My *yet* statement here isn't making a counterpoint as much as thinking through the different angles on this and how I would argue the point(s) being made.
Discussion
Yep I understand what you're saying.
I personally lean away from those externals, even though they are often accidental signs of masculine virtue, because, at least in today's world, we too often miss the forest for the trees.
An able-bodied, virtuous man should look to preserving his health and strength, and exercise and lifting weights may often be a part of that. However, we should be careful not disparage the old or infirm man as less capable of masculine virtue just because he is less capable of this or that particular accident.
Appreciate the discussion.
Part of the reason I lean into the accidental is precisely *because* of today's world (feminism, gender hysteria, not knowing what a man or woman is, etc). The externals (accidentals) are therefore helpful to distinguish essentials.
But, as we have pointed out, there are ditches on both sides of the road, so I agree that we do not want to conflate externals and essentials lest we create characatures of male and female. To disparage the old or infirm as being *less masculine* is wrong, but there are things that are generally true of and normative for men and masculinity that will always vary by degree on the granular level of each man. Principles are still true even if for some guy or some demographic the particulars vary.
What you said about the importance of a man cultivating his strength is a good example. I encourage most men to work out under the framework that strengthening and disciplining the body is an important part of being a man. But gym time itself isn't the manly thing because there are guys who work in the trades that strengthen and discipline their bodies. The important things are strength and discipline (mental and physical fortitude) not necessarily the means of acquiring it.
I actually think that the antidote to the gender confusion of today is precisely a return to the substance of masculinity and femininity, rather than the accidents.
As far as I can tell, we've lost sight of the substances and replaced them with empty stereotypes, and as a result, those who don't fit the stereotypes are instantly thrown into crisis. They have nothing of substance to fall back on when the appearance of their masculinity or femininity is called into question.
It's a consequence of being told by our culture that our identity is liquid and self-made. When that is the belief, there is nothing to root out identifying deeper than the surface.
Full agreement. My intention is to say that the acidents are helpful, especially in clown world, when they truly flow from the substance and aren't simply a hollow display of masculinity without a real foundation.