Understanding Masculinity: A Renaissance Take on Mark Zuckerberg's Workplace Comments.

Recently, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, stirred discussion during a podcast with Joe Rogan. He mentioned that "masculine energy" seems less present in today's workforce and suggested that workplaces have become overly “culturally neutered.” Zuckerberg contended that while striving for inclusivity, we may unintentionally suppress healthy parts of masculinity, like aggression and assertiveness, which can lead to success.

Some critics dismissed Zuckerberg's views as outdated and harmful. Nonetheless, it’s vital to reflect on what true masculinity means, informed by ancient wisdom and Renaissance ideas.

The Manliness Code: A Comprehensive View of Masculinity

The Manliness Code encourages men to find purpose, integrity, and honor in life while embracing their full potential. This perspective doesn’t simplify masculinity to aggression or dominance; instead, it emphasizes inner strength, emotional resilience, and leadership aimed at the greater good. It draws from enduring philosophies, such as Stoicism and Bushido, advocating for wisdom, balance, and emotional control.

Zuckerberg’s idea to “celebrate aggression” should not be seen as endorsing uncontrolled hostility, but rather as a call to recognize a type of masculinity rooted in determination and strength during challenges. It's essential to note that true masculinity, as described by historical thinkers, transcends a straightforward division of “strong versus weak” or “aggressive versus passive.”

Rethinking Masculinity: Insights from the Renaissance

To fully grasp Zuckerberg’s comment, we should consider the Renaissance concept of "virtù", which goes beyond mere physical might. "Virtù" signifies the pursuit of excellence across various life aspects—intellectual, moral, and artistic. A Renaissance man was defined not just by his ability to lead through force but also by wisdom, creativity, and emotional mastery. This figure embraced both aggression and compassion, combining intellect and physical skill to create a meaningful legacy.

Similar to the Stoics, who taught men discipline over impulses and acting virtuously, a Renaissance man understood that true strength originates from within. It wasn't just about "winning" through aggression; it was about self-mastery to know when to assert strength and when to demonstrate restraint.

When viewed from this perspective, Zuckerberg’s remarks on aggression may represent a return to a more balanced view of masculinity—recognizing strength without reducing it to simple force and urging men to fulfill their potential across multiple qualities.

The Risks of Oversimplification: Moving Beyond a Black-and-White View of Masculinity

Critics quickly labeled Zuckerberg's views as promoting toxic masculinity, calling them harmful or outdated. Yet, this black-and-white thinking misses the complexity of masculinity. The real issue isn't masculinity itself, but rather how it has often been misconstrued or oversimplified in modern discussions.

Instead of seeing masculinity narrowly as aggressive power, the Manliness Code promotes a more sophisticated understanding. Masculinity, as viewed through the lenses of ancient and Renaissance thinkers, is about balance. It's not solely about power; it's about how one uses strength and authority wisely. It’s about using strength for protection, using aggression for what is right, and controlling to stop harm. This is the kind of masculinity we need to recognize, which combines assertiveness with empathy, strength with wisdom, and bravery with self-restraint.

Recognizing Healthy Masculinity: A Full Spectrum Approach

Critics who oppose any aggression in workplaces usually mean well, wanting to ensure modern work settings are inclusive and emotionally aware. A healthy work culture does need empathy, cooperation, and respect. However, by dismissing aggression completely, we overlook an important part of masculinity—assertiveness, confidence, and leadership.

The Manliness Code promotes a masculinity that is not harmful but rather transformative. It’s about leading with intent, striving for excellence, and overcoming challenges—while also being kind, humble, and respectful. By adopting a broader view of masculinity—one that includes both aggression and empathy, strength and gentleness—we can create workplaces that encourage not just achievement, but also a stronger sense of community and satisfaction.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Wisdom

Zuckerberg’s remarks reflect a larger discussion about masculinity today. Instead of pushing away the traits that make a strong, purposeful man, we should aim to redefine masculinity to include the full range of human capabilities. True masculinity, like the ancient warriors and Renaissance thinkers, involves mastering both strength and emotional toughness. It’s about leading with integrity, living with intent, and leaving behind a legacy of honor and wisdom.

For those who disagree—please keep promoting kindness, inclusiveness, and emotional intelligence at work. But do not entirely reject masculinity. Instead, let us redefine it, accept its full complexity, and create a culture where strength, wisdom, and compassion can coexist. Only then can we create a future that represents the best of both worlds.