In an era where masculinity is hotly debated, and young men are increasingly left without guidance, bestselling author, NYU professor, and cohost of the Pivot podcast, Scott Galloway, delivers a compelling and necessary contribution to the conversation with his latest book, Notes on Being a Man.
Galloway doesn’t just offer commentary—he offers a path forward. Whether you’re a man navigating adulthood, a parent raising boys, or simply someone concerned about the state of our culture, this book will resonate deeply and leave you with practical, heartfelt insights.
Why This Book Matters
Let’s start with the tectonic shift Galloway is addressing. Boys and men in Western democracies are in crisis:
- Lower graduation rates than girls
- More likely to suffer from loneliness—1 in 7 men have no close friends
- Three out of four deaths of despair are male
- A growing ecosystem of toxic online influencers exploiting this vulnerability
Galloway doesn’t wallow in statistics. He confronts these realities head-on, with the urgency and compassion of someone who’s lived it—and who’s raising boys of his own.
What You'll Learn From Notes on Being a Man
This book is part memoir, part call to action, and wholly invaluable. Galloway shares hard-earned lessons from his own life, including:
- “Being a good dad means being good to their mother.”
A reminder that emotional maturity and respect are foundational to fatherhood.
- “Action absorbs anxiety.”
Simple, powerful advice that speaks to the paralysis many suffer in uncertain times.
- “Find what you’re good at—follow your talent.”
Not everyone needs passion; sometimes, talent leads the way.
- “Get out of the house.”
A metaphor for engaging with the world—socially, professionally, emotionally.
- “Take risks and be willing to feel like an imposter.”
Essential for growth, especially in a world where confidence is often mistaken for competence.
- “Be of surplus value.”
Create more than you consume—an ethos for both career and character.
- “Be kind.”
The simplest, yet most profound advice of all.
Our Take: Why You Should Read This Book
Scott Galloway’s Notes on Being a Man is brutally honest, refreshingly vulnerable, and deeply motivational. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he offers a framework—a modern-day operator’s manual for masculinity.
This isn’t about returning to antiquated ideals or rejecting feminism. It’s about elevating men so everyone can thrive—women, children, and society as a whole.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Young men seeking guidance in a confusing world
- Parents of boys, especially single mothers
- Educators and mentors working with youth
- Anyone interested in mental health, masculinity, and social dynamics
Final Verdict: 5/5
If there’s one book you read this year about personal development, social responsibility, and what it means to be a man today—let it be this one.
Scott Galloway’s voice is smart, funny, empathetic, and real. Notes on Being a Man is more than a book—it’s a beacon.
Where to Buy
👉 Pick up your copy of Notes on Being a Man here
Let’s keep the conversation going. What does being a man mean to you in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social!