“The great paradox in the struggle for modern manhood is that we simultaneously feel adrift because of anomie and cripplingly trapped because of consumerism.
“The problem with consumerism is that it heavily emphasizes choice, to the complete exclusion of the idea of living with that choice.
“That might work with your toothpaste, but the most important things in life can’t be replaced on a whim. They require the discipline necessary to build something strong and valuable and special, the ability to stick with something through thick and thin. The shopping around mentality is devastating to true manhood.
“Create More, Consume Less.
“Where we once created, we now consume… Why play a plastic [computer game] guitar for hours instead of learning how to play the real thing? The answer of course it that doing the real thing is harder.
“The labor one performs transforms something in the environment, which in turn transforms you. The act of creation shapes you as a man, refines your sensibilities, improves your strengths, hones your concentration, and builds your character. Passive consumption leaves you untouched and unchanged. Consumptions breeds indifference; creation begets empowerment.
[Brett Mckay, Art of manliness blog]