The original idea for GSOMA spawned from a reflection of how much satisfaction our group of friends gained from purposeful conversation about life. In some ways, the constant pursuit of knowledge and understanding was our own version of soma. Just like in Aldous Huxley’s “A Brave New World,” we were able to enjoy life more through a type of drug that gave us clarity on the beauty around us. Unlike Huxley’s take on soma, it turns out that knowledge is not an opiate, but incredibly addictive nonetheless.

So what should Gentlemen be addicted to? The answer to this question is lengthy, but easy to conceive: the constant pursuit of betterment. How can we be better husbands, fathers, friends, confidants, co-workers, leaders, citizens? How can we be better men? And then it hit me–we must constantly strive to attain manly aspirations. If that is our addiction, the side-effects will be honor, courage, clear judgement, values, kindness, stewardship, love, purity, and so many more.

So, to put it in the most manly way possible, our goal here is to become man-timber; to develop as stalwart oaks of men who, as Orison Swett Marden writes, are

“educated all over; whose nerves are brought to their acutest sensibility; whose brain is cultured, keen, incisive, broad; whose hands are deft; whose eyes are alert, sensitive, microscopic; whose heart is tender, magnanimous, true.”

Thus, what you find here are simple efforts to spur dialogue and encourage discipline, education, and experiences that develop those who participate into “hardy mental, moral, physical man-timber.” So, be sure to visit often and get your dose of soma to feed your addiction.

Enjoy.