The Masculine Identity
The “3 R’s” of the Genesis Man: Reason, Roles & Relationship
Discovering and Aspiring Towards a Lifestyle of Authentic Masculinity
By Israel Apollo Harriott
The Road Ahead
I want to thank you so much for taking the time to begin reading this book. I consider this book inspired theory. As someone who has taught students instrumental music, the whole point of theory is to develop practice and bring about the result of making music. The purpose of the Genesis Man Project website is to create a setting for that theory to be brought to life through discussion and the sharing of resources.
I believe the best way to navigate this work is to explore the links that I have used to shape and bring to light these key concepts. Think about the reflection questions and engage with them in some way. Most importantly, let’s talk — because, how else can we grow and develop without communication?
Special Thanks
You can probably guess that I definitely did not do this all by myself. As a matter of fact, the Genesis Man logo was designed by my daughter Timaya. (It represents how the three major concepts of Reason, Roles and Relationship are parallel yet are connected within the same sphere. This will be explored more deeply in the upcoming chapters.)
I would like to thank my incredible wife Francine for all of her love, encouragement and support, as well as my very helpful and essential children: Joshua, Timaya, Jessica and Isabella. I am also grateful to my editor Carene Spence.
I dedicate this book to my late sister, Yvonne Harriott, who was overwhelmed by her struggle with cancer, yet her life continues through her inspirational, influential and infectious love for writing.
I also give thanks to my Creator, Friend and Guide whom I trust with all my heart, as I attempt not to lean on my own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all my way.
Finally, my desire is that this book will inaugurate and perpetuate a community of discussion and understanding of masculine identity.
Following is a poem that I came across at the Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Manhood
A man’s usefulness depends
upon his living up to his ideals
insofar as he can.
It is hard to fail but it
is worse never to have tried to succeed.
All daring and courage,
all iron endurance of misfortune
make for a finer, nobler type
of manhood.
Only those are fit to live
who do not fear to die and none
are fit to die who have shrunk
from the joy of life and the
duty of life.
–Theodore Roosevelt
Go to Chapter 1
Israel A. Harriott – The Genesis Man: The Masculine Identity – © 2020
The Genesis Man Project 