Fatherhood - Philosophy for Everyone: The Dao of Daddy

It has been said that being a father is what finally gives a man his meaning in life. However, a modern Dad’s role is complex and can come with high expectations: sharing the rearing duties during the early years, tightly scheduled play dates, little league fights, ‘tween dating, saving for college, cyber bullying, and if it doesn’t work out, shared custody. With these challenges come many joys, with a lot for dads to discover, including coming to see that learning really begins when fathers realize how little they know.

Fatherhood: The Dao of Daddy is the first book to offer wisdom and practical advice drawn from the tried and true annals of philosophy, exploring paternal concerns such as the search for the meaning of life, the life-changing impact of new fatherhood, how to raise “good little people,” the impact of popular media (“Should I Let Him Watch?”), and how to bake cookies Daddy-style. As Adrienne Burgess writes in her foreword, “Fathers matter.” Indeed, where would we be without them?

The thought-provoking and humorous essays in this volume replace the diaper bag with insightful tools that you can take anywhere, even a crowded mall or restaurant.  Based on the philosophies of Confucius and Socrates, African cultural practices, feminist theory, and many other figures, traditions and insights, each essay features a photo of the contributor with his or her own family.

The book is presented in four sections. Part I: The Impact of Being a Father illustrates the reality that poker games with the guys are now out of the question , with essays such as “The Born Identity: Becoming Daddy.” Part II: Ethics and Parenting Styles delves into the methods and ethics associated with teaching your children the rules of life, and guidelines for behaving ethically towards other people with essays such as “In Virtue of Upbringing: The Art of Raising a Good Person.” Part III: Keeping It Real: Authentic Fatherhood presents the substance of building a relationship with a little one, with essays such as “Real Fathers Bake Cookies,” and “The Heart of the Merciful Father.” Part IV: Dilemmas for Dad explores the continuing role of the father in their children’s lives, as they grow into opinionated and independent adults, with essays such as “Father’s Ideals and Children’s Lives,” and “Dads and Daughters: Wisdom for a Winding Road.”

The volume finishes up with cookie recipes, and “Wisdom of Youth,” quotes from kids answering questions about fatherhood and philosophy such as “What Have You Learned From Your Father?” (Answer: “How to fight, wrestle, shave a beard, and how to wind up a clock”), and “What is A Father?” (Answer: “They catch babies”).