Summary of The Will to Change Book by bell hooks

Men are from Mars; women are from Venus. It’s a man’s world. These are a few of the many inflammatory titles produced by modern culture that promote the beaten narrative: patriarchy has buried its claws too deep, masculinity is the only benchmark for a man to follow, and being sensitive means, well, you’ve got the idea. Bell Hooks, an American social activist and writer, presents her observations about the long-established half-myth about men unwilling to change and the role of feminism in nurturing male sincerity.

The primary pain of today’s manhood is the incapability of love caused by a toxic patriarchal culture that forbids men to express their emotions freely. Moreover, it doesn’t teach them the value of sensitivity and instead highlights the supremacy of men's power, authority, and rage as a source of inner force. Equally important, men are not alone in nurturing this narrative — since transformations are always hard, most women find hatred an appropriate means of combating patriarchy. And yet only the difficult road can bring us to the relationship order grounded on love, respect, and honesty. The risk is worth taking.

With this in mind, Hooks figures out how to think about men expanding beyond the limits of toxic patriarchy. It turns out that most men are not resistant to inner transformation; instead, they don’t know how to navigate the universe of feelings, even those that may hurt them. Patriarchy doesn’t issue directions on how to be a deeply caring human.

Due to this tidbit, you'll discover why many women don’t believe men and cannot establish an emotional connection with them. More importantly, you’ll find out the reasons behind toxic masculinity and whether men genuinely do not want to change. Indeed, it takes an ocean to know yourself; however, it is never too late to get sail and start up the trail.