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Our children give us the best names and the most praiseworthy attributes that we are undoubtedly undeserving of, and yet – in their innocent expectations we find ourselves called to a higher level of responsibility in order that we may rise to the challenge. We see this innocent, pure admiration and use it as the fuel we need to be who they think we are.

I wanted to know my family tree, I wanted to record it, but I also wanted to ensure that it could be amended and expanded as time goes on. What’s more, I didn’t want it to be physical. Its hard to amend and expand a physical document enough to account for future expansion, and it is hard to share it around to all family members in the hope they will maintain it themselves too. I was the first generation of human in my lineage to be born into a digital world, so I knew that this duty now rested squarely on my shoulders.

When it rains, we are witness to a refreshment of life itself. The plants, animals and soil receive the sustenance they need to renew themselves. We can even smell the scent given off by grass and flowers when they receive rain, as though they are singing with joy at its receipt.

The difference between Dragon Ball and other forms of art however, are that the lessons within are presented in a more direct manner than most. Strength and power matter, physical training is a necessity even even for its own sake, mental discipline is key and perseverance in the face of overwhelming difficulty is not just expected, but required, and the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the greater good underlines all. These lessons form the nucleus of much of the masculine aesthetic.

Even if our own achievements are not as grandiose, daring or theatrical as those of our Fathers’, our goal is to understand who we are, what crowning achievement we want to make a reality in our lives and to work endlessly towards that, all while honouring the tradition and legacy of our Father. By doing so, we can carry the mantle of tradition from him, just as he carried it from his Father before him, without letting it crush us.

The strength we need to deal with the realities of life often develops and blossoms in response to our situations. Scenarios in which one would imagine themselves to be utterly incapable can turn even the softest of characters into paragons of resilience. Parenthood is just another catalyst for change and a harbinger of strength and patience.

I’m no ping pong expert. I’ve played it a handful of times in my life, enough to have had a basic life experience, but not enough to be of any…

…the well constructed stick of reasonably large length and respectful thickness brings about an instinctual reaction in many men. This invoked feeling is one of power and capability. The power to extend control over the earth and the capability to mould it as he sees fit.

This idea of a language we all share – which Coelho calls the ‘Language of the World’ – regardless of ethnicity or country of origin fascinated me. I found the idea seeping out of the pages of the book and entering my mind, provoking it to answer. “Was it true? Does such a shared language exist?”

I’ve always believed that first impressions show you what a person is really like. Initial negative impressions weighed heavily in my decisions to assume judgement of someone’s character, and an…