squad of merely 17 men.
Undeterred by the odds, York, feeling a divine calling, advanced alone against the machine-gun position. Drawing upon his sharpshooting skills cultivated during Tennessee Turkey hunting days, he systematically neutralized the enemy. The undergrowth around him ablaze with gunfire, York’s determination and marksmanship cut through the chaos,with lethal precision.
Ammo was running short. Six Germans charged him with bayonettes, and with only seven shots, he took out all six. As he approached the German commanding officer, the tide of the battle irreversibly turned. Faced with the inevitable, the officer surrendered his entire unit, a total of 132 men, in exchange for his life.
York’s story reverberated far beyond the battlefield. Lauded as “the war’s biggest hero” by The New York Times and hailed by General John J. Pershing as “the greatest civilian soldier” of World War I, York returned home to a hero’s welcome.
He leveraged his fame to found a school for underprivileged children, the York Industrial Institute.
In 1941, Hollywood immortalized his bravery in the movie “Sergeant York,” starring Gary Cooper.
When York died in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson eulogized him as “a symbol of American courage and sacrifice,” embodying “the gallantry of American fighting men and their sacrifices on behalf of freedom.”
Alvin York, A humble man propelled by faith and armed with unyielding determination, became a symbol of courage, defying expectations and inspiring generations.
His name echoes as a testament to the enduring power of faith, courage, and commitment on the battlefield. Alvin York – a soldier with true Testicular Fortitude.
This episode of ASK A MAN provides insights and guidance for young men on how to cope with loneliness in a new environment, discusses the challenges of being a man in today’s society, and provides advice on discovering personal identity.
How can young men conquer loneliness in a new environment, I.e. college. Especially if they are introverted.
Why is it so hard to be a man in today’s society?
Where should a man find his identity?
Is there really such a thing as toxic masculinity
Is our country the modern-day equivalent of Sodom and Gomorrah? Also, related question, would our country be better off being under a Christian theocracy?
How do you care for the kids when Mom can’t/won’t?
We’re always wandering off – mentally, emotionally, spiritually – losing our faith focus, forgetting our promises, getting tempted away… coveting, lusting, fearing, doubting…taking control of situations we have no businesses being in control of or walking away from things God has given us responsibility to oversee, going places we should not, and leaving places – emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically – where we should stay. So – How do we stay?
Join us for a conversation with bestselling author and manhood advocate, Jim Ramos. He shares deep insights into overcoming isolation through the power of community, and the vital role of practical and constructive conversations amongst men. Jim talks about his work with the Men in the Arena podcast and provides a sneak peek into his bestselling books. He also discusses the old testament, his favourite barbecue meats, and how activities like barbecuing bring men together. Hear about the free resources available on ‘meninarena.org’ and his books ‘Tell Them’ and ‘ManLaws 101’.
About Jim Ramos Jim Ramos stands tall as a champion of manhood, purpose, and unwavering faith. Born to make a difference, Jim is a bestselling author, compelling speaker, and the visionary founder of Men in the Arena, a non-profit Christian ministry that has become a beacon for men seeking to honor God through leadership in their families, churches, and communities.
Jim’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s calling. With fervor and conviction, he passionately proclaims that a man truly ‘gets it’ when he steps out of the bleachers and into the arena of leadership, a philosophy that resonates through every facet of his life.
At the heart of his impact is the Men in the Arena Podcast, the #1 ranked Spotify podcast for Christian men. Through insightful interviews with luminaries such as John Eldredge, Gary Chapman, Gene Getz, Patrick Morley, and Emerson Eggerichs, Jim provides a platform for profound discussions on Christian manhood, guiding men toward a deeper understanding of their purpose.
Beyond the airwaves, Jim Ramos has cultivated a robust community with the 12,000-strong Men in the Arena Facebook Group and a global network of Men in the Arena virtual teams. Here, men come together, support each other, and embark on a journey to become their best versions – united in strength and resilience.
