Introduction
Since ages, researchers, philosophers, artists, and women have wondered about who is an ideal man. Everybody’s idea of the perfect man varies greatly, and the concept keeps changing with time and need. However, there are certain aspects in behavior, morals, and conducts that never change in one’s perspective of idealism in man. This paper attempts to understand the thought processes of three great thinkers and philosophers—Aristotle, Kant, and Mill—about an ideal man and how much of these are relevant in the context of the present world. The essay concludes with my concept of an ideal man with the intention of helping an evolving man understand traits the world would appreciate in him and women to convince them that it remains an enigma.
Aristotle’s idea of an ideal man
Aristotle’s ideal man can be conjured from his theories based on virtue ethics, which focuses on development of good character traits that can make him capable of taking good decisions throughout life. Because, when a man acquires good characters, he can regulate his emotions and reasons sufficiently to combat difficult situations (Cline, 2013).
An ideal man, as per Aristotle, is an excellent person who lives life well and is serious about living. He has sound reason in thought and speech, which helps him maintain his dignity in all aspects. He is a magnanimous person, whose virtues deserve the highest praise and who knows how to correctly handle the honor the praise involves. An ideal man is high on ethics. He is cautious about where he trends. He takes calculated risks for the few things he treasures and that too only if necessarily. But, he is passionate in his love for those few things, willing to die if that is the only option. He is generous, kind, and involved in services to others. He hates being the subject of attention and devotion. Because he keeps himself high on ideals, he believes that it is superior to confer kindness and subordinate to receive it.
He is a private person who hates public displays. He believes in total frankness in expressing his likes and dislikes, so that he comes across clear. He is not easily awed by others, as he does not believe in greatness of himself or of others. He does not like complying with others, except with a close friend, because compliance is a necessity of slaves. He considers women inferior to men. Also, he does not hold a grudge or speak evil of others, as, for him, it’s easier to forget and forgive. He is reserved in talks. His holds himself erect and speaks in a deep voice and measured tone. He is patient and never shows clumsiness. He is brave as he bears accidents and injuries with dignity and grace. He is capable of managing circumstances in the best possible manner even in extreme situations. He keeps secrets, is his own best friend, and treasures absolute privacy (Aristotle, c.330 BC).
Kant’s idea of an ideal man
Kant’s ideal man can be conjured from his philosophies following virtue theory, with a lot of focus on human morality. Kant’s ideal man acts on the basis of reasons, follows rational principles of prudence and efficiency, knows his limits, foresees consequences of possible actions, adopts long-term goals, adopt ends for situations that he currently has no desire for, accepts unconditional principles of conduct, and understands the world and reasons abstractly (Sullivan, 1994).
An ideal human is not only rational, but also endowed with reason. He must be capable of overcoming any impulse that can have an adverse effect by virtue of his moral strength. He has sublime moral motives. An ideal man is a result of a gradual process involving reformation of conduct and consolidation of his beliefs that deviates him from his vices. He has a firmly grounded disposition to fulfill his duty seriously. On adhering to a particular duty, he sparkles with a moral will power or courage and strength of principles. He is capable of contesting and handling battles for honor using his wit and practical wisdom.
He can manage his way and take decisions that would make him free, healthy, wealthy, and superior. He is not afraid of his fate as he is equipped with his sense of virtue, which he treasures. Kant believes that man evolves from considerate, stable, and constantly refined principles of virtues, which allows him to overthrow his imperfections and become rational through learning (Guoxi, 2010). Moreover, an ideal man is wise. He understands that divinity exists within him and that he can reform by learning the conducts of this divine man within him through comparison and judging. An ideal man however is not perfect, because that is impossible to attain. An ideal man understand this and does not try and attain these fictional elements and rather believes in his goodness and its limitation (Norman, 2008).
Mill’s idea of an ideal man
Mills’ ideal man can be conjured from his utilitarianism doctrine via which he stresses that the proper course of action involves maximum utility or maximizing happiness and reducing suffering. Mill’s ideal man is a free man, who is free from customs, convention, peer pressures, and law. His ideal man is an autonomous man, who is spirited and spontaneous. He believes that a stationary state hinders his improvement. He is a creative man, unconcerned with the world’s laws (Gray, 1979).
He is intelligent and morally responsible. He is however not overtly concerned with others or their well beings. He is a happy man who is delighted with pleasures and lives to satisfy himself. He is selfish in a way that his priority is his pleasure and happiness. However, if he takes pleasures in helping others, that becomes his pursuit. He is also conscious that his pursuit of happiness does not compromise others happiness. He is frank in his expression of opinions, irrespective of whether it conforms to what others believe in. He knows that he is fallible, but he is not timid. He never trims his opinion for conformity, rather challenges any prevailing beliefs that are wrong. He is concerned about propagating beliefs that can promote progress and improve welfare of man in general. He is clearly not a hypocrite. He is an intellectually active man who seeks truth and pursues it until the end. He cherishes freedom for others also and cannot see oppression. What’s more, he is not afraid of breaking barriers. Overall, he is an individual with heightened sense of self and self’s believes and ideas (Hauskeller, 2011; Ten, 2012).
The best among the ideals
I find Aristotle’s ideal man the best among the three. The reason is that I identify with Aristotle’s theory of virtue. His ideal man is dignified, kind, just, wise, careful, and a desirable person. He comes across as a confident man who can tackle any situation with élan. He makes the right decisions as he is careful in not risking his time and energy in insignificant things and events. He can perform well emotionally, as he is emotionally strong and has a strong foundation in reasoning and logic. Also, as he is an ethical person, he would never commit intentional harm to others, rather, owing to his generous nature, he probably would help others without expecting anything in return. His desires for privacy can ensure that he does not ever publicly perform any activity that can cause inconvenience. What is most admirable about him is that he is worthy of admiration and yet humble. His open nature with respect to his preferences in life makes it easier for his associates to conduct themselves. Also, as he does not believe in greatness, he would never resort to fakeness. He is also extremely loyal and genuinely cares for his close companions. Moreover, as he abstains from speaking ill of others, he is free of malice and makes no enemies. As he conducts himself with patience, one can be assured that whatever he speaks or does is well thought of. He is also brave and can deal with difficulties with dignity and grace.
