Has the definition of a good man changed over the course of history?
The quest to lead a good life has led to philosophies, religions, cultures, and institutions with many different answers, all of which work in their times and places. Human civilization as a whole has been changing more rapidly over time, and is even changing the world itself at a faster rate.
What do you have to do today to be a good man? How is it different from being a good woman? How have these changed since you were a boy? Since your grandfather was a boy? What about seven generations before that? Or twenty? What do these changes mean for you?
What about halfway around the world from you: what does it mean to be a good man there? Can anyone say what aspects of “the good man” are universal to all humanity, and what are specific to a cultural time and place?
How do historical, traditional values for men support or contradict the conditions under which you live and make moral choices?
We hope to answer these and other questions through your essays.
Make your submissions via Submishmash by Saturday, April 7. See our submission guidelines for more information. Direct questions and pitches to Justin Cascio at [email protected].
—Photo Mo7amaD/Flickr