Modern Manhood: Balancing Hard Work and Inner Growth
Today, the image of a reliable, self-sufficient man is shaped not only by material achievements but also by profound personal development. Society expects a man to work tirelessly and remain active, where his readiness to work hard is considered an important criterion of true manhood. However, the modern man is not defined solely by physical strength; he must also cultivate spiritual and soulful qualities that enable him to care for his loved ones and be the pillar of his family. In these expectations lies the notion of sanctity, where adherence to high moral standards becomes the foundation for a full life and successful relationships. Thus, a true man is not merely a hard worker, but a balanced partner whose strength in labor is combined with inner harmony and a pursuit of a high ideal, making him ready to embrace the future and build a strong, responsible family.
What social criteria and expectations are imposed on men to consider them self-sufficient, healthy, and ready to seek a bride?From the provided excerpts, several important social expectations can be identified that are imposed on a man in order for him to be considered reliable, self-sufficient, and ready to build marital relationships.Firstly, a man is required to be hardworking and show activity in his work. It is expected that he does not shy away from physical effort; on the contrary, “sweating at work” is regarded as a sign of a true man fulfilling his duty. The following statement is cited:"And if you’re not sweating at work, then you are not a man, you’re breaking God’s commandment, shirking it... ...It's good if some independence begins to appear by the age of thirty-five." (source: link txt)Secondly, a man is expected to develop not only physical strength but also spiritual and soulful qualities, which shape his personality and his capacity to care for others. This suggests that alongside providing materially, a man should invest in his inner development and be ready to “work for others,” applying his acquired strength to relationships and family care:"How long does a man live these days? Fifty-two — fifty-eight years, within this interval, and he dies... ...if someone acquires any strength, whether spiritual, soulful, or physical, then he can also work for another: he feels in himself great strength — to take and get married, to work for others." (source: link txt)Lastly, the standards of normalcy and a full life are linked to the concept of sanctity. This means that adherence to certain moral and ethical norms and striving for perfection are seen as the basis for building successful relationships and creating a family:"And what does normal mean? Normal is sanctity." (source: link txt)Thus, the social criteria and expectations concerning a man considered self-sufficient, healthy, and ready to look for a bride include a deep commitment to work and personal growth, possessing both physical and spiritual strength, as well as following high moral standards, which is seen as inner sanctity. These qualities form the image of a man who not only provides materially but is also capable of building full, responsible, and harmonious relationships.