Impracticalities of Aristotle’s ideal man
Although Aristotle’s ideal man has characteristics that surpass the traits of other philosopher’s ideas of an ideal man, this man is far from perfect. In fact, certain aspects of Kant’s and Mill’s idea of man are also very desirable, and the best person is probably the one who is infused with the best traits from these philosophers thoughts.
Aristotle’s ideal man is too self-centered to always take decisions that are good for everyone. He is unable to establish where to draw the dividing line in actual situations, as he is biased. Aristotelian idealistic man is powerless to help when his help is urgently needed, as he does not like criticizing and exerting his opinions freely. He does not have a need for philosophical critique because of his general disinterest.
Aristotle’s man cares too much about self-sufficiency and is rationally controlled, making it difficult for him to admit his need for love and support. Although he allows risks, he hates slavery and would never work under or tolerate somebody else’s power. He is resistant to taking remedies. He is a safe house-dweller who lives in the solid edifice of his virtues and principles. But, to survive, grow, and be happy, one needs to be soft and flexible too.
Aristotle’s ideal man has a responsible character, which he strictly adheres to. In real, one's attitudes, emotions, sensitivity, and skills are developed by will or against it. It is important for personal development. One’s character is built as a result of voluntary action in face of temperaments, upbringing, experiences, social environment, expectations, and circumstances. Aristotelian man needs to keep himself open to such events and change in his characters.
Aristotle’s man is too confident of the outcomes of his actions; he must instead understand the fallibility of human nature and the unexpected acts of fate and destiny. He must break away the comfort zone he lives within and take more risks. As he is too rigid in his set of behavior, he may come to regret his decisions that bring him failures and hardships. Aristotle’s man is a firm believer of man’s superiority over women, which is not justified. He should imbibe in him skills of perception and articulation along with situation-specific know-how by recognizing and acting on what is relevant than what is right according to him. Finally, he should occasionally get out of character if that can lead him to happiness and sustenance.
An ideal man of the 21st century
I believe that a man grows each day through learning and that it is his inner characteristics which can lead him to the right way via right learning to overcome imperfections and gain wisdom in conducting routine life. Man is an evolving social animal, and, as witnessed through billions years of his evolution, good traits are sometimes intrinsic and sometimes reinforced. An ideal man is a man of principles who understands limitations and is humble, yet dignified. In the given era, the characteristic of an ideal man is somewhat altered from the conventional. A practical, real, ideal man is mature, understanding, virtuous, and strong principled, albeit flexible in these features. Basically, an idealistic guy is also practical. He is educated, knows the norms, has basic etiquette, is involved with the society in a conscientious way. He respects people and is self-made man who can sustain himself in hardships. He is chivalrous, righteous, and successful. He is secure, with a fair sense of justice, and is driven for noble causes and revolts. He accepts his limitations and is patient, sensitive, compassionate, and intriguingly complicated. He is a survivor and constructive. He has a career that enthralls him as he is an expert. He judges people well and can beat and take a beating without hurting egos. He is protective of his family and children, knowing how to keep them away from harm. He is curious and innovative, willing to step down if he is the cause of hindrance. He resists formulations, questions beliefs, hates superstitions, embraces ambiguity, and does not crave the impossible. He can argue, express, and crafts opinions. He loves his privacy and is comfortable with it. He understands that his knowledge is not limitless and appreciates learning. He is a thinker, who learns from experience and mistakes. He has a vision and is spirited about life, yet not obsessed with it.
Conclusion
After analysing the perceptions of people (including me) about the ideal man, it is increasing seeming impractical to expect one person to have only and all the good traits. An ideal man is an idea, a fantasy. It is the result of one wanting more, an inevitable urge of wanting something bigger and better, which is good; because, this concept of perfection keeps one striving and trying to attain it. Ideals are needed, but they should always be reflected according to one’s own context or else it can be too much of a pressure to have around for the sake of something that is unreal and impossible. One’s goal to attain perfection is an evident proof of one’s knowledge of his imperfections. The real ideal man is powerful, a winner, a ruler, a negotiator, a visionary, a networker, or even someone who is imperfect and knows it, but is willing to improve, learn, and grow. People learn in school, in work place, from success, from hardships, from ruins, and from life itself. It’s our perception of what is the best institute to learn and acquire idealism from that can guide us to that perfect ideal man.
Works Cited
Aristotle (c.330 BC). The Nicomachean Ethics. Minneapolis: Filiquarian Publishing, LLC., 2007.
Cline, Austin. “Virtue Ethics: Morality and Character: What Are Virtue Ethics?” Web 30 April 2013
Guoxi, Guan. “Kant’s Virtue Theory.” Frontiers of Philosophy in China 5.2 (2010): 266–79. Web 30 April 2013.
Gray, John. “John Stuart Mill: Traditional and Revisionist Interpretations.” 2 vols. United States: Cate Institute, 1979.
Hauskeller, Michael. “No Philosophy for Swine: John Stuart Mill on the Quality of Pleasures.” Utilitas 23.4 (2011): 428–446.
Norman, Kemp Smith. Immauel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Unites States: Lightning Source Incorporated, 2008.
Sullivan, Roger. An Introduction to Kant's Ethics. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Ten, Chin Liew. “Mill on Liberty.” Web 25 March 2012
