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The Art of Manliness - Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice on Living the 7 Manly Virtues
What Makes a Man, a Man?
For centuries, being a man meant living a life of virtue and excellence. But then, through time, the art of manliness was lost.
Now, after decades of excess and aimless drift, men are looking for something to help them live an authentic, manly life�a primer that can give their life real direction and purpose.
This book holds the answers. To master the art of manliness, a man must live the seven manly virtues: Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-Reliance, Discipline, Honor.
Each chapter covers one of the seven virtues and is packed with the best classic advice ever written down for men. From the philosophy of Aristotle to the speeches and essays of Theodore Roosevelt, these pages contain the manly wisdom of the ages�poems, quotes, and essays that will inspire you to live life to the fullest and realize your complete potential.
Learn the art. Change your life. Become a man.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
537 people are currently reading
2325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 23, 2012
One day I decided to look up productive things to do in my free time. So into Google I typed “hobbies for men.” When I clicked on the first webpage the Art of Manliness website appeared. It listed many manly hobbies most of which I already participate in such as Chess, gardening, exercise and reading. The website did gain my attention though and I explored it. What I found was that the website creators authored a book which acts as a guide to becoming and sustaining the act of being a successful man.
The book breaks down into chapters from “the Gentleman to the Virtuous man.” I am going to list what I think may be the most helpful.
How does the man know he has picked the right woman?
1. The relationship goes smoothly from the beginning
2. She gets along with your family and friends
3. There is nothing major you want to change about her
4. She is your best friend
I suppose young ladies can use the same philosophy.
How do you affair-proof your marriage:
1. Weekly dates
2. Focus on being romantic
3. Initiate affection
4. Regularity in special relation activities
5. Spend time talking
6. Share a common interest
7. Have a sense of honor and duty
Raising resilient children:
1. Give children independence
2. Let them do unsafe things
3. Don’t be their best friend
4. Don’t automatically take their side
5. Make them work for what they get
6. Don’t praise them indiscriminately
There is lots of other information in here from ways to start a fire without a match to 5 ways to tie a neck tie.
I am at a loss on how to rate it. I am sure if I were 16 years of age I would have benefitted from advice in this book. So since it is so useful I will give it four stars.
Check out their website if you have time: http://artofmanliness.com/
Register and Comment on their stories and I do not mean just men. There are already women commenting on their articles and a woman’s opinion will usually influence a man much more than a man’s.
The book breaks down into chapters from “the Gentleman to the Virtuous man.” I am going to list what I think may be the most helpful.
How does the man know he has picked the right woman?
1. The relationship goes smoothly from the beginning
2. She gets along with your family and friends
3. There is nothing major you want to change about her
4. She is your best friend
I suppose young ladies can use the same philosophy.
How do you affair-proof your marriage:
1. Weekly dates
2. Focus on being romantic
3. Initiate affection
4. Regularity in special relation activities
5. Spend time talking
6. Share a common interest
7. Have a sense of honor and duty
Raising resilient children:
1. Give children independence
2. Let them do unsafe things
3. Don’t be their best friend
4. Don’t automatically take their side
5. Make them work for what they get
6. Don’t praise them indiscriminately
There is lots of other information in here from ways to start a fire without a match to 5 ways to tie a neck tie.
I am at a loss on how to rate it. I am sure if I were 16 years of age I would have benefitted from advice in this book. So since it is so useful I will give it four stars.
Check out their website if you have time: http://artofmanliness.com/
Register and Comment on their stories and I do not mean just men. There are already women commenting on their articles and a woman’s opinion will usually influence a man much more than a man’s.
August 2, 2013
I found the Art of Manliness blog a few years ago and I've been loving it ever since. I decided to buy this book last year and I'm so glad I did. I don't think it's really intended to be read straight through. I spread the first chunk out but finished up the second half in about 3 days.
The book is essentially an anthology of works and quotes of many great men broken into seven themed chapters. They are: manliness, courage, industry, resolution, self-reliance, discipline, and honor. There are so many wise tidbits in the book, it's difficult to pull out just a few favorites. I would say that one enduring theme I did get from the book was that every decision really matters. Every fork in the road is fixing my character more and more. As Aristotle defined it, "virtue is a habit of rightdoing." That concept helped me remember that I cannot expect myself to become the man I want to become overnight or even in a couple of weeks. It is absolutely a process that I have already begun, and that I can continue to work at to shape my character over time.
