Fire in the Belly

What is the measure of a man? This profound question remains current and timely as expectations of men's roles in the world continue to evolve through time. Now, Sam Keen speculates on this subject in FIRE IN THE BELLY. He argues that men can not find themselves without first separating from the "world of woman." According to Keen, "the world of woman" is a metaphor for masculine irresponsibility and the desire for female approval. Keen confronts many widely held notions of manhood and deconstructs them in vivid, engaging prose. He suggests that certain centuries-old rites of manhood--specifically war, work, and sex--alienate and inevitably limit men, putting undue emphasis on overinflated expectations. But then what is the ideal man? The most interesting section of FIRE IN THE BELLY is Keen's intelligent and sober description of the spiritual journey he believes all modern men must take. As with many progressive thinkers, it's easy to disagree and discount Keen's radical view of manhood, but it is hard to disagree with Keen's masculine ideal. Strong, vulnerable, empathetic, and full of moral and spiritual curiosity, Keen's man is an admirable creation.