Husbands, Fathers, Warriors & Kings | Senator Josh Hawley | EP 361

Identity Crisis

Josh Hawley discusses the modern crisis of male identity, emphasizing how societal forces like academia and entertainment promote a self-centered, whim-driven existence. He argues that this ideology leaves young men disoriented and without a clear sense of purpose. Jordan Peterson adds that conservatives could learn from thoughtful leftists about the dangers of mindless consumerism, which feeds into this narcissistic ethos 1. Hawley believes that a sense of purpose, rooted in biblical vision, can transform lives and provide lasting meaning 2.

Something that's going to get you out of bed in the morning is a sense of purpose and vision for your life. And if that, to go back to the most fundamental of the, of the biblical vision. If that purpose is, boy, my life can actually transform the world. I can bring order from chaos. I can make a garden in the wilderness. What I do now can last in a meaningful way for, who knows, eternity. That's a powerful vision.

--- Josh Hawley

This vision, he argues, is systematically denied by modern culture and the nihilistic left.

   

Cultural Dilemmas

Jordan Peterson and Josh Hawley examine the cultural challenges facing men, including demoralization and career motivation. Peterson highlights how young men are taught that masculinity is inherently oppressive, leading to a sense of worthlessness and passivity 3. Hawley adds that men are often encouraged to engage in passive activities like screen time and pornography, which further erode their confidence and ambition. Peterson notes that achieving genuine status in the workplace is a significant motivator for men, as it enhances their attractiveness and sense of accomplishment 4.

One of the motivating factors that drive men out into the workplace is the possibility of attaining genuine status in the workplace as a consequence of competent endeavor. And that does make them more attractive to women.

--- Jordan Peterson

This societal narrative, they argue, is debilitating and needs to be challenged.

   

Pornography's Impact

The detrimental effects of pornography on young men and society are a significant concern for Josh Hawley. He explains that the widespread availability of pornography leads to increased consumption, which in turn inhibits real human relationships and diminishes self-confidence 5. Jordan Peterson adds that pornography consumption makes men more passive and less confident, contradicting the porn industry's portrayal of it as a sign of masculinity. Hawley was motivated to write his book partly because of his concerns for his own sons and the struggles he sees in young men across the nation 6.

The more porn men watch, especially young men, the more porn they want to watch. And then you ask, well, what, what happens over time and what the data, there's an increasing body of data on this. And what it shows is, is that you spend more time on screens, you spend less time in real human relationships.

--- Josh Hawley

This cycle, they argue, is detrimental to the development of healthy, confident men.

   

Fatherhood's Role

Josh Hawley underscores the importance of fatherhood in shaping young men's lives and instilling responsibility. He shares that his motivation to write his book stemmed from his desire to help his own sons grow into capable men 6. Jordan Peterson adds that the paternal role is crucial in encouraging children to reach their potential, contrasting with the maternal role of addressing immediate needs. Hawley recounts a personal experience as a coach, where he realized the importance of encouraging young people to become their best selves 7.

My job as a coach to him, was to help encourage that and call it forth. And for me, Jordan, I tell that story because that is a, to me, a parallel to fatherhood that helped me get ready for what I think fatherhood is, which is to see that in my kids, my boys and my girl, and to help call that forth, to help call forth what they could be and to be willing to sacrifice myself and my interests in order to see them develop and grow.

--- Josh Hawley

This role, they argue, is vital for the development of responsible and capable men.