Thread: What should a man know?

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a pig, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, and die gallantly. Specialisation is for insects."
- Robert A. Heinlein

right on dude!!! oh you forgot to shear a sheep!

Originally Posted by khaos

Honestly I agree with the "a real man should know when he is in over his head" and would like to add that a real man shouldn't have to obsess over being a real man. Just be whoever you are.

I know some manly men who can't do half of this stuff. I mean, my one coach is an Olympic athlete, served in the Rangers for 8 years (made it to captain, meritorious service + bronze star) and I'm not fully sure of what he can and can't do, but I respect him as a great man not just because of what he's done, but he's an honest, genuine nice guy, and unless someone else told you, you would never guess the things he's accomplished.

I think we have gotten a bit off topic, for my list is not defining what a man is. It is not all inclusive, either. The bottom line for what a man should know is that he is looked upon as the guiding light for those whom he has in his circle of life.
A man living life in an urban environment has different expectations than one in a rural environment. I look at myself and the things I should know, are for the here and now, as well as the what ifs. I may never need to purify water for my family, but I feel I need to know how. I am also not one to "rub elbows" with politicians and aristocrats, but I also think that having the social skills necessary for such an occasion are required. I prefer bluegrass music, and I have also blended in with the classical music crowd.
A man must be able to adapt in any environment, not only for himself, but for those that he loves. We cannot know everything, but should be able to blend in for most occasions.
There is no set list as to what a man must know, nor is there a set field of requirements to become a man. It's plain and simple to me, a man is a father/husband/friend/caregiver or provider with no expectation of return. We do our best and roll on.

Love, laugh and live.

Kilowattkid

P.S. I'm surprised of no mention of SHTF scenarios and a mans role.That could be an interesting topic for us "caveman shavers".

A real man (city or country. American or Not) should know how to
Drive a standard transmission
Keep his cool in an argument.
Bait a hook
Ring a woman's Bell
Throw a baseball (football or soccer skills will suffice)
Hold and burp a Baby
Load, Fire, and clean any firearm
Listen to a friend
Pretend He's listening to a woman
Never give up the fight
Always keep his mouth shut.

Some men have beards and others are learning to shave with straights, so shaving is off the list.
I had to make an edit. One more-
Put his foot down and say "NO!" to unneeded BS

A man should know he can dance and still look tough.

Thanks, Billy.

He should know how to field strip, clean and reassemble a M-16 and AK-47.

bj

Originally Posted by 2Sharp

He should know how to field strip, clean and reassemble a M-16 and AK-47.

bj

I've always wondered about this one. It's not even legal for me to own an M16 or an AK since I live in California. Why should I be able to field strip, clean and reassemble a gun I don't own? How about if I'm just able to use and maintain the guns I do have?

He should know how to sound tough on the internet

Nah. A man should know when to say NO! to his woman.

Originally Posted by mosley59

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a pig, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, and die gallantly. Specialisation is for insects."
- Robert A. Heinlein

Great - I was hoping someone would put in a LL quote!