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I agree with TAM, your best example of being a man is what kind of children you bring up. I like to think that I am improving myself by making a better adult through my child(ren).
I also submit that if you don't have children to call your own, the next best yardstick is what kind of example you bring to the next generation.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=BkD9kId1jwQ[/youtube]

VMI77 wrote:My first inclination was to cite Kipling's poem as a good summary, but you beat me to it.

You have good taste, sir!

Great replies to the OP. On a lighter note I will add the ability to sit still while your daughters practice their hair and make-up skills on you. That's what my wife says anyway.

I believe that an efficient way of becoming a man, and remaining in that state, is to choose and emulate a proper role model. While there are several good choices (and an unfortunate number of poor choices), my personal role model is Richard (Dick) Winters.

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Vic wrote:I believe that an efficient way of becoming a man, and remaining in that state, is to choose and emulate a proper role model. While there are several good choices (and an unfortunate number of poor choices), my personal role model is Richard (Dick) Winters.

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Band-Broth ... 882&sr=1-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dick Winters is a darn good choice. I've been a great admirer of his ever since I read the book, long before the HBO series was made.

What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like
a god! the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet,
to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me—
nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so.

Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
William Shakespeare

AndyC wrote:I was having an interesting conversation with my wife this evening about what it means to be a man. No, I'm not in trouble (I think ) - but it was fascinating to hear another's perspective on the subject.

So - what do you guys and gals believe are the ideal things that make a man?

Andy - Thanks for the excellent topic. It's provoking a lot of good dialog.

USA1 wrote: -Raising his kids to be respectful and passing down good morals to them.

A good man shapes good children that grow up to be good men and women.

USA1 - To me your response is more of what is a [good] father. A good father is a good man, but a man can also be a good man without being a father.

It reminds me of when I was a child, adults would ask me "what do you want to be when you grow up." Rather than saying, I want to be a policeman, a fireman or an astronaut, I would always reply, "I want to be a man." Of course the man I wanted to be was the same kind of man as my father.

One of the things that my father did was to make sure that I could enjoy my childhood and be secure and insulated from many bad outside influences. He also tried to make sure that, when the time came, I had the tools necessary to cope with some of these unfortunate situations that occur in life.

WildBill wrote:

USA1 wrote: -Raising his kids to be respectful and passing down good morals to them.

A good man shapes good children that grow up to be good men and women.

USA1 - To me your response is more of what is a [good] father. A good father is a good man, but a man can also be a good man without being a father.

It reminds me of when I was a child, adults would ask me "what do you want to be when you grow up." Rather than saying, I want to be a policeman, a fireman or an astronaut, I would always reply, "I want to be a man." Of course the man I wanted to be was the same kind of man as my father.

You have a point WildBill. But being a father, and the fact that my children
are such an important part of my life, it was the first thing that came to mind...(for me).

I got the best answer from my 15 yr old daughter. She said "You are Dad!" Thank you dear girl.

USA1 wrote:

WildBill wrote:

USA1 wrote: -Raising his kids to be respectful and passing down good morals to them.

A good man shapes good children that grow up to be good men and women.

USA1 - To me your response is more of what is a [good] father. A good father is a good man, but a man can also be a good man without being a father.

It reminds me of when I was a child, adults would ask me "what do you want to be when you grow up." Rather than saying, I want to be a policeman, a fireman or an astronaut, I would always reply, "I want to be a man." Of course the man I wanted to be was the same kind of man as my father.

You have a point WildBill. But being a father, and the fact that my children
are such an important part of my life, it was the first thing that came to mind...(for me).

Another characteristic of a good man, is one that can put the needs of others before his own. You, sir are a good man.

Dan20703 wrote:I got the best answer from my 15 yr old daughter. She said "You are Dad!" Thank you dear girl.

That pretty much sums it up.

I've heard it's the clothes....

On a more serious note, though still succinct...it's a person who has the respect of others--not because he insists upon it or demands it, but because he earns it through his deeds and words.

Lot's of good answers above. Here is one more to add to them.

A man honers his word at all costs.

You guys and gals make me proud! I think you have covered every aspect I could think of to answer this question. You have given me hope for this crazy mixed up world we live in, and a booster of pride in this amazing country we call home! Thank you, and when I think of the term "a few good men" I think there are more than a few here - and that is the inclusive "men" - not gender specific but mankind. I hope to meet some of you someday!

Thanks!
DA