INTRODUCTION

What Makes a Man?

MANHOOD HAS always been about the competence to be effective in the world. To be a man means to be skilled in the range of tasks that are critical to survive and thrive in society—becoming both physically proficient and culturally competent. To be manly means acquiring a breadth of skills so that you can deftly and adroitly handle any situation you find yourself in.

The French idea of savoir faire (pronounced “sahv-wah fair”) encapsulates this notion. You already know what it is: James Bond embodies it. Teddy Roosevelt had it in spades, and so did many of our grandfathers (I know mine did). Men with savoir faire can change a flat tire, dress sharp for any event, converse with both truck drivers and diplomats, and immobilize an armed attacker. Developing savoir faire means becoming a Renaissance man: smooth, smart, handy, and resourceful.

Across cultures, research shows that the traits women find most attractive in men are competence and effectiveness—not sports cars or six-pack abs. (Napoleon Dynamite was right: Chicks dig guys with skills.) These traits are prerequisites for the independence and autonomy that cultures across the world expect from men. They enable us to live satisfying, self-directed lives.

Plus, it simply feels awesome to know you possess the skills and confidence to walk into any situation and know how to act, how to own the room, and how to solve any problem that arises. Nietzsche said it best: “Happiness is the feeling of power increasing.” As you expand your skill set, you increase your ability to be effective in the world around you. You become more powerful, more potent, and that feels good.

I started The Art of Manliness in 2008 to help men develop savoir faire in a world that has left many men adrift, lacking the confidence, focus, skills, and virtues that the men we look up to embodied. This book fills that void—helping you perfect the skills to be honorable, well-rounded, capable husbands, fathers, brothers, and citizens.

BUT WHAT SKILLS DOES A MODERN MAN NEED TO KNOW?

It’s a debate that has gone on for centuries among men and will probably continue for centuries more. With The Illustrated Art of Manliness, we add our contribution to this great conversation. While we don’t cover every conceivable skill a man needs to know, we think this volume represents a very good start. We wed the best of the past to the best of the present, offering guidance for a multidimensional, flourishing life.

We’ve divided the book into six chapters that correspond to the roles that most men assume at one time or another in contemporary life: adventurer, gentleman, technician, warrior, family man, and leader. Among them you’ll find a nice mix of “hard” and “soft” skills that together build a constellation of all-around capability. For most of us living in capitalist, democratic societies, soft skills like dressing well, leading effectively, and displaying charisma help us excel. But we still need hard skills, like knowing how to fight or start a fire, even though we no longer need to survive in the wild or constantly guard against physical threats. Whether you’re striving for the corner office or find yourself lost in the woods, it’s better to have these skills and not need them than it is to need them, and not have them.

We may not be arctic explorers, race-car drivers, survivalists, or doctors—but we can learn from them. For each skill, we’ve done the research and consulted with top practitioners in relevant fields to deliver the advice ahead. Nevertheless, use your own good judgment, be responsible for your own safety, and be respectful of others.

We hope this book inspires you to grow and challenge yourself by learning new skills. You’ll increase your competence, your effectiveness, and your usefulness. And based on thousands of years of human history, not to mention the feeling you get when your skills match the scenario, that’s pretty damn manly.

—Brett McKay, founder, The Art of Manliness