In a world where superficiality often prevails, a powerful set of non-negotiable virtues sets men apart; the courage to pursue and defend truth and integrity is not for the weak, and all know this, as few can commit themselves to such a feat.
It takes great strength of character and unwavering determination to follow this noble path, but the rewards it brings are immeasurable. Today, we’ll delve into the importance of this pursuit, I’ll share some examples from my life, and we’ll hit why it is an essential quality that every man should embody.
Truth goes beyond mere facts
Truth represents a commitment to honesty, authenticity, and accountability in all aspects of life. When a man embraces truth, he embraces a life of transparency and sincerity, free from the burden of deception. Integrity, on the other hand, means adhering to moral and ethical principles. It is the backbone of a man's character, shaping his actions and decisions. These values serve as the foundation for a life of integrity, setting individuals apart as pillars of strength and honor.
Embarking on the path of truth and integrity requires courage and self-reflection. It is a journey of self-discovery, where a man delves deep into his values, beliefs, and convictions. It means questioning the status quo and challenging long-held assumptions. This inner journey builds character, strengthens resolve, and fosters personal growth. It demands the resilience to stand up for what you believe in, even when faced with difficulties or opposition. By embracing this journey, a man becomes more grounded and develops an unwavering commitment to living a life of authenticity and truth.
Recently, we changed our policy within the Fraternity of Excellence and removed all anonymous accounts. As a community, we pride ourselves on our slogan of “Real Men doing Real Work, and getting Real Results”, and it was in this commitment to the truth of our message that we realized we could not continue on as a community that had individuals operating as anons.
The pushback was immediate, and the end result was several (anon + non-anon members included) leaving FoE. We changed the rules to better align with our values, we decided to steer in a more authentic direction, and the course of this did not fit with the course of many who’d been in our walls for a significant amount of time. Still, we knew it was the right thing to do, and if that meant losing tenured members to remain true to our message, that was something we were willing to handle.
Another example was my sobriety.
I stopped drinking on July 6th, 2020 with July 7th, 2020, being my first day sober. This decision came with damn near immediate removal from a certain group of friends and many instances of being challenged and pressured throughout these past two (as of writing this) years. I’ve lost friends, not been invited to events, and even ridiculed for not drinking alcohol.
Again, similar to FoE, I was willing to withstand all of it, as my truth was stronger than my desire for acceptance.
To embrace truth and integrity means taking full responsibility for your actions. It is recognizing that every decision you make carries consequences, and acting with integrity involves accepting both the successes and failures resulting from those decisions. When a man holds himself accountable, he sends a powerful message to those around him – a message of reliability, trustworthiness, and dependability. By demonstrating accountability, he not only strengthens his personal integrity but also deepens his relationships with others.
»Join the Men’s Anon-Free FoE Community«
There are many who’ve seen me face the hordes of trolls on Twitter, handle pressure from my men’s community during change, deal with personal life issues, and remain committed to my goals in the face of what initially seemed like insurmountable odds. Those who witnessed my steadfast commitment to my truth knew that I’d do the same in their defense if push ever came to shove.
An unwavering dedication to truth and integrity sets a powerful example for others to follow. It is through consistent actions that remarkable men inspire those around them. Leaders lift others up by embodying their own strength and pursuing a noble path of truth and integrity. By aligning their words with their deeds, they positively impact society.
A man who leads by example cultivates a culture of trust and respect, inspiring those around him to embrace their own inner strength and walk the path of truth. This doesn’t mean you always get it right; I fuck up frequently and get it wrong personally, professionally, with friends, family, in business etc. I fail a lot, but I always work to immediately recognize and own my mistakes while working not to make repeat missteps in the future.
This is about continuous progression toward truth, not adherence to the crippling pressure of perfection.
Pursuing Truth and Integrity is challenging.
This lifestyle and philosophy require you to face uncomfortable truths, acknowledge one's own shortcomings, and navigate ethical dilemmas.
However, a person's true character is revealed through these moments of adversity. The true measure of a man lies not in his ability to avoid challenges but in his resilience and determination to overcome them. By staying true to one's principles and embracing the discomfort of personal growth, a man strengthens his own spirit and inspires others to do the same.
In a world often filled with dishonesty and a lack of personal accountability, it is the duty of these individuals to rise above the noise. What’s incredible is that by embracing this journey, you can ignite a positive transformation in your own life and become a catalyst for change in the world around you. I know this to be true, because I live it daily.
I ask you to embark on this path with me; inspire others with unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and the pursuit of an honorable life.
- Zachary Small
If you want to buy my next cup of coffee as a thank you, or you want total access to the content and archive, become a paying subscriber ($7Mo/$70Yr):