The Boy Scouts have gotten a bad rap. In fact, being tagged as a “boy scout” has even been used as a derision of being boring, bland, but a nice guy. But if we were being honest, the principles and values of the Boy Scouts aligns perfectly with the nature of the MaleMatter Man.
Hi, brothers! Nelson here on another episode of “how to be a MaleMatter Man”. In this edition, we take a look at the qualities and virtues that are at the core of the Boy Scout credo. Moreover, we examine how this said credo can help build you into the ideal MaleMatter Man!
Although the Boy Scouts organization was established in the United States (i.e The Boy Scouts of America), it has spread over the globe. More importantly, the values that it has been built on are universal and can apply to anyone.
The Boy Scout Oath
Most of us have probably had the experience of being inducted into the institution that is the Boy Scouts. And if you recall, there is an oath that goes, as follows:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
And To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
40 words is all it takes to encapsulate the credo that the Boy Scouts live by. But let us break it down further by examining each DUTY that is mentioned.
Duty to God and Country
This may be a sensitive point to some people. The very idea of “God” has been on the wringer for the past years, never mind the religions built around the concept of a deity. However, regardless of one’s faith (or lack thereof), the highest values of civilization still matter. And living by them is a noble duty.
Moreover, tolerance of others’ beliefs is important. Perhaps you do not share another man’s faith, but respecting their right to have one is a great virtue.
Likewise, living by the laws and the tenets of one’s country is a high ideal. Every country on Earth was built on a Constitution… one that lays down the basic rights for every citizen. Adhering to these laws does not just help yourself, but also others. On that note…
Duty to Other People
Every person matters. And how we treat others is a reflection of our personality. Remember the so-called “Gold Rule”? “Do Unto others as you would have them do unto you?” It is still true to this day. Helping others helps yourself.
You never know when you might be the one who needs help. So why not be an example and help when you can? And it can be big or small. Even giving a smile to someone helps make the world a little brighter.
Duty to Your Self
You have a duty to the one person who truly counts on you at every second: Yourself. You have to keep yourself healthy. Being of sound mind, body, and spirit is your utmost responsibility. After all, you cannot help other people, if you do not first help yourself.
I liken it with how I got fit through Tom Venuto’s “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”. Improving yourself through knowledge and effort is your sacred duty!
Always Be Prepared!
When we talk about the Boy Scouts, you cannot ignore the classic motto: To always be prepared. This is such a wide-reaching characteristic. Preparation is key to getting things done. A MaleMatter Man looks into keeping ready for any possible scenario.
While you can’t be prepared for every eventuality, trying is already something. And how else can you be prepared but by learning and studying.
Remember the movie “Cast Away” with Tom Hanks? He survived that island by having a sufficient understanding of how to do things. Getting a fire started, building shelter, jury-rigging ropes from plants and trees, and so on. All of these helped keep him alive and eventually escape back to civilization.
Although you will likely not be in the same situation, it wouldn’t hurt to expand your repertoire. Learn to cook. Know how to fix the faucet. Assemble your own computer. These are simple, everyday things that you can prepare yourself to be able to do. And you know how women love men that can work with their hands! It’s a win-win, any way you look at it!
Boy Scout = Alpha Man
Despite the issues the Boy Scouts have encountered over the years, the highest ideals still resonate. More to the point, the ethics and morals that are supposed to be embodied by the Boy Scouts should be carried over as we get older.
A true Alpha MaleMatter Man is a Boy Scout at heart. He knows his duties from lofty ideals down to his own self. He is the man that believes in being prepared when he can be. All of these and more can make you a better person and a better man.
For more about improving yourself and embodying the ideals of the MaleMatter Man, keep following this page regularly!