I fully expect to keep coming back to this book for inspiration. I am taking the Art of Manliness blog's advice on writing myself a manifesto, or statement of my beliefs, and the thoughts in this collection will continue to guide my writing. I enjoyed reading parts of this book with my little brothers, and I want to share the rest of it with them when the time is right.
The book is essentially an anthology of works and quotes of many great men broken into seven themed chapters. They are: manliness, courage, industry, resolution, self-reliance, discipline, and honor. There are so many wise tidbits in the book, it's difficult to pull out just a few favorites. I would say that one enduring theme I did get from the book was that every decision really matters. Every fork in the road is fixing my character more and more. As Aristotle defined it, "virtue is a habit of rightdoing." That concept helped me remember that I cannot expect myself to become the man I want to become overnight or even in a couple of weeks. It is absolutely a process that I have already begun, and that I can continue to work at to shape my character over time.
I fully expect to keep coming back to this book for inspiration. I am taking the Art of Manliness blog's advice on writing myself a manifesto, or statement of my beliefs, and the thoughts in this collection will continue to guide my writing. I enjoyed reading parts of this book with my little brothers, and I want to share the rest of it with them when the time is right.
December 29, 2022
A collage of texts, poems, quotes, and fables to leave you thoughtful and motivate you.
'The reward is not in the destination, but in the striving.'
I blogged about it here: https://www.aurelienthomas.org/post/m...
'The reward is not in the destination, but in the striving.'
I blogged about it here: https://www.aurelienthomas.org/post/m...
April 30, 2018
I must concur with a previous review of this title in that this is not one book, but this is a thousand books.
Throughout my (relatively short) life I have aspired to be more than what a situation may require, but had been left somewhat blind in how to do so. This book has filled in some of those gaps and addressed the answers to questions I didn’t even know how to ask.
If you have any interest in the standards that great men have written for themselves since time immemorial, then this book will satisfy that interest.
I found it to address the values that we all ought to be striving towards, to express clearly the fact that the same questions we may ask ourselves today have indeed been asked and answered by the wisdom of generations before us.
This book was a vibrant reminder that most, if not all, of the problems that we humans face today have already been experienced by hundreds of generations and millions of people before us. It is only from learning from their findings and learnings that we can ourselves learn and benefit ourselves by.
I cannot speak of how this book may appeal to women, but as a man I wholeheartedly recommend this book and can definitively say that it has changed me forever. I will definitely be revisiting as the years pass in order to see things with new perspectives and understanding. This book is one that is paid most justice through its study, and I cannot wait for the time I sit down with it again.
Highly recommended!
Throughout my (relatively short) life I have aspired to be more than what a situation may require, but had been left somewhat blind in how to do so. This book has filled in some of those gaps and addressed the answers to questions I didn’t even know how to ask.
If you have any interest in the standards that great men have written for themselves since time immemorial, then this book will satisfy that interest.
I found it to address the values that we all ought to be striving towards, to express clearly the fact that the same questions we may ask ourselves today have indeed been asked and answered by the wisdom of generations before us.
This book was a vibrant reminder that most, if not all, of the problems that we humans face today have already been experienced by hundreds of generations and millions of people before us. It is only from learning from their findings and learnings that we can ourselves learn and benefit ourselves by.
I cannot speak of how this book may appeal to women, but as a man I wholeheartedly recommend this book and can definitively say that it has changed me forever. I will definitely be revisiting as the years pass in order to see things with new perspectives and understanding. This book is one that is paid most justice through its study, and I cannot wait for the time I sit down with it again.
Highly recommended!
February 23, 2021
I have never written a review before, but this book really was moving. It is a collection of articles, essays, stories, poems, ballads even letters, and diary entries on or by accomplished individuals of their fields. There are 7 sections in the book, with a bunch of collected literature in each one. Most are good, some are great and a few are absolutely striking. On many occasions, I had to go ahead and read the entire article from the net, whose snippet was in the book.
Nice collection. You may end up reading much much more than what's there in the book itself and walk off with a couple of new favorite writers, poets, or even orators!
P.S: There's no harm in a female or any other individual reading it.
Nice collection. You may end up reading much much more than what's there in the book itself and walk off with a couple of new favorite writers, poets, or even orators!
P.S: There's no harm in a female or any other individual reading it.
May 18, 2022
Absolutely fine book. Took me several months to digest every bit and take in the masculine wisdom.
April 21, 2021
Sheeesshhh
September 6, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this one. What initially started as an attempt to read something different and fun turned into an exercise in discipline (ironically, this was one of the virtues that the book advocated). It was a surprisingly long book.
