Mark Manson used to post at a private forum I used to belong to. Back then most guys were PUAs who had to hide behind game and techniques and manipulation. So his idea of being authentic was profound - but only within the scope of a community of former nerds who had to learn manipulation.
In the real world, most high status men don’t have any problems being their authentic high value selves. His idea of “challenging conventional advice” was just challenging PUA advice. Back then no one in the nerdy PUA community knew how the hell regular dudes seem to get laid with ease.
It’s a very low bar to set. An analogy would be you were a trauma victim who found a secret society of master manipulators. This society gave you your power back. But you were still relying on manipulation. And then someone comes out of nowhere and writes a 500 page book about how high status people don’t need to do any of these things. In the world of former trauma victims, this author is the KING.
But if you are well adjusted, you would look at it like “Yo I run this. Who is this doofus to tell me I shouldn’t be ashamed of my authentic self? My authentic self is leagues beyond the average dude.”
Great point. This is why I keep saying keep leveling up financially spiritually, mentally and ofcourse physically.
Four huge counter pillows that will take a full lifetime to master. And most men/ people won't ever master all if them . Even with just one you can be somewhat successful in life tho..
Your authentic self means you are not " just" yourself, your PROUD to be you! I do agree that most dudes fail there already. Oftentimes heavily influenced by how women react to them.
It's a catch 22 hence why a man can be financially sound and yet be spiritually / mentally weak AF.
If we say authenticity = honesty, then ofcourse you will models through it. You will attract EVERY kind of woman basically.