Interesting guy, I appreciate his sentiment on family time and activities! Great. I do think he understates the difference between himself and those his criticism is aimed at. Its also great he points out why and how he fostered a sense of personal responsibility, self reliance, independence. What he views as toughness, could likewise be conveyed as responsibility. Assigning personal responsibility can vary. Some people do more worthwhile work, but at the cost of not learning how to be okay in the rugged wild. I don't consider though who are less stoic in this sense than me, weaker or "pussies". I can't perform heart surgery, I know some dependent on certain things people that can. What he considers hardship as well, what he considers the world (which he semi acknowledges sort of, but still, this is the world he is talking to) Almost two billion people don't have easy accessibility to electricity period.
Also, and this is probably a cultural thing but pussy as an insult? Still? His whole theme to me, seems as if he draws a sense of self confidence and self worth by considering himself tough and strong and special relative to everyone else. He drew lucky by having good/awesome parents. Possibly better at instilling certain qualities to him than most parents. Yet those same qualities can be learned and gathered by education, understanding of those out self ones circle, and awareness. Thats mental toughness, being able to understand and be aware of people who are in pain. Peoples own individual sense of mental durability pretty much keeps itself in check. People can go though tough times, they grow, and gain defenses, and coping mechanisms.
All in all I can't disagree with most of his individual points and sentiment. As far as societal issues and the lines drawn that define people. He seems quite narrow. Not a bad thing. He just seems a bit defensive/ego appeasing in a sense. (or again, it might be a semantics thing - i find his use of certain words ill used) plus hey, he could/should have criticized the nature of push button society thats driven by pleasure and entertainment as opposed to education and awareness. Decent education as well. Objective news sources. Push button culture is western culture at the same time too. Anyway, I question his true mental toughness, as opposed to his perceived mental toughness, possibly fostered by comparing himself to the general majority.
Interesting cool guy though, I'd have a drink with him at the bar to discuss these things in more detail.
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