A Moving Memoir and Helpful Life-Advice: “Notes on Being A Man” by Scott Galloway

I recently listened to the audiobook, “Notes on Being a Man” by Scott Galloway. I had not heard of him before reading this work, though now I realize I had read his book, “The Algebra of Wealth.” I found “Notes on Being a Man” surprisingly moving. I guess I really like this kind of book - part memoir, part life-advice. I related to some parts of his life story. He grew up in southern California and his parents got divorced when he was in elementary school. His father was a complicated character. He ended up being raised by his single hard-working mother, for the most part and was somewhat of a “latch-key” kid. Scott reviews the many stages of his development as a person and a man quite openly. I found his honesty refreshing and rather “releasing.” I found myself saying “Yes" under my breath quite a bit as I walked and listened and agreed. He finished the book with a letter to his two sons. I teared up as I listened to him write his hopes and guidance for his sons.

I found it validating for him to explore his work accepting that he was determined to be a much better father than his father was to him. I also liked how he emphasized that when we are parenting we need to accept that we may give more love than we get.

I liked Scott’s emphasis that being a man means providing “surplus value,” a phrase he used a number of times. He encourages men to keep asking themselves how they can give more than they take, how they can protect others in their orbit, and how they can keep developing themselves so that they can add value to their communities. I support this emphasis.

I related to the intensity with which he loves his sons and works to love them, accept them, and guide them. He clearly feels passionately about their development. I found it comforting to hear someone else care this much about being there for his kids. I also found it comforting to hear him describe balancing accepting them for who they are and yet guiding them as much as possible.

I thank Scott for writing so openly about his phases and how he has developed over time. I, for one, find this kind of vulnerability and transparency helpful and inspiring.