Last week, my father—Dads4Kids co-founder Warwick Marsh—shared the powerful song “To Be a Man” by Canadian rapper and singer-songwriter Dax. He also shared a poignant personal story from a dark period in his life during the mid-1980s.

First, if you’re experiencing dark thoughts of your own, push them away. For the people around you—for the Dads4Kids community—reject those thoughts. They lead nowhere good. As my father wrote last week, silence kills men. Please, speak to someone. If you’d like us to pray with you, reach out to Dads4Kids here.

Second, as my father’s eldest son, I’m beyond thankful that he rejected those dark thoughts and kept driving down the road—not just that awful, dark road in the mid-1980s, but also the greater, crazy road of life. As Winston Churchill famously said,

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

I can’t imagine how different life would have been if my father had given in to those thoughts that day. Life as I know it wouldn’t exist, and the much-needed work of Dads4Kids would never have come to life.

The truth is, the decisions we make today shape our futures. As fathers, those decisions affect not only us, but also our families and their futures—more than we could ever realise.

So, what does it mean to be a man in 2025?

According to Google’s AI overview:

“Being a man is a complex concept with both biological and social dimensions, evolving over time and influenced by individual beliefs and experiences. While it traditionally encompasses the biological reality of being an adult male, it also involves navigating social expectations and developing a personal sense of masculinity.”

Possibly true—but not all that helpful.

Being a man in 2025 might be more complicated than it was in, say, 1955. But history shows our forefathers faced enormous, often devastating challenges. Many we can hardly comprehend today: World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, to name just a few.

The reality is this: being a man is difficult and challenging—but maybe that’s exactly the point.

To quote another Canadian, renowned psychologist, author, and educator, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson:

“I tell young men, find something difficult to do. You need that. You’re not built for comfort or pleasure. If that comes along, good. Have some sense and enjoy it. But don’t be thinking that’s what your life is aimed at.”

Peterson is absolutely right. For years, he has been a leading advocate for a renaissance of healthy masculinity. Thankfully, more voices are adding to Peterson’s in speaking up for men.

In a recent interview, Peterson spoke with American opinion columnist David French about the challenges facing young men. It’s a fascinating discussion—well worth your time:

Closer to home, our friend Andrew Gray—a longtime supporter of Dads4Kids and one of the keynote speakers at our upcoming Men’s Leadership Summit—puts it this way:

“The truth is, our world doesn’t need less masculinity right now. It needs WAY more masculinity. Original Masculinity. The type that protects, provides, and empowers!”

I couldn’t agree more. I’m really looking forward to hearing what Andrew will share at the Summit—register here today.

If being a man is challenging, then I say: bring it on. As Andrew Gray encourages, let’s embrace Original Masculinity—protect, provide (both physically and emotionally), and empower our loved ones. This not only brings meaning to our lives, but, as Peterson reminds us:

“If we are wise, faithful, courageous, and responsible… then we can tilt the world towards heaven and away from hell.”

As Dax sings in To Be a Man:

“Don’t give up, keep fightin’. As a man, our son is our horizon.”

If, like me, you have daughters—they can be your horizon too. The point is: keep going for your family.

Lovework

American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote:

“I cannot make my days longer, so I strive to make them better.”

Keep working to be the best man you can be. One day, your children will thank you for it.

If you can, we’d love to have you join us at this year’s Men’s Leadership Summit. It’s been life-changing for me. The weekend is all about taking a stand and being encouraged as men. Bring some mates—I’d love to see you there!

Yours for being a man,

Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. Thanks again to all those who generously donated to Dads4Kids’ end-of-financial-year appeal. We are so thankful for your support to build men, grow fathers, and change generations! The annual Men’s Leadership Summit is a key component of Dads4Kids mission. Register now to join us at the Summit in Stanwell Tops, NSW, from 8–10 August 2025!

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Image via Adobe.