February 18th, 2009 | by O.A. Wisen
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Once in a while I find that people are curious to know what the qualities of a man should be. Usually, they search and research sources (mostly on the internet) for the answer. Even though the answers may differ, the great answers are generally along the same vein.
What are the great qualities a man should possess? One can gradually come to a consensus by looking at how different people would answer the question. For example, you could ask a composed young man to name a “man of quality” he admires, and what about those qualities make that man admirable? Ask a sensible young woman for a man of quality she admires, and ask her what about him is admirable. Ask older men and women the same questions, and then collate your answer – hopefully a trend will begin to take form.
From their intelligent and trusted responses, you should be able to arrive at your conclusion of what admirable qualities a man should have. If you’d like to get started with my perspective, you may read on…

The 21 Admirable Qualities

Character

1. He should be ready to learn from his mistakes, and not perpetuate them. “It is well to think well; it is divine to act well.” (Horace Mann)
2. He should be disciplined. It is said that, character is power.
3. Part of being disciplined means that he cannot be lazy or slothful most of the time (never, would be a tall order)
4. He is not afraid to work hard. He is enterprising.
5. He should have a strong will. This way he can stand up for the right things, and oppose things that are not right.
6. He doesn’t make promises he can’t keep. He is reliable and dependable.
7. He doesn’t blame others for his shortcomings or limitations.
8. He can be trusted to take things seriously when the situation obviously calls for it.
9. He should understand his fears, and should work to rise above them.
10. There is a time and season for everything. He should not be afraid to cry if the season calls for it.
11. He is not ashamed to do a job considered feminine if that is what he must do.
12. He tempers justice with mercy. Meaning that if he needs to put his foot down, he does so without unnecessarily squashing others like a bug. “There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” (Booker T. Washington)

Knowledge

13. If he is to effectively head his home or lead at his job, he should constantly seek an increase in wisdom and knowledge.
14. He is learned. Studies to improve himself, and to show himself approved. “A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.” (Horace Mann). What that “educated” means is left for him to decide with wisdom.
15. He is forward-thinking, and plans ahead for his immediate and distant future, to the best of his ability.
16. He seeks out advice only from knowledgeable people when dealing with issues he has no proficiency in.

Finance

17. He learns to live within his means and does not try to keep up with the Jones’.
18. He settles all his debts and does not borrow more than he can pay back.
19. If a family man, on the family front, he should take care to insure himself and make a will to honorably discharge his property should he pass on.

Relationships

20. He has friends that lift him up and push him to succeed, not friends that lead him down the road of bad decisions (or choices).
21. He must be thoughtful to those he cares about, and helpful to those in need of assistance. However, both of this must be done within reason and not to his detriment.

Certain things have impressed me about men I deemed full of quality, and as such I provide my list. Compare yours to mine and see if we think alike or have slightly varied views. Remember when all results are clustered, a couple of qualities should stand out. Read related article on how to be a good husband, and other financial articles on this site for more details on some points raised.

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