The book is a collection of stories, poems, songs, speeches, letters centered around different "manly virtues", so in a sense there wasn't anything wrong with the writing-it was a selection of different figures throughout history.
Things to enjoy about it were definitely the wide variety of different materials. It got me strangely interested in Jack London, and the chapter on discipline was pretty good.
But overall, be careful as you read this book. The philosophy promoted is captured in the one phrase, oft quoted throughout, that you are the "captain of your soul, the master of your own fate". Someone can get away with saying this and not meaning much behind it other than that we exercise choice, but the dominating theme of the whole book was that men don't need anyone, can do anything they put their mind to, and are literally, the master of their own destinies.
I disagree. This philosophy is completely at odds with a christian world-view that says the LORD is sovereign over any and everything in history. We cannot do any and everything, and the one thing we need to do (please God) we cannot do at all. Mankind has sinned, every one of us, and because of sin we are depraved, and have no ability to redeem ourselves. Only by trusting in Jesus can we secure a future, a hope and redemption.
Be careful as you read this book, not because it is anti-christian, but because there is an enemy who wants to take you out, and would gladly use this to instill these "manly" virtues provided that you don't develop godly virtues. The devil would love nothing more than a bunch of worldly men who rely on their own strength rather than Christ.
The book is a collection of stories, poems, songs, speeches, letters centered around different "manly virtues", so in a sense there wasn't anything wrong with the writing-it was a selection of different figures throughout history.
Things to enjoy about it were definitely the wide variety of different materials. It got me strangely interested in Jack London, and the chapter on discipline was pretty good.
But overall, be careful as you read this book. The philosophy promoted is captured in the one phrase, oft quoted throughout, that you are the "captain of your soul, the master of your own fate". Someone can get away with saying this and not meaning much behind it other than that we exercise choice, but the dominating theme of the whole book was that men don't need anyone, can do anything they put their mind to, and are literally, the master of their own destinies.
I disagree. This philosophy is completely at odds with a christian world-view that says the LORD is sovereign over any and everything in history. We cannot do any and everything, and the one thing we need to do (please God) we cannot do at all. Mankind has sinned, every one of us, and because of sin we are depraved, and have no ability to redeem ourselves. Only by trusting in Jesus can we secure a future, a hope and redemption.
Be careful as you read this book, not because it is anti-christian, but because there is an enemy who wants to take you out, and would gladly use this to instill these "manly" virtues provided that you don't develop godly virtues. The devil would love nothing more than a bunch of worldly men who rely on their own strength rather than Christ.
December 6, 2017
This is not a book, this is a thousand books.
The book is mainly composed by parts of other books, letters, essays and poems written by great man on the seven manly virtues. From the Founding Fathers, Intelectuals of the XIX century to Greek Philosophers and Roman Emperors, the authors have selected a rich and diverse set of texts which not only inspire you to be a better man but also give you a broader perspective in life, enabling you to learn from those who built Civilization.
At first I was skeptical by the power/capacity of this book to inspire the reader as it promised, after all, we live in a world where the manly virtues have almost been deceased, and bothering with such is quite far from contemporary mentality. Happily, I was wrong, the book is extremely powerful and it does encourage you to pull the best out of yourself.
The book is mainly composed by parts of other books, letters, essays and poems written by great man on the seven manly virtues. From the Founding Fathers, Intelectuals of the XIX century to Greek Philosophers and Roman Emperors, the authors have selected a rich and diverse set of texts which not only inspire you to be a better man but also give you a broader perspective in life, enabling you to learn from those who built Civilization.
At first I was skeptical by the power/capacity of this book to inspire the reader as it promised, after all, we live in a world where the manly virtues have almost been deceased, and bothering with such is quite far from contemporary mentality. Happily, I was wrong, the book is extremely powerful and it does encourage you to pull the best out of yourself.
April 24, 2012
I did enjoy some of the book however, I was disappointed. I would be remiss in thinking that men's virtues, defined as being the best one can be and not list a virtue of living one's life for God and the salvation He gave us in Christ Jesus. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But, that is my opinion from my perspective I realize not all men have faith and some unprepared to defend it.
But, that is my opinion from my perspective I realize not all men have faith and some unprepared to defend it.
February 8, 2015
This book is a collection of letters, stories, memoirs, and all manner of texts; an anthology. Brett and Kate McKay have assembled texts from throughout history that teach and demonstrate the Seven Manly Virtues; Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-Reliance, Discipline, and Honor. This book has been very influential in my life and I can only give it the highest praise. I've learned and applied the lessons of Manvotionals to my life and I am overall a much more virtuous, industrious, and happy man. Any man, or woman, owes it to themselves to read this book if they want to make positive changes in their lives.
