The Measure of a Man

The year of the Gentleman.
Its about looking sharp,talking smart. Walking the walk, talking the talk.
Witty and interesting in speech, he is polite and charismatic.
There is a certain suaveness in the way he handles himself, cool as ice

And what about the untrained brute.
Dress code ain't an issue, and he talks loud. Trips when he walks, clumsy with words.
Crude and direct in speech, he is honest and amusing.
There is certain clarity and honesty in the way he handles himself, clear as water

And so he doesn't open the doors for the ladies, is it the intention that he doesn't want the lady in the car?
And so he is brutally honest and words doesnt filter in the brain before exiting the mouth, is it his intention that he is rude
And so he doesnt take off his jacket for the lady, is it his intention that the lady freeze to death before arriving home.

So what really makes a man?
What is the measure of a man?
The metaphor of an untrained brute and a suave gentleman doesn't do justice of measuring up a man.
Rather the measure of a man arguably would equate more to the measure of humanity, a measure of one.
The measure of MAN

In life, there comes a time that a person finally stops being a child and grows up.
He/she is considered mature, grown up. The point in our lives where this happens continues to be a gray area in our lives as most of different opinions where this stands. A truly correct answer is yet to be arrived.

Does this point happen when, the person is of age? 21 years of age, maybe 18 in some countries? He/she is deemed capable of making sounds and independant decisions. Really now?? Independant 21 year olds making sound decisions?

For some when the person is at the epitome of the corporate or career ladder. The aim was to achieve the most on the ladder in the least amount of time possible. Taking no prisoners, by hook or by crook the epitome is achieved. Friends disappear, and family estranged or distant. Does it really make you a man?

Maybe its the ability to make the tough choices or decisions when it matters. The ability to see it in a collective point of view that doesnt just benefit one but all. The ability to make a crucial decision that makes or breaks but still get back up if it fails. The courage to undertake an action that you know hurts in the short term but you know benefits in the long term.

Maybe when he/she is slammed into the dust, is able to pick themselves up. Brush of the dust and continue walking. Facing adversity in its face, being able to beat it.

What about the capacity to care. Not just for yourself, not for your loved ones. The capacity to care for strangers. The capacity to love someone you do not know. The compassion in ones heart to help a person that they have never known their whole lives, and maybe will never ever get to meet. The willingness to lay down your life for the salvation of others?

Other measures?

How do you measure up?