Jim’s impact extends beyond the digital realm. As a prolific author, he has penned numerous books, each a guidepost on the path to authentic manhood. From the #1 Amazon Bestseller “Strong Men Dangerous Times” to the insightful “Tell Them: What Great Fathers Tell Their Sons and Daughters,” Jim’s words serve as a compass for those navigating the complexities of life.
In today’s society, the concept of privilege has become a buzzword. We often hear about male privilege and the advantages that come with it. However, I believe there is a bigger picture that we need to consider. Instead of focusing solely on privilege, we should shift our perspective to the heart of the matter and explore how responsibility can make a real difference in someone’s life. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into this topic and discuss why responsibility is a heavier weight than privilege.
https://youtu.be/bSaT4-l0ePo
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING WITH MACHINE GUN PREACHER – SAM CHILDERS DECEMBER 16th 2023 at 7PM AT OPEN ARMS CHURCH 1289 EAST MAIN STREET, BRADFORD PA
Responsibility Over Privilege:
The notion of privilege has taken on different connotations over the years. It can now be associated with the idea of being handed everything on a silver platter. However, as a man, I believe that manhood is not about privilege but about shouldering responsibility. To be a man is to understand that being stronger physically or having a unique way of thinking comes with the responsibility to care for and support those around us.
Leadership and Service:
One aspect of manhood that aligns with responsibility is leadership. While both men and women can be leaders, for men, it often means taking on the role of leadership in the home. However, it is essential to differentiate true leadership from lordship. True leadership is about serving others and making decisions that benefit those under our care. It is not about demanding obedience or seeking personal privilege but rather guiding and honoring those around us.
Doing the Right Thing:
Another aspect of responsibility is doing the right thing, even when it may be challenging or require sacrificing personal gain. We must strive for morality and set an example for others by upholding ethical values. As men, it is our responsibility to strive for what is right and to ensure that our actions align with our principles. By doing so, we create a positive influence on those around us.
Shifting Perspectives: Earned vs. Deserved:
A crucial shift in mindset is moving away from a sense of entitlement and recognizing that we do not inherently deserve anything. Instead, we should focus on earning the things we receive and being grateful for the blessings that come our way. It’s about understanding that responsibility brings more fulfillment than privilege ever could. By working hard and earning what we have, we cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
Conclusion:
Responsibility is a weight that we should willingly carry as men. It surpasses the fleeting nature of privilege and grounds us in our purpose. By embracing responsibility, we not only make a difference in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. Let us shift our focus from privilege to responsibility and strive to be men who lead through service, do the right thing, and live with gratitude. Together, we can create a better world by recognizing that responsibility is a heavier weight than privilege.
Thank you for reading, and I invite you to join the discussion in the Manlihood Man Cave group on Facebook. Share your thoughts on this topic and let’s continue the conversation.
I love you and I’m proud of you.
– Josh Hatcher, Host of the Manlihood ManCast
00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event Announcement
02:25 Welcome to the Manlihood ManCast
02:56 Understanding Privilege and Responsibility
03:09 The Concept of Male Privilege
05:57 The Responsibility of Being a Man
09:03 Leadership and Responsibility
11:25 Doing the Right Thing: A Man’s Responsibility
13:26 The Difference Between Privilege and Responsibility
18:07 The Weight of Responsibility
18:55 Conclusion and Invitation to Manlihood ManCave
In this compelling episode of the Manlihood ManCast, host Josh Hatcher sits down with addiction recovery expert, J. K. Amezi. Discussing the often-taboo topic of overcoming pornography addiction, the two men delve into a deep and inspiring conversation about this prevalent issue in men’s lives. Amezi shares about his own struggles and illuminates the path to freedom and self-love. From the process of self-discovery to the importance of discipline, vulnerability and self-image in overcoming addictive behaviors, this interview is packed with powerful insights and offers hope to anyone struggling with pornography addiction.