December 28, 2012
There is not much in here that can't be already found online, as the book is almost entirely borrowed content from other authors in the form of essays, journal entries, poems, speeches, and letters. The book is useful because it spares the reader the trouble of having to go and find all these tidbits of patriarchal wisdom.
Since Susan says my reviews are entirely too long, I'll act as though she was right and end with simply this: The book is a must-have for men.
Since Susan says my reviews are entirely too long, I'll act as though she was right and end with simply this: The book is a must-have for men.
January 27, 2013
This is a consistent go-to book for me when I need a little inspiration. It's more than about "being manly" it's about living life with a sense of purpose And developing your character inside and out. There's nothing new here, these are all previous writings of prolific writers, philosophers and men of influence and industry. But, they are compiled in a set of 7 character traits that all of us can draw lessons from. Must-read.
December 8, 2011
This is the reference guide to pure inspiration. It breaks down 7 virtues which every man (and woman) should aspire to and develop. Brings together some of the best speeches, poems, instructions, and advice from the history of the recorded word. Once again, the Art of Manliness has not let me down.
September 18, 2013
This book changed the way I think.
July 19, 2018
A great book that all young men should read.
September 6, 2025
Brett Mckay is a familiar voice in my life. I have been a fan of the podcast, "Art of Manliness" for several years easily listening to over 200 episodes of the 1000+ shows that he has recorded.
Brett and the Manliness organization comes prepared for each podcast, does the research and reads the books of his guests that are authors on the podcast. I have come to really respect the diligence of the approach of preparedness of the podcast and the same can be said of this book.
Brett and his wife Kate McKay have done the work and developed a book that provides a deep dive into relevant literature that covers each of the 7 virtues. Men that are focused on living a virtuous life and are curious about the literary and historical examples that tie to these virtues will thoroughly enjoy this read. Below are my favorites relating to each virtue.
1. Manliness - "If" by Rudyard Kipling.
2. Courage -"Duty, Honor, Country" by General Douglas MacArthur
3. Industry - Quote: " It is better to wear out than to rust out'- Bishop Richard Chamberlin and short essay, " Now" from "Readings from Young Men, Merchants and Men of Business.
4. Resolution - "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley and the classic, "Man in the Arena" by President Theodore Roosevelt
5. Self-Reliance - "Don't be a sheep, be a man" by Arthur Brisbane and quote, " Talent is developed in solitude, character in the rush of the world"- Goethe
6. Discipline- Quote- " Not being able to govern events, I govern myself"- Michel de Montaigne
7. Honor - "The Better Thing."- Anonymous
Guys this is one of the few good resource books on the topic of manliness filled with so much wisdom that it could be a reference to go back to for inspiration and answers over and over.
Highly recommended!
Brett and the Manliness organization comes prepared for each podcast, does the research and reads the books of his guests that are authors on the podcast. I have come to really respect the diligence of the approach of preparedness of the podcast and the same can be said of this book.
Brett and his wife Kate McKay have done the work and developed a book that provides a deep dive into relevant literature that covers each of the 7 virtues. Men that are focused on living a virtuous life and are curious about the literary and historical examples that tie to these virtues will thoroughly enjoy this read. Below are my favorites relating to each virtue.
1. Manliness - "If" by Rudyard Kipling.
2. Courage -"Duty, Honor, Country" by General Douglas MacArthur
3. Industry - Quote: " It is better to wear out than to rust out'- Bishop Richard Chamberlin and short essay, " Now" from "Readings from Young Men, Merchants and Men of Business.
4. Resolution - "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley and the classic, "Man in the Arena" by President Theodore Roosevelt
5. Self-Reliance - "Don't be a sheep, be a man" by Arthur Brisbane and quote, " Talent is developed in solitude, character in the rush of the world"- Goethe
6. Discipline- Quote- " Not being able to govern events, I govern myself"- Michel de Montaigne
7. Honor - "The Better Thing."- Anonymous
Guys this is one of the few good resource books on the topic of manliness filled with so much wisdom that it could be a reference to go back to for inspiration and answers over and over.
Highly recommended!
May 15, 2025
As for as books on masculinity go, this was ok; it is a collection of writings by other authors; poems, prose; and as such worth your time, but don't expect an informing expose on what it means to be a man; for some alternatives; The Man's Guide to Women: Scientifically Proven Secrets from the Love Lab About What Women Really Want and The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire; for the corollary side be sure to check out; What Women Want When They Test Men: How To Decode Female Behavior, Pass A Woman's Tests, And Attract Women Through Authenticity and Models: Attract Women Through Honesty.
June 4, 2020
Fairly great coffee table book, wonderfully bad title, still funny how unironically serious the authors take themselves but that's all part of the charm. There's a lot of great anecdotes ad poems and writing here, flipping to any page will generally land on something worth reading, and if not, just another one or two tries ought to do it. I often go back to this when I come across a historical figure I wat to learn more about as these writings are quite good places to start, better than a Wikipedia article because you get to know the person according to themselves and their view of their place in the world. Solid 3 stars.
December 16, 2022
This is an incredible daily reading book. I've been starting my day with a reading from this book for the past several months. The vast majority of the readings are very engaging and very useful, with only a handful not having a tremendous impact on my day or thought process. The book pulls together a collection of writings from ancient times to near contemporary times and writers from the new world and the old world. Some of it is deep intellectual others is a bit more pop culture. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in having positive reinforcements and examples of masculinity.
June 20, 2023
"There are two ways to define manhood. One way is to say that manhood is the opposite of 'womanhood.' The other is to say that manhood is the opposite of childhood. We advocate the latter philosophy; manhood is the opposite of childhood and concerns one's inner values. A child is self-centered, fearful, and dependent. A man is bold, courageous, respectful, independent, and of service to others. Thus a boy becomes a man when he matures and leaves behind childish things. Likewise, a girl becomes a woman when she matures into real adulthood." - Brett & Kate McKay, "Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice on Living the 7 Manly Virtues," p. 2
I love this book!
I love this book!
September 8, 2017
This anthology had a lot of great pieces in it, I just wish there was more discussion by the authors about what each of these virtues meant and how they could be applied in daily life. I also disliked how almost all of the pieces in Self - Reliance promoted the idea that a man should never ask for help, rather than attempt whatever difficulty he may face and then seek assistance if he needed it, there were one or two that did, but I would have liked to see more.
May 17, 2023
What a great read. This collection of poems, excerpts, stories and speeches serves as a pure reminder of what it means to be a man. With words from the likes of Marcus Aurelius, Teddy Roosevelt and George Washington we see true examples of manhood.
This book took me a bit longer to read because it is meant to be savored. You are meant to soak in each and every excerpt the best you can.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I’d recommend to anyone wishing to become a better individual.
This book took me a bit longer to read because it is meant to be savored. You are meant to soak in each and every excerpt the best you can.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I’d recommend to anyone wishing to become a better individual.
May 19, 2019
Really liked this book. Even though the title is cringe worthy which probably stops a lot of people reading it, there is a great collection of wisdom pieced together over 7 virtues which have either been long forgotten or the meaning has obscured over the years. A great read and one I've gained a lot from.
June 28, 2019
A serious book, for serious men.
The book encourages men to accept both the privilege as well as personal responsibility to live a virtuous and meaningful life.
These are the main 7 virtues present in the book that each man must strive for:
Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-reliance, Discipline, Honour.
The book encourages men to accept both the privilege as well as personal responsibility to live a virtuous and meaningful life.
These are the main 7 virtues present in the book that each man must strive for:
Manliness, Courage, Industry, Resolution, Self-reliance, Discipline, Honour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book as a compilation of thoughts on living a virtuous life. Ranging the gamut of sources from famous to obscure, each selected essay or passage provides a thought-provoking exercise in how to apply each of the 7 listed virtues in your personal life. I'll read through this again.
November 13, 2019
How to Be A Man
Brett lays out the 7 great virtues of “Manhood”, as well as gives great quotes and ideas from legends of the past as motivation and direction as you learn to pick yourself up by your bootstraps daily to become a better man.
Brett lays out the 7 great virtues of “Manhood”, as well as gives great quotes and ideas from legends of the past as motivation and direction as you learn to pick yourself up by your bootstraps daily to become a better man.
August 28, 2020
Full of a wide range of essays, articles, poems, etc., on the greatest virtues of life, such as honor, diligence, kindness, perseverance, etc. I will keep it next to me for daily devotional reading.
September 3, 2020
Giving a collections of ideas and stories on what really makes a great man. This is something you will want to always have on your shelf and re-read year after year. To refresh value and virtues. Along with getting more and more insight each re-read after you have grown as a person.
October 10, 2021
Full of great manly wisdom, since the format of the book is excerpts from different texts and literature I found myself resonating with some and not so much by others, but overall it was a good experience.
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