Now and again, I like to take some time to reflect on why I started PopConversation and my answer to that question would be that I want to use this blog to share my experiences with all the brilliant people that I interact with and all the remarkable content that I chance upon both online and off. One of the best resources that I find myself going back to from time to time is the Internet soul food for men, that is ArtofManliness.com (AOM for short).
What is The Art of Manliness?
The Art of Manliness is a popular Men’s Interests and Lifestyle blog that features many deeply insightful articles that discuss the values of men and the way they live their lives; the site nostalgically draws comparisons between the modern men and their forefathers, juxtaposing the changes in mindset, attitude and behaviourism, and highlighting the noteworthy attributes and virtues that men might have lost along the way in their pursuit of modernisation – instant gratification, vanity and a lack of patience to see things through.
“… it’s kind of the anti-thesis of many of the other men’s magazines out there - we don’t focus on 6 pack abs or how to wear five thousand dollar suits or how to take exotic vacations – you see them in a lot of men’s magazines. We’re (AOM) just really focused on how to be a better man for the average guy.” - Brett McKay
Who writes this blog?
Law student and accidental full time blogger Brett Mckay stumbled upon the idea of creating an online resource - that helped normal everyday men be better husbands, fathers, brothers and friends – when he realized that the articles in male magazines was increasingly marred with repetitive and superfluous content on sex and six packs.
This realisation spurred him to create an avenue where the ‘lost art’ of being a real man can be discussed and shared. His part time endeavour quickly became his full time job and the website has since amassed a sizeable following of over 128,000 subscribers, 88,000 fans on Facebook, and over 2 million unique visitors every month.
Brett and his wife, Kate McKay are the main content creators on the site. They’re supported by 3 affluent contributing writers - Chris Hutcheson, Antonio Centeno and Matt Moore.
Brett and his wife, Kate McKay
Why should I read The Art of Manliness?
The Art of Manliness gives its readers meaningful perspective and thoughtful commentary on issues pertinent to a man’s life – his values and character, grooming, health, skillsets, finances and career, and relationship and family. What The Art of Manliness lacks in flash and sensationalism, it does not see the need to make up for; it’s in real substance and focus on the inner qualities over the superficial where it truly shines.
“Self-control is self-mastery. It is kingship over all life. At the center of your being sits yourself. Your seat ought to be a throne. If you are not in control, if there are any forces in your nature that are unruly, that do not acknowledge your sway, you are not the king you should be. Part of your kingdom is in insurrection. The strength of your life is divided. The strong man is he whose whole being is subject to him.” -James Russell Miller, The Beauty of Self-Control, 1911
Exerpt from AOM's article on Willpower
Expect to be immersed in thought, and take time to assess and reflect upon profound issues that extends beyond “The Top 10 bars to pick up Women” and “The 7 sports cars you wish you owned” – some of the recommended readings on AOM includes:
- Willpower: The Force of Greatness
- Ace Your Exams: Study Tactics of the Successful Gentleman Scholar
- The Art of Conversation: How to Avoid Conversational Narcissism
- How to Parallel Park… Like a Man!
- So You Want My Job: Comic Book Artist
- The Art of Manliness Moustache Style Guide
Can Women read Art of Manliness too?
If Kate McKay writes for the site, I don’t see why women should distance themselves from AOM, if anything, the stories and content on the site would show them what they should expect of a real men, a good husband, brother or friend; this will in turn provide them an excellent barometer with which to judge a men’s worth, not by the bling he wears or whether he sparkles under sunlight, but by his actions and the consequential decisions that he makes in life.
In closing
Do take sometime to visit the site and let me know your thoughts on The Art of Manliness. I hope that this article has helped you discover something new and useful :)
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By Herman Soh
