"What was silent in the father speaks in the son..."

“What was silent in the father speaks in the son, and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father."​ - Friedrich Nietzsche

As fathers, both present and future, we are positioned at the crossroads of history and what lies ahead, charged with the crucial task of confronting the generational legacy we inherited. Our mission? To uphold and strengthen the positive aspects of our legacy and dismantle the dysfunctional cycles passed down through generations.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Reckoning with Our Father's Influence - Our relationship with our own fathers—whether they are alive or have passed—plays a pivotal role in shaping who we are. It's crucial to get brutally honest about this relationship, recognizing both the good and the bad. How did you view him? How are you similar, and how are you different? Whether he stands on a pedestal, or you harbor resentment that influences your actions, it's essential to understand how his presence or absence affects your life. Does his influence still control you? Answering these questions is a critical step in claiming your autonomy.

2. Personal Growth and Self-Work - Your actions, not your words, are the biggest influence on your children. Identifying the areas in your life that need correction is just the beginning; the real work is committing to making these changes. Key areas to keep in check include your mindset, finances, physical health, social life, and family dynamics. This ongoing self-improvement ensures you are the best version of yourself, not just for your sake, but for your family’s as well.

3. Be Open with Your Children - As you work through your own challenges, it's vital to be actively involved in your children's growth. When you see them mirroring behaviors you're striving to change, engage with them openly. Share your experiences and what strategies have or haven’t worked for you. Teach them how to identify, understand and manage their feelings. Let them know that we’re all on a path to improvement, and by sharing these experiences, we all grow stronger.

Every man has a significant opportunity to impact the world by raising and/or influencing children to be capable, confident, and virtuous. The values we instill in our young ones extend well beyond our immediate family. As men, banded together and committed to our families, our positive impact will resonate across generations.