Triple duty
A man’s gotta do, we are told, what a man’s gotta do, which demonstrates, I suppose, that you can’t keep a good tautology down.
Over at Cobb’s, Maxambit has come to the conclusion that this is what a man’s gotta do:
(1) A man’s first duty is to strengthen his own mind, so he may recognize how institutions and cultures compete to control it and then defend himself.
(2) A man’s second duty is to strive to accumulate sufficient wealth so he and his loved ones will have the resources they’ll need to live freely in the U.S., unencumbered by enslaving debts, discomforting relationships, or unrewarding labor.
(3) A man’s third duty is to do no harm to others who are within his sphere of influence.
I think I am on reasonably-firm ground in saying that most of us will not be equally successful at all three — which does not excuse us from continuing to work at them.
Donna B. »
8 February 2010 · 12:15 am
Agreed. And, having read Bendigo Shafter recently… perhaps we should read more Louis L’Amour?
Brian J. »
8 February 2010 · 8:06 am
I’d have to put number 3 first with an asterisk because otherwise it justifies holding professors hostage until they divulge what they know.
fillyjonk »
8 February 2010 · 10:16 am
I’m wondering what makes these specifically “man rules”? Wouldn’t they apply to both genders?
I mean, it would be great if I could expect to sit around and be protected and provided for, but unless I do it myself, that ain’t happening.