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Across the political spectrum, American masculinity is misunderstood. Average Joes and pundits wrestle over concepts of the ideal man. 

…but who is he? 

Constructed distinctions in human programming define the meaning of carry our lineage. 

To have no identity is to be directionless. Contemporary artists use social media to be content octopuses capable of shooting, editing, marketing, directing, writing, designing, researching for, and producing their own work. 

…but humans have two hands, not eight. 

The Island Mind 

Hyper-independence incites willful ignorance to the communal nature of exchange by assuming, or implying, that one person can facilitate an operation through force of will. 

To do a task alone is not a feat of might. To be great with others is to be powerful.

Culture shaping actions evolve from the will of likeminded groups. Magazines, films, and other media are effective proxies for exchanging ideas, yet they do not replace person-to-person connection. 

The initial purpose of The Apollonian was to share the journey of creating a brand, which led to musings about what a brand is. Philosophical conversations are intellectual masturbation when dissociated from action, and my hedonism obscured my purpose.

Earlier objectives were too fluid to be effective. Past newsletters covered politics, the process of brand building, growing on social media, information technology, founding a clothing brand, and more. These pursuits made me feel like I was doing something, but I disadvantaged myself by splintering my focus.

Ambition bleeds the bearer when swung, like a parent pains when disciplining their child. To repeatedly strike a child teaches no lesson more than expressing adult violence. Whether the goal is success, notoriety, or riches, reckless ambition blinds  visionaries to the consequences of the addiction of pursuit. Sacrifice is unpleasant; the value of the foregone item is redirected to the greater interest. 

No, to you. 

Every self help book that I’ve read highlights one critical recommendation: 

Say no.

Not only to others, but to yourself. Along the path of earning a living from my artistic pursuits, I have an easier time declining invites than neglecting my phone, ipad, and Youtube. Creators walk a tightrope of research with their time. Wasting waking hours - chasing the allure of the next idea or binging reels - is dangerous. 

Failure to sacrifice The Apollonian’s potential directions disallowed coherent storytelling, leaving me clawing for inspiration that was never coming. I am thankful that I had the courage to begin sharing, yet improving my work requires me to relinquish the idea that I can do everything right now. 

XXX. 

The heart of my writing and research is a simple question: Is America redeemable? 

The Apollonian’s musings engage with my connection to this mighty nation and the examination of its qualities. I wonder what we, the people, would do if we truly understood our nation, and our power in shaping the human history of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. To do so skillfully requires thorough knowledge of self. Without the latter, one is hardpressed to create meaningful work. 

The promise of earning a living on social media is equally a tool and a trap. Art is a communication tool, but it’s cheapened by virtually limitless access. As a citizen of the US, the expectation of limitlessness in service is ubiquitous; I don’t know if people’s expectations are unreasonable because they are American, or if this is the nature of capitalism. 

Tentacle 

Before me is the opportunity to be a great writer, maybe generational if I work hard enough. Beyond dedication, the challenge to natural talent is evolution; one must be multi-hyphenate. I’m learning how to draw and speak new languages. I believe film is a natural evolution to improving my writing skills. That is where the line ends. To extend beyond this with endless hobbies and exploration distracts from my mission. Expansive goals require help. 

A genius would be a fool to work alone. 

Kindness Always Wins, 

Apollo 

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