12 Rules for Good Men

Book excerpt: "One hierarchy has been of supreme importance in all known human societies: the hierarchy of gender, says historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. "People everywhere have divided themselves into men and women," says Harari, "and almost everywhere men have got the better deal, at least since the Agricultural Revolution." However, there has been a costly consequence for men's top-dog status. In his book, The Hazards of Being Male, psychologist Herb Goldberg says, "The male has paid a heavy price for his masculine 'privilege' and power. He is out of touch with his emotions and his body. He is playing by the rules of the male game plan and with lemming-like purpose he is destroying himself--emotionally, psychologically and physically." 12 Rules for Good Men is based on the new findings from evolutionary science demonstrating three important truths. First, there was an earlier time in human history where males and females enjoyed greater equality. Second, what we call "civilization" has improved our lives in some way but caused unrecognized harm to males, females, and the fragile planet we all share. Third, there are critical, biologically based, differences between males and females that need to be understood and respected if we are to end the battle of the sexes and co-create, in the words of Charles Eisenstein, "the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible." 12 Rules for Good Men is the first book to offer men new rules for success in the 21st century. It guides men to engage three questions we must all answer before we die: 1. Did I live fully? 2. Did I love deeply? 3. Did I make a positive difference in the world?