tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540072650539296891.post5812847296962623097..comments2023-05-13T04:26:27.462-04:00Comments on Aleph One: Gearheads and Other HobbyistsAleph Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06035602208374065008noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540072650539296891.post-18611896600758435532012-03-21T10:00:41.422-04:002012-03-21T10:00:41.422-04:00Excellent points. I'm consistently surprised ...Excellent points. I'm consistently surprised by the men I know who have basically no hobby's or interests. I try and engage them in conversation about what they like to do, and there's nothing there. Watching SU basketball is not a hobby. Having an interesting avocation ups your social standing with other men as well, and just plain makes you less boring to everyone. <br /><br />Two summers ago I built Sea Kayaks with my then 16 yr old son. Double points for creating a sea worthy vessel (very Alpha) and spending time with my son (Beta, but in a good way) It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.Dreadpiratkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14002055604094135116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-540072650539296891.post-38100340936981826112012-03-20T16:11:09.441-04:002012-03-20T16:11:09.441-04:00Outstanding post. I'm descended from three ge...Outstanding post. I'm descended from three generations of GM workers myself, and my father made certain I knew how to do anything to a pre-computer car except rebuild a transmission. There is a sublime masculine art in the construction, repair, and restoration of a car. I'm not necessarily advocating every Red Pill dude become a motorhead, but it's amazing how restorative an afternoon with a wrench and a car can be. <br /><br />The hobby thing is spot on, but don't call it a hobby. "Hobby" is a diminutive term, something for mild amusement. "Avocation" on the other hand means "job I don't get paid for", more or less. It elevates your "hobby" to the level of passion, which is only proper. Whether it's grease, hunting, sports, video games, or bareknuckle boxing, your avocation is that element of your masculine life that can be counted as successful even though it doesn't necessarily advance your income or your SR directly. Women love to see a man passionate about something other than them (Indeed, Mrs. Ironwood can't see me sitting down and writing without being resentful of the interest I show something that isn't directly related to her). And a successful avocation can make up for a lot of the spiritual lack in a boring day job. Plus you can often count on a solid avocation to turn into a nice retirement job some day -- that's what an uncle of mine did with his woodworking "hobby".<br /><br />Keep up the good work! And have her bring you some lemonade and a sandwich while you work. Get's hot out there.Ian Ironwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09776355241706284910noreply@blogger.com