Modern Wisdom A Shocking Turn in the War on Men - Richard Reeves - #1087
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Apr 20, 2026 
Richard Reeves, writer and founder of the American Institute for Boys & Men, unpacks why the debate around boys and men has become so chaotic. He explores masculinity’s language problem, looksmaxxing, dating polarization, fertility decline, delayed parenthood, fatherhood, paternity leave, and why men still need a clear social role.
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Delaying Family Formation Removes A Growth Engine
- Reeves says the checklist before parenthood has become unrealistically long, making people feel they must perfect life before starting a family.
- He also argues marriage and fatherhood historically helped men grow up, so delaying them may remove a major prosocial developmental force.
A Country Song Made Delayed Motherhood Feel Costly
- Chris Williamson cites Kelsea Ballerini's song about choosing touring over motherhood and later wondering if Rolling Stone praised the wrong life.
- Reeves says that kind of public regret matters because free cultures learn by watching other people's outcomes, not just their ideals.
Paternity Leave Should Be Defended As Pro Dad
- Reeves rejects both Scott Galloway's idea that fathers are useless early on and the view that paternity leave only matters for closing gender gaps.
- He argues dads should be home because fathers bring distinct value and children benefit directly from having them around.
