On Muscular Christianity
Flourishing as a Modern Man: Applying Classical Virtues in Family, Fitness, Faith, and Business
Consider your origin. You were not formed to live like brutes but to follow virtue and knowledge. - Dante The Divine Comedy
In the fast-paced and often fragmented world we live in, men face a unique set of challenges. Between balancing a career, nurturing a family, staying fit, and maintaining a sense of personal purpose, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Yet, in the midst of these responsibilities lies the opportunity to flourish—to live a life that is not only productive but also deeply fulfilling. By drawing from classical virtues and the examples of great men like Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Stephen Covey, we can apply timeless principles to our modern lives and unlock personal and professional growth.
For men like me, whose ambitions span family, fitness, faith, and business, finding harmony in these areas is critical. This essay explores how the lessons of these figures and the idea of eudaimonia, or flourishing, can guide us in building a purposeful, balanced life.
In steps Muscular Christianity and its teachings Muscular Christianity, a movement that emerged in mid-19th century England, emphasizes the integration of physical strength, moral discipline, and service to others.
It champions the idea that true masculinity is found in the balance of athleticism, self-discipline, and a commitment to duty—whether that be to family, country, or faith. At its core, Muscular Christianity promotes the belief that cultivating physical strength and moral character are intertwined, and both are essential to living a purposeful and virtuous life.
Building Virtuous Relationships and Raising Strong Children
A man’s family is the center of his universe. Family is where values are first learned, and it’s the foundation upon which every other area of life is built. Aristotle saw family as the primary institution where we cultivate virtues such as love, patience, and responsibility—values that are essential for the flourishing of society at large.
Theodore Roosevelt, as busy and driven as he was, made time for his family, seeing it as a moral duty and a source of joy. Roosevelt believed in raising children who could embody strength, resilience, and integrity. His approach, combining intellectual development and physical rigor, can resonate with how we guide our own children. A sons love of chess, math, and music shows his intellectual gifts, but we can also help him build resilience through physical challenges, sports, or simply spending time outdoors—just like Roosevelt did with his own children.
John F. Kennedy also saw family as a core value, shaped by his Catholic faith and belief in public service. He was devoted to his wife and children, and he understood that the family was not just a private institution, but the bedrock of a thriving society. His deep commitment to family and faith, combined with the discipline of physical fitness, provides a modern model for how we as men can integrate family life with personal development.
Stephen Covey’s teachings offer practical wisdom on building strong family relationships. His concept of a family culture based on trust, respect, and shared goals gives us a framework to apply intentionality to our relationships. By fostering open communication, creating family traditions, and setting aside time for one-on-one connections, we build a home that nurtures growth, love, and support. With this foundation, our children will grow into adults who understand the importance of values, discipline, and balance.
The Foundation of a Sound Body and Mind
Physical fitness is the cornerstone of well-being. A strong body supports a strong mind, and the discipline required for fitness permeates every other area of life. For men like us, staying fit isn’t just about vanity or avoiding a mid-life health scare; it’s about setting a standard for ourselves and our families, and living with vitality, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
Theodore Roosevelt is a shining example of how fitness and strength were critical components of his success. He embodied the belief that a physically vigorous life was necessary to accomplish great things. In his view, strength and endurance weren’t just attributes of a strong body—they were moral qualities that fortified the soul. His “strenuous life” philosophy can inspire us to push ourselves physically, embracing the challenges that come with age as opportunities to grow stronger and more disciplined.
John F. Kennedy understood the link between personal fitness and national strength. He advocated for physical education programs that would build a stronger, healthier generation. Kennedy believed that physical fitness wasn’t just about individual well-being—it was also about national pride and resilience. In his 1960 Sports Illustrated article “The Soft American,” he warned of the dangers of becoming complacent and physically unfit. His commitment to fitness parallels our modern need to stay active, especially as fathers who serve as role models to our children. Regular workouts, sports, or family activities like hiking or swimming can be ways to instill these values in our kids.
