For the last while now, I’ve been working toward something. I’ve been working toward making myself into something. I’ve written about my thoughts and a bit about why I’m not the only one who should work toward this something, even.
But I haven’t even really defined precisely what this something is. I’ve touched on it, but I haven’t really defined what it is that this Modern Barbarian really is.
Today, I’m going to try and do that. I may add to some of this at a later date, but this is where the entire concept stands as of this moment.
Further, it’s not limited to just men. I really think women needs this too.
So, without further ado…
Mastery of the Physical
The ideal person, in my mind, has mastered the physical side of things. They’re strong, limber, healthy, with great stamina, and capable. They’ve built the muscle memory to do all the things required of them, but they also have a more generic strength that can be used when called upon.
The idea is to be the person everyone wants to help them move.
No, you shouldn’t feel obligated to do so, but you should be the kind of person that’s an ideal candidate.Â
A Warrior
The ideal person is a warrior. They’ve learned how to do battle with their fists, but also with weapons. I’m not talking outdated things like swords and axes, mind you–though that can be cool too–but with everyday carry knives and firearms, if it’s legal for them to do so.
They understand the rules society places on them, but they also understand that there are times when battle must be engaged in to protect life and liberty.
A Scholar
Unlike the barbarians of legend and fiction, the Modern Barbarian doesn’t shun learning. They simply prefer to do it on their own terms rather than necessarily enduring academia.
They’re readers and students, people who will delve into topics of interest on a whim. They will study and understand history, science, philosophy, or whatever else interests them. They will understand rhetoric and debate so they can defend their ideas.
Courteous
While a Modern Barbarian is fully capable and willing to split your skull open for causing offense, they don’t because of the rules they’re forced to endure.Â
However, they live their lives and interact with others as if those rules don’t exist. In other words, they act as though they may face violent repercussions for giving willful offense. Sometimes, they do so because it’s warranted. Others, because they don’t respect the other party. Most of the time, though, they don’t because they view it as deserving of violence.
That keeps them in check in many ways.
A Craftsman/woman
The Modern Barbarian can’t be focused too much on the internal. They need to be more than destroyers. They need to be creators. They need to be craftsmen and women.
It doesn’t matter so much what the craft is, mind you, only that it’s done.Â
Barbarians of history weren’t necessarily just warriors. They had to earn their bread when there was no one to raid, after all. They needed skills to do that.
While you probably have a job, the chances are good that you’re not creating something with your own brain and sweat. But by doing so, you’re not just taming the more impulsive nature of yourself, but also tempering the beast within.
For now, that’s the core outline of what I see. Those are the things bouncing around in my head most of the time these days.
I don’t know that anyone else is following this journey, but it might be worth it to at least give it a thought. Especially if the above looks appealing.