Introducing J.K. Emezi, a seasoned Sex & Pornography Addiction Recovery Coach and the visionary CEO behind Elevated Recovery (www.elevatedrecovery.org). In our latest podcast episode, J.K. takes center stage as a guiding force, sharing insights from his wealth of experience in steering high-achieving men and their partners through the complexities of compulsive behaviors.
With a proven track record, J.K. has been a beacon of support, helping individuals navigate challenges such as serial affairs, porn addiction, and engagement with prostitutes. His expertise has shielded many from the potential pitfalls of divorce, job loss, sexual harassment litigation, and chronic underachievement.
Drawing from 11 years as a high-achieving sales and recruiting professional, J.K. has a unique perspective on building success from the ground up. His diverse clientele includes top-tier professionals from various fields and over 20 countries, showcasing the global impact of his work.
Elevated Recovery, under J.K.’s leadership, has earned endorsements from therapists, mental health professionals, marriage counselors, and relationship experts worldwide. At the core of his contributions is “The Porn Reboot System,” a transformative online addiction recovery course for sex and porn addiction that has received widespread acclaim.
Join us in the podcast episode as we delve into J.K. Emezi’s insights, exploring the transformative journey to reclaiming lives from the grip of addiction and unlocking full potential.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
Your porn habit doesn’t have to define you….
01:06 Join the Manlihood Man Cave
If you want to go deeper… Into this, I want to encourage you to join the Manlihood Man Cave, which is our private Facebook group….
01:43 Overcoming Pornography Addiction
So one of the things that we talk about here at Manlihood again is men becoming even better men….
02:35 Interview with J. K. Amezi
JK, it’s great to have you on the show, man….
03:02 The Role of Fitness and Self-Image
And, you know, when you start working out, um, I remember like years ago, I was doing it, honestly, for the most superficial reasons….
04:14 Understanding the Nature of Addiction
why don’t you talk to our guests a little bit about who you are and the work that you’re doing, man?…
08:10 The Impact of High-Speed Internet Pornography
Do you know that if you are a man who is alive today and sexually active, and who watches pornography to any degree, you have seen more naked people having sex than every single one of your ancestors who ever existed….
11:24 The Role of Spirituality in Recovery
Everybody, once they get to a certain point in what we call their reboots, I’ll get into why we call it reboot and not recovery, has some sort of reconnection with the spiritual aspect of their life….
13:38 The Struggle with Addiction
You, you mentioned something in there, and I know that in my battle it was definitely part of it, is that constant feeling that you were fighting it, right?…
17:05 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Recovery
And this is so powerful and this is why I prefer That men work with their brain and face this because it allows you to build self compassion towards yourself….
21:50 J. K. Amezi’s Personal Journey
Like, like what, what led you to that place?…
27:02 The Challenge of Staying Away from Pornography
All I have to say is, try staying away from pornography for just 30 days….
28:45 Debunking Myths and Understanding the Impact of Pornography
That’s only one study and it’s been debunked….
29:35 Personal Struggles and the Need for Balance
Josh, it doesn’t matter, like, for you it may be with food….
30:05 Identifying Areas of Life Lacking Control
So, identify the area in your life that you don’t have control….
30:42 The Struggles of Balancing Work and Personal Life
I recently started, uh, a new career and I’m, I work from home, so I’m, you know, my office is just upstairs….
32:02 The Concept of Working in Seasons
But the issue I find that a lot of men have is that they don’t understand the concept of working in seasons….
35:01 The Impact of Compulsive Behavior on Success
Well first of all, um… One of the reasons why we are probably the most successful, And by successful I mean we have the most clients, we’ve been around the longest, and we help men end their behavior within two years, is because… We are patient, and I want those of you listening to know that if you’re thinking of reaching out or speaking to somebody, there’s a lot of shame….
36:02 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Compassion
You have to learn to be self compassionate….
36:21 Educating Yourself About Your Compulsive Behavior
So for those of you who are thinking to reach out, the first thing I would say is educate yourself….
37:49 The Journey to Overcoming Compulsive Behavior
One thing I want to make clear, and Josh I didn’t share this, was that I struggled with everything in life….
56:02 The Importance of Self-Love and Self-Image
I I’ll just tell him to love himself more….
57:42 Advice for Men and Final Thoughts
Change your self image by changing your self talk….
Welcome back, Manlihood ManCast listeners! In today’s episode, we have a captivating guest joining us, someone whose journey through life has taken him to some truly extraordinary places. Ruwan Meepagala is not just a man of many talents but also a man with a story that will le
ave you eager to dive deeper into the world of masculinity. He’s been featured on prestigious platforms like the BBC, Bloomberg, AskMen, and Psychology Today.
But before we delve into our conversation with Ruwan, let’s get to know him a bit better.
Who is Ruwan?
Ruwan Meepagala is a man of many dimensions. He’s a survivor of a unique and challenging experience, having spent two enlightening (and dark) years in a matriarchal cult. This captivating chapter of his life has been covered by various media outlets, but Ruwan promises that the most intriguing details are reserved for his book, which he is serializing. Be sure to subscribe to get the first chapter: https://www.ruwando.com/subscribe.
Beyond his experiences in the cult, Ruwan is a self-proclaimed history nerd, sharing his insights through his academic project, the History of Man Podcast. You can find all his articles for free on Substack: https://www.ruwando.com/history-of-man-articles and tune in to his podcast episodes on any podcasting app.
On a personal note, Ruwan is a devoted father to a baby girl and a loving husband to his beautiful wife. He also has a passion for chess and invites you to challenge him on chess.com: https://www.chess.com/member/ruwan. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Ruwan holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is an enthusiast of MMA and Muay Thai, and dabbles in amateur furniture-making.
But that’s not all! Ruwan Meepagala is also the host of the Ruwando Podcast: Psychology for Men with Brains and Balls. In this podcast, he explores archetypal masculinity, relationship polarity, practical philosophy, and more, sometimes featuring intriguing guests.
To connect with Ruwan and explore his work further, visit the following links:
Don’t miss this intriguing conversation with Ruwan Meepagala on the Manlihood ManCast, where we’ll uncover the layers of masculinity and explore the depths of his unique experiences. Stay tuned, gentlemen!
Welcome to the Season 7 Launch of the Manlihood ManCast! This season, Josh Hatcher will bring you amazing interviews with intriguing guests who want to help you be the man you were meant to be! We’ll be looking into every aspect of life as a man in this modern era, and equipping men to be better husbands, fathers, and leaders.
In this episode of the Manlihood ManCast, your host, Josh Hatcher, reflects on the powerful impact of just two sentences that transformed his life. As we gear up for the launch of Season 7, Josh shares a heartfelt story about his remarkable father, a true embodiment of strength and tenderness.Growing up, Josh’s dad consistently conveyed his love and pride with the simple words, “I love you, and I’m proud of you.” These words became a guiding light, especially during challenging times. Josh’s father’s legacy serves as the foundation for the Manlihood ManCast’s mission: to help men become better husbands, fathers, leaders, and, ultimately, better men.
Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights, Josh emphasizes the importance of expressing love and pride to the people in our lives. He shares how these two sentences held profound meaning when his father was diagnosed with cancer and faced life-changing surgery. Even in the toughest moments, his father made sure his last spoken words were, “I love you, and I’m proud of you.”
As a tribute to his father’s legacy, Josh announces a new sign-off for the Manlihood ManCast: “I love you, and I’m proud of you.” He encourages listeners to embrace these words and share them with the people who matter most in their lives.
The episode concludes with Josh’s heartfelt message to his family, friends, and all the listeners, reiterating his love and pride for them. He invites everyone to join the journey of Season 7 and make these words a part of their lives, spreading love and pride in abundance.
Join us on this transformative journey by subscribing to the Manlihood ManCast, where we celebrate and support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe, and join our private Facebook group for more enriching content.
Visit manlihood.com to learn more about how we’re helping men embrace their full potential. Together, we can create a world where men express love and pride openly, making each day more meaningful.
Jim Vance is a compassionate and experienced guide who has worked with countless men and women worldwide, helping them transform their lives, health, and relationships. He specializes in working with purpose-driven men who are proactive, self-motivated, and dedicated to personal growth. These men are on a quest to align with their authentic masculine identity, allowing them to make a positive impact in the world through their purpose and live in harmonious relationships.
Drawing from a wealth of experience and witnessing various levels of identity shifts, Jim possesses the skills to serve individuals at different stages of consciousness. He deeply understands how to overcome unconscious barriers that hinder the alignment of one’s identity with their soul’s highest self. Jim acknowledges that his own personal journey, with its ups and downs, has shaped him and granted him the wisdom, growth, and embodiment required to impact his clients profoundly.
Embarking on a Journey of Growth:
Jim’s personal journey can be summed up by the saying, “The journey of 1000 lifetimes begins with one step.” With each step he has taken, Jim has evolved from a man living in misalignment and inauthenticity to a conscious individual who awakens in every moment, consciously steering his life toward his vision on a daily basis.
Jim’s upbringing in a “normal” and loving family provided a solid foundation. He cherished family connections, engaged in adventures, and experienced personal growth. His father, a philosophical blue-collar worker, constantly sought the meaning in life and imparted valuable lessons to Jim and his brothers. Meanwhile, his goal-oriented mother instilled in him a drive for excellence, no matter the endeavor.
However, beneath the surface of a seemingly ideal childhood, Jim grappled with numerous challenges. He faced poverty, an ingrained belief of “never enough,” bullying, a lack of confidence due to his physical appearance, and a tendency to seek validation through external means such as food, relationships, and pornography. He lived with the constant pressure of perfection and the fear of losing love. Jim struggled to pursue his desires, lacked a sense of being enough to be fully loved, and grappled with understanding and embracing his true self. These experiences formed an unaligned identity within him, which threatened to derail his life multiple times.
Confronting the Unhealed Wounds:
It was only when Jim reached rock bottom, eyeing a second divorce, facing professional uncertainty, and battling self-destructive patterns, that he realized the pivotal role his own inner transformation played in manifesting the love and success he yearned for. In a dark night of the soul, alone in a parking lot, Jim experienced a profound realization: the fulfillment he sought originated from within, not outside of himself. Thus began his journey of self-healing, learning to love himself unconditionally, processing emotions at a deep level, embodying a healthy masculine frame, and leading his life from a place of self-acceptance and sufficiency.
Over several years, Jim dedicated himself to this transformative process. He cultivated a fully aligned version of himself, now living the life of his dreams and experiencing the relationships he had always desired. It was during this transformative journey that Jim discovered his calling to support men facing life’s challenges or seeking to elevate themselves toward their desired lives.
Guiding Men Towards Greatness:
Today, Jim Vance serves men with clarity, consistency, and alignment. He trusts in the person he has become and continues to evolve into. His mission is to inspire men to transcend mediocrity and realign themselves with their inherent greatness. Jim provides a supportive space for men to turn to when their lives seem to be falling apart or when they seek to take the next step toward the life they aspire to.
Through his guidance and mentorship, Jim empowers men to step into their true potential, embrace their authentic identity, and lead fulfilling lives in alignment with their purpose. He believes that every man has the capacity to rise above societal conditioning and tap into their inner strength, wisdom, and compassion. Jim’s commitment lies in facilitating this transformational journey for men, leading them toward lives filled with purpose, authenticity, and deep fulfillment.
To connect with Jim Vance and explore how he can support you on your journey of personal growth and alignment, visit his Linktree profile: http://linktr.ee/theconsciousman