Arnold Schwarzenegger also championed fitness during his work in the 1990s, making physical health accessible to everyone. He understood that fitness builds confidence, mental toughness, and resilience—traits that not only improve our personal lives but translate into success in business and leadership. For us, maintaining fitness serves a dual purpose: it keeps us sharp for the rigors of business and helps us manage the physical and emotional demands of family life. A consistent routine of exercise isn’t just a personal benefit—it’s a way to lead by example, showing our children and our peers the power of discipline and perseverance.
Grounding Life in Purpose and Virtue
Faith, whether religious or moral, is the compass that keeps us grounded amid life’s challenges. For men like me, faith represents the values and principles that guide our actions, providing a sense of meaning and purpose. It’s not just about spiritual beliefs; it’s about living in alignment with your deepest values, ensuring that every decision reflects your personal code of ethics.
JFK’s Catholic faith played a central role in his life, shaping his approach to leadership and public service. His faith provided a foundation for his commitment to justice, equality, and service, reminding us that leadership—whether in the boardroom or at home—is an act of moral responsibility. JFK’s ability to remain grounded in his faith while pursuing ambitious goals is a model for how we can lead with integrity in both our personal and professional lives.
Stephen Covey’s emphasis on living with a “true north” philosophy ties directly into this idea. Covey believed that every decision should reflect a person’s core values, and he advocated for intentional living that aligns daily actions with long-term goals. This approach reminds us that success isn’t just measured in financial terms or career milestones, but in how well we live up to our principles—whether that’s in business, family life, or our personal fitness.
For us, this means taking time to reflect on our faith or personal ethics regularly. Whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, moments of introspection help us align our actions with our values. Faith provides the moral grounding to lead in business with integrity and to be a strong role model for our children.
Applying Virtue and Practical Wisdom
Success in business is often the product of discipline, vision, and ethical leadership. As we navigate the complexities of modern business, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But leading a business—or advancing in a career—should be about more than profit or prestige. It should reflect a commitment to excellence, service, and creating value for others.
Theodore Roosevelt’s dedication to public service and ethical leadership offers a guide for modern business leaders. His belief in the power of personal virtue to shape society extends to the way we lead in our professional lives. Like Roosevelt, we can see our roles in business as opportunities to serve—not just our clients or customers, but our communities and society at large.
Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a framework for ethical and effective leadership. His emphasis on integrity, collaboration, and trust-building shows us how to create lasting success. As business leaders or entrepreneurs, we can build teams and organizations that reflect our values, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains, and focusing on sustainable success rather than quick wins.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s drive and discipline in both fitness and business remind us that success requires resilience. His philosophy that mental and physical toughness are interlinked is something we can carry into our work lives, where facing adversity with strength is a daily requirement. Business, like fitness, is a long game, and by maintaining our personal discipline, we set ourselves up for success over the long haul.
Holistic Integration: Balancing the Four Pillars
The examples of Roosevelt, Kennedy, Schwarzenegger, and Covey remind us that flourishing comes from balance. It’s not about excelling in just one area of life but integrating success across family, fitness, faith, and business. For men like us, it’s crucial to find harmony between these pillars, knowing that each one supports the others.
Physical fitness gives us the energy and resilience to handle family and business responsibilities. Faith keeps us grounded and ensures our decisions are aligned with our values. Family provides love and meaning, giving us the motivation to strive for excellence in our careers. Business, in turn, gives us a platform to serve others and create lasting value.
To flourish as a modern man is to live with intention, balancing the demands of family, fitness, faith, and business while remaining true to our values.
The lives of Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Stephen Covey offer timeless lessons on how to do this successfully. By leading a life rooted in discipline, integrity, and purpose, we can achieve both personal fulfillment and positive impact in the world around us.
Whether through nurturing a strong family, maintaining a commitment to physical fitness, grounding our decisions in faith, or leading in business with virtue, the path to flourishing is clear: it’s about living fully, with strength, love, and intention.