"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles..."

(Hamlet, Act III scene 1)

My life has been touched by many men over the past year. I have spoken with them online, whether in chat or email, I have met with some offline either at my home or theirs. I have read the words that they have put together, in various essays and posts on different websites...and I am reading the series - in some cases, for the first time - and will read it again when I have completed it.

The question that remains, though.... what makes a man "Gorean"? How do I know if I am or not. Is it something I can do, something I can learn, something I can "become". Or is it something I have always been, and am only just waking up and realizing it.

I am reminded of various events of my life, things that have shaped the person I see in the mirror every morning. I am reminded of many things, some of which I associate with movies, plays, music, or books which I have read and enjoyed since I was young. It is because of my love for these venues, that I associate well with the thoughts, ideals, and philosophy to be found inside them... I enjoy them for more than what is just entertainment...I enjoy them because they make me think, and recall my life, re-evaluate it if need be, and continue on the path laid before me.

After a few words with one of the respected members of the community, a warrior I have held in high regard since the first time "Tal" was passed between us... I have taken time to pause, and reflect on what this means to me, this lifestyle... and as he was leaving, he gave me a simple phrase that has caused me to stop and think, to look at what I have done over the past year, and think about what I will do over the next year... or the next five years...

It boils down to something simple... something so basic that it is easily overlooked.

Being Gorean is a yes or no question.

As I think about this, I recall the first Karate Kid movie... where Miyagi is explaining to Daniel in the locker room about karate... being on the path, learning and doing karate... either you karate left... or you karate right... if you karate so-so (in the middle) *squish* you get squashed like grape.

We either are, or we are not, Gorean. It isn’t a matter of learning, but rather of being. It is a question only you can ask yourself, and answered by the acceptance of those around you who are accepted as Gorean within the community. It is a matter of understanding what it means to stand and be counted, what it means to have the integrity, to be a man of your word, and have honor. It is a matter of knowing your place - knowing what the natural order of male dominance is, and understanding what it truly means to society.

Am I Gorean?

I am a man, nothing more. I leave it to others to decide my "goreanness", and accept me within the community.

I am a man... one who has looked into his future, and learned from history. One who has accepted the premise that modern society, should it continue on its path, is slowly, yet surely, decaying. One who will not be a part of this decay, but instead will try to do what he can to leave his mark in this world...

"Each of us has made a difference, just by being alive. Whether the difference will be felt and remembered, that is what we must strive for next."

***This is the last of the series of essays I have penned since coming to find Gor in my life. There will be other articles, and other posts to various online venues... but as for these, I leave them stand as they are, for others to read, learn, and judge the truths found within them... and reflect on the truths they bring out within themselves.***

I wish you well,
Greylin `//olffe