BECOMING A TRUE MAN

True true —https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2024/01/02/becoming-a-true-man-2/

Audio - https://erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/True-Man.m4a

Mostly a via negativa thing — what *NOT* to do, what *NOT* to become:

Eric Kim's quotes on masculinity and manliness from his blog posts can be summarized as follows:

1. **Defining Masculinity and Manliness**: "If masculinity or manliness (virtue) is the art of a man becoming the apex version of himself, then shouldn’t manliness and masculinity be the goal?" [oai_citation:1,Why Masculinity? - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2020/07/25/why-masculinity/)

2. **Role of Strength in Masculinity**: "The first thought I have is that it is your moralistic duty to be strong. To be strong for yourself, your wife, your kids, for what you believe in, etc." [oai_citation:2,Why Manliness? - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2023/05/03/why-manliness/)

3. **Physical Courage**: "One could talk all they want about metaphysics, etc., but if one has not truly tested the limits of their physical strength, one does not have deep courage." [oai_citation:3,How to Become More Manly - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2022/06/28/how-to-become-more-manly/)

4. **On Being Open-Minded**: "I like the notion of being open-minded. But also, at a certain point, it is a good idea to be close-minded." [oai_citation:4,How to Become More Manly - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2022/06/28/how-to-become-more-manly/)

5. **Diet and Masculinity**: "The more testosterone the man has, the more manly he is." (In reference to eating meat, specifically beef liver and beef heart, to boost testosterone) [oai_citation:5,How to Become More Manly - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2022/06/28/how-to-become-more-manly/)

6. **Freedom of Thought and Speech**: "What is it that Diogenes said is the supreme good in life? Freedom of thought, and freedom of speech. To be able to say what one believes in or thinks, without fear of being told that one is being 'politically incorrect', or 'unwoke'." [oai_citation:6,How to Become More Manly - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2022/06/28/how-to-become-more-manly/)

7. **Rejecting Societal Norms**: "It is no longer permitted for a man to strive to become more 'manly'." (Discussing societal attitudes towards masculinity) [oai_citation:7,How to Become More Manly - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2022/06/28/how-to-become-more-manly/)

8. **Personal Journey Towards Manliness**: "I always strove to become more manly, or masculine, more dominant, etc." (Reflecting on his personal motivation to embody masculinity from a young age) [oai_citation:8,Why Manliness? - ERIC KIM](https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2023/05/03/why-manliness/)

These quotes reflect his views on masculinity as a combination of physical strength, personal freedom, and the importance of defining one's masculinity independently of societal norms.