The biggest professional and personal problems often stem from a lack of candor. Withholding honest feedback to "keep the peace" is a destructive act that enables bad behavior and builds personal resentment over time. Delivering the truth, even when difficult, is a gift that addresses problems head-on and prevents future failure.

Curtis Sliwa argues that true masculinity isn't defined by symbols of power like guns but by a commitment to protecting the vulnerable—the poor, elderly, and infirm. He frames it as a moral responsibility to risk one's life for strangers, a form of humanitarian service that stands in stark contrast to conventional notions of strength.

When raising boys, a father's actions are far more impactful than his words. Instead of lecturing on what it means to be a man, consistently demonstrating service, respect, and responsibility will be internalized by a son over time, even if the lesson isn't explicit or is initially met with embarrassment.

If a decision has universal agreement, a leader isn't adding value because the group would have reached that conclusion anyway. True leadership is demonstrated when you make a difficult, unpopular choice that others would not, guiding the organization through necessary but painful steps.

In times of crisis, true character transcends friendship. It's about becoming an "advocate"—the person who does the hard, unglamorous work of navigating healthcare, raising funds, and finding resources for a friend in need. This active, difficult service is a tangible measure of one's values.

Women value traits like kindness, safety, and love, but these qualities are desired in partners they are already attracted to. Men often mistakenly believe that simply being nicer will create attraction, when in fact attraction must be established first through other means. The positive traits are a requirement for a relationship, not a catalyst for initial desire.

Morality is not a static trait you possess but a state you achieve through action. Engaging in pro-social behavior shapes your identity as a moral person, creating a virtuous cycle where action precedes and builds character, which can then inspire others.

Empathy, defined as merely feeling another's pain, is overrated and can lead to inaction. Effective leadership requires compassion: understanding a problem, feeling a connection, identifying a solution, and having the courage to implement it, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

The paradox of values-based work is that while it often involves difficult conversations or actions, it ultimately provides energy and fulfillment. Conversely, taking the easy way out (e.g., avoiding conflict) feels simpler in the moment but leaves you feeling hollowed out and depleted.