When Jocko Willink (recipient of Silver Star and Bronze Star, and commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the Battle of Ramadi) was asked by Tim Ferris what it means to be man, Jocko responded with three values:

  1. The experience of having fought in battle to the death. Most adult men throughout time had experienced battle, whether they be French, Chinese, or Peruvian. The act of fighting for a tribe, town, state, or nation is something historically essential to being a man.
  2. Martial arts. Every man should know how to fight and hold his own.
  3. Be married and have children. This is another experience of maturity makes a man.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised by Jocko’s answers, and I think Tim was, as well.

I’m past the age of fighting in battle and I never have. Honestly, I have taken up Jiu Jitsu in order to learn a skill of fighting and self-defense. And I continue to experience marriage and family.

I’m curious as to whether the other Maccabee brethren agree or disagree (or would want to modify) the three descriptions of a man by Jocko. Please leave a comment in the comments box.

I highly recommend that you listen to this interview with Jocko Willink. It will inspire you to become a better man. You can listen to the entire interview with Jocko here: