Balancing Instinct and Will: The Essence of True Manhood

In a world where a man's strength is measured not only by physical power, true courage is born of a conscious choice, a cultivated will, and high moral principles. What becomes decisive here is the realization that true strength lies in the ability to channel one’s instincts toward achieving elevated goals, even at the peak of one’s life energy.

Noting that masculinity is not just the sum of physical capabilities but also of spiritual wealth, one can assert that genuine courage is born through self-control, humility, and deep respect for others. It is evident when a man, despite his strength, is able to show care and love even in relationships with the most vulnerable family members, demonstrating the highest degree of nobility and spirituality.

On the other hand, there is the natural, instinctive strength, which, in its essence, resembles the energy of an unbridled stallion. This is the primary, immediate activity driven by life’s impulses, which on its own cannot be transformed into true courage without direction and reflection. However, it is precisely in this collision between raw energy and developed will that the potential for the greatest achievements is concealed, as instinctive dynamism becomes the foundation for conscious and morally mature actions.

Thus, the balance between instinctive power and a cultivated will is the guarantee of genuine masculinity. It is only through a constant inner striving for perfection and the liberation from primary impulses that a man is able to transform his energy into a power imbued with profound moral and spiritual meaning.

What are the main differences between the manifestations of masculinity in people and the instinctive strength metaphorically compared to that of a stallion?

The primary difference is that true masculine strength in humans is manifested through a conscious choice, a cultivated will, and high moral qualities, whereas the instinctive strength, similar to the image of a stallion, is primary, immediate, and natural, but not necessarily directed toward lofty goals.

On one hand, human masculinity, as emphasized in one of the texts, “can only grow into true masculinity when the will yields,” which implies humility, self-control, and respect even at moments when one is at the peak of one’s powers (source: link ). This approach suggests that the strength of will is based on a high moral and spiritual foundation, where true courage lies not only in physical energy but in the ability to subordinate one’s instincts to a higher purpose, showing care and love even to the vulnerable (as, for example, in the lavish description of a man who respectfully bows before his feeble parent).

On the other hand, the instinctive strength, comparable to a powerful stallion, appears as immediate activity inherent to nature – it is not automatic, but rather “instinctive activity” that, although it falls under the influence of life’s impulses and sensual experiences, remains in its original, unrefined form (source: link ). Such energy possesses enormous potential, but without reflection and direction, it lacks the qualities that transform mere brute force into true courage.

Thus, the main difference between them is that human masculinity achieves its perfection through a cultivated will, conscious efforts, and moral self-sacrifice, whereas the image of instinctive strength – like that of an unbridled stallion – represents primary dynamism that does not inherently aspire to the heights of spiritual and moral achievements.

Supporting citation(s):
"Willpower is the basis of courage, but courage can only grow into true masculinity when the will yields, and the more the will yields, the stronger the manifestations of masculinity. There is no act more fitting for a man than the act in which, at the peak of his strength like a small child, he lovingly bows before his feeble parent, showing him reverence and respect." (source: link )

"Not impulsive, but only instinctive activity is exactly that form of activity to which our will becomes attached... On this very ground lies the possibility of expanding the role of the intellectual element in activity; instinctive movements, so to speak, mature into acts of will." (source: link )