Beware the "Nice Guy"

John Lovell discloses the MOST dangerous man in the room and it's not who you think.
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[@AnnGunther-m1t]

The parallel argument is that gentleness without the capacity for violence/strength is just weakness.

[@thepope9023]

That would imply all women are just weak and have no genuine gentleness.

[@daveb3910]

Agreed

[@ianwalker3144]

I heard it said, "If you can't be violent you're not peaceful, you're harmless. There's a difference."

[@sealer3553]

​​@@ianwalker3144Unless of course they get you arrested, and or bankrupted etc.

[@Alex-on8yu]

And it's true, if you don't fight and you don't look like someone fit to fight, they will assume that you don't fight because you are a coward.

[@alexkeihorn7364]

"If you think strong men are dangerous, wait until you see what weak men are capable of."

[@Zhello79]

Agreed. If you scratch a weak man that is a coward, he becomes a dangerous tyrant. 🧐🤷🏾‍♂️

[@wardaddy9910]

Weak men don't do shit ... unless they gain power! Weak men who gain power are tyrants !

[@Politicallyhomeless957]

Top comment ✅

[@kendallvz]

Jordan Peterson!

[@SilverBackELTorro]

😂😂😂

[@MunitionsDigitalMedia]

"It is better to be a Warrior in a Garden, than a Gardener in a War" - Miyamoto Musashi

[@FkUToob1776]

"Fuck your garden bob, SAKI SAKIIII" - The Last Samurai

[@michaeldenman7278]

@@FkUToob1776lol

[@Knightlancer44]

It's easy to be a nice, compliant guy. It's also easy to be a jerk and never learn how to be persuasive to those you disagree with. To be a man of both persuasion and conviction is a lifelong pursuit.

[@Odinsjewl]

I can be polite and not agree, be firm and be decisive. Being brutally candid does not mean being rude

[@nathandeparis9852]

Kind and nice are two different things, and you may find that objectively kindness looks less nice in practice.

[@StinkyGringo]

That doesn't give license to say things in a condescending manner however, which is the default for many "manly men" these days.

[@stelkurtain_tm]

Being "brutally candid" CAN be rude.

[@IronSharpensIron127]

​@@StinkyGringo what you speak of is not a manly man, it is a fool.

[@Mo-yh5md]

​@@StinkyGringo well said!

[@RichardOlsonar15]

At work last month, I dressed down a construction foreman who was being a bully" My boss said she didn't understand this and called me a nice guy... I told her no, I'm a good guy and that I addressed an issue that was long over due to be addressed. I told her I'm always polite and courteous, but not at the risk of not speaking the truth.

[@davidpenrosejr3698]

I agree, being good and polite, are much different than being nice. The 1st is moral and social. The 2nd is a cover for someone without conviction.

[@cak45678]

Your first problem is a woman being your boss. Good luck.

[@blackout.ghost718]

Suuuuure

[@donmarion8808]

I had 2 buddies who swore they would never get the jab at work. I held out they folded at the last minute, and a short time later, it was all dropped .I lost a lot of respect for them. What else would they cow tow too ??

[@michelguevara151]

well said, Good Sir.

[@Aviad173]

I totally agree an try to live my life accordingly: "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything"- Albert Einstein

[@RickyJr46]

"Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." - G.K. Chesterton

[@graybeardsage]

"Tolerance is the final virtue of a morally depraved society"

[@animula6908]

Man that’s the truth. I believed in tolerance so strongly for a while. And then I figured out it’s just another way, 99% of the time, for someone to say they don’t care without having to admit they don’t care. The 1% of the time it’s sincere, I even more so admire it. But I notice that 1% of the tolerant people who genuinely are tolerant, it’s people who also don’t hesitate to admit to themselves and others when they don’t care. And people notice them for the not caring, and never recognize that they are being tolerant when they are. People love hypocrisy except when other people do it.

[@evlutionzllc5519]

I’m quite intolerant. Sorry for hogging up all of the conviction 😂

[@Jeffersoniananti-federalist]

Yep. Though he had theological issues, Chesterton had excellent insights.

[@Tom-qp6oh]

Hearing this was like a punch to the gut, and a kick to the balls for me. I don't have all the "Nice Guy" attributes, but enough that I need to make a serious change. Thanks for making this video John.

[@mikebaker6804]

Good job noticing. Get on those changes bro.

[@ultraskunk8926]

GITSUM

[@Land_an_sea]

You have one great thing going for you. Your humble. That's a character trait that is becoming elusive. Like you I find it hard to have balance. It seems I continue to be too much one way or another. I think I think I could really learn to be a decent man in two lifetimes.

[@RamathRS]

Great job at seeing it, brother! Work hard, and you'll be there sooner than you think!

[@Birch-and-Maine]

Knowing is half the battle. Be true to your convictions, and don’t kneel to anyone but Christ. If you can recognize a need for change, You got this!

[@crbondur]

There is a meme going around that talks about the difference between a gentleman and a harmless man. The meme points out that being incapable of harm does NOT make someone gentle. Instead, we have to acknowledge we are capable of violence yet be willing to restrain that violence to be considered a true "gentleman".

[@aaronnyman4260]

Exactly, a mouse is not gentle, because it is incapable of great violence. A grizzly bear however, can be gentle, because it is capable of violence. That is how a man should be, that's the whole point of being a "gentleman".

[@crystalbuck6525]

Nick Freitas talked about that. A nice guy is a weak man. A GOOD man is gentle by choice, capable of great violence when needed, and wise enough to know when that is.

[@jeffzima9270]

Not always. Maybe a man can't defend and cause violence because he spent a lifetime against violence. Looking at what the New Testament says about violence goes very much against our just war and other narratives. I know that is controversial, but most of us will