" Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender. " wrote Henri Frederic Amiel { Swiss Philosopher }. He also wrote " a belief is not true because it is useful." But tell that to the average young man out to prove his bona fides. Men have a distinct calling to prove their manliness.That is historically a fact.Whether in grade school as a young boy earning merit badges as a Cub Scout or making it to 3rd base in Little league.Becoming an Eagle scout or the varsity whatever { Football,Basketball,Baseball team }. Then college and being a Frat Boy.Then graduating and entering the real world of Men,where Manliness is still on display whether the ability to be a ladies Man or have a low golf handicap.Or like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen,being a race car driver.Men cannot help it. They say Women actually dress for other women.To impress and outdo other females.Well Men do as well.With their Digs { expensive clothes, gold tie clasps,cuff links and expensive Italian shoes.}. Oh and their cars. Then on to the links and being able to drive a ball 300 yards. Oh ... and Cigars.Maybe ability to outdrink another man as in the Hit AMC TV series { - Mad Men - }. Men are preternaturally in competitive mode.It is part of being a Hunter and gatherer or Soldier.It's what motivated Drill Sergeants of yesteryear.The ability to command respect & attention and to Lord over others.Like a Fat cat Boss and his Big fat Cigar and expensive Board room.Or office.Oh! ... and another thing.Ability to possibly be rich enough to acquire a Trophy chick.A Wife to show off and have bragging rights as to The Prettiest and nicest figure.Like a Donald Trump or Rush Limbaugh.Or some Movie star. Make no mistake about it ... The Male Animal is still with us Folks. But not as prevalent.No More Dick Butkus or Ted Williams or Mickey Mantle's will be tolerated.Or Bob Mathias { Olympian track star }. Heaven forbid a Jim Thorpe or a Babe Ruth. More like a new generation of possible Bruce Jenners. The Male Animal is still with us,but dwindling fast.No more General Pattons or Stormin' Normans.General Petraeus was made an example of. Now we have Sorority girls as spokespeople for the Pentagon and State Dept.But even females are a different breed.Shirley Temple woulda made a Fine Senator or even President.Because she had the gift.She was truthfull,pleasant and Very strong-wiiled and positive.Because in her era it was usefull to be true and honest..True to oneself and one's calling. No such human animal exists any more.Not even a Pontiff { Pope }. The Pope has been compromised. If the world is to survive intact,there has to be some Calling. Like for the Priesthood or Nunnery. Like the Male and female instinct. One cannot cheat at golf and hope to build character. One cannot win the Lotto and acquire a Trophy wife and play Valentino.Not even on Halloween according to the latest new Politically Correct guidelines. Maybe being Ordinary is the new extraordinary. " The ordinary man doubts nothing and suspects nothing.Emancipation from error is the condition of real knowledge " -- Henri Frederic Amiel
