Jim VandeHei's Six Roles for the Modern Man

14 hours ago7 min read8 comments

In an era where digital noise and algorithmic echo chambers often glorify the most superficial and destructive aspects of masculinity, Jim VandeHei’s recent column offers a refreshingly grounded counter-narrative. His piece, a sequel to Scott Galloway's 'Man Up,' cuts through the modern chaos by proposing six essential roles for men, a framework that feels both timeless and urgently necessary.VandeHei, the CEO of Axios, wisely observes that men are frequently drawn to the loud, the muscular, and the renegade, a path that can easily lead down rabbit holes of video games, porn, conspiracies, and profound loneliness. His solution is to simplify, to return to first principles, much like the Founding Fathers did when constructing a nation from scratch.He anchors his philosophy not in abstract theory but in tangible examples, from these historical figures to his own father, presenting a guide he believes is as valuable for his daughter as it is for his sons. The first role, to 'Live honorably,' serves as the bedrock.This isn't about grand, public victories but about the quiet, daily sacrifices—the courage to do the right thing simply because it is right. It’s the diligence of a student, the respect of a partner, the integrity of a colleague.VandeHei posits that a life of righteous, albeit small, accomplishments far outweighs the hollow success achieved through unrighteous means. The second role, 'Love greatly,' confronts a common male deficiency head-on.Many men, he notes, scoff at sappiness, armoring themselves with a false toughness that ultimately leaves them feeling less than fully human. Deep, emotional relationships are the true source of purpose and aliveness, yet they require work, vulnerability, and a level of emotional intelligence that doesn't come naturally to most.He underscores the critical importance of male mentorship, a reciprocal relationship where every young man needs a guide and every grown man has a duty to become one, citing the overwhelming evidence linking strong social bonds to longevity and happiness. His third directive, 'Think deeply,' demystifies intellectualism.You don't need to be a bookworm, but you must be a student—of yourself, of people of high character, of your friends and even your enemies, and of the world itself. This continuous study is what allows a man to understand his place and how he can best thrive and contribute.The fourth role, 'Be gritty, not greedy,' shifts the focus from acquisition to endurance. The trick to life, VandeHei argues, isn't getting more but getting through more.He compellingly reframes grit not as an innate trait but as a trainable muscle, illustrating this with the powerful personal story of his adopted son, who, after the tragic loss of both parents, transformed from a lackadaisical teen into a man of tremendous honor and perseverance through the push and applause of other good men. Fifth, he calls men to 'Work and serve strenuously,' framing hard work and service as a moral obligation.Idleness, he suggests, is a vacuum often filled with perversion; the rigor of a job or a cause provides essential direction and a uniquely worthy form of satisfaction, a collective effort that, if embraced widely, allows a nation like America to truly soar. Finally, and perhaps most fundamentally, is the role of being a 'worthy dad/husband.' VandeHei laments that society has stopped glorifying this ancient tradition, noting that nothing in life provides more profound satisfaction and meaning. It’s a practical calling: men must do their part by being attractive partners, which fundamentally means holding a job, treating others well, and demonstrating a capacity for love and service. This isn't a checklist for perfection but a blueprint for a life of substance, a deliberate push against the currents of modern distraction and despair, offering a compass for anyone seeking to build a legacy defined not by noise, but by character.

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