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YOUNG B.U.L.LS
In the 1990s, within a 5-year period, orphaned young male elephants in a South African Game Reserve displayed an unusual level of aggression, killing over 60 rhinoceroses and exhibiting violent behavior. This was attributed to the absence of father figures due to government-sanctioned culling of elephant populations.
Normally, adolescent male elephants go through a phase called 'musth,' characterized by a significant increase in testosterone levels. However, among the fatherless elephants, this phase became prolonged, resulting in violent behavior as they lacked role models.
Similarly, human teenage boys experience an 800% increase in testosterone levels around the age of fourteen. To address the violent behavior of the young elephants, older bull elephants were introduced, which immediately halted their aberrant behavior and hormonal changes.
This illustrates the importance of mentors, father figures, and coaches for young men to understand and embody true masculinity. Manhood, in ancient cultures, was defined by virtues such as respect, kindness, empathy, and moral and intellectual courage. Becoming a man required the development of these virtues through virtuous living.
In many cultures, young men are initiated into manhood through specific rites, but this tradition has faded in the modern West. Surrounding young men with honorable role models, whether real or fictional, is essential for them to learn virtuous manhood. Society should reintroduce the concept of elders guiding and mentoring the younger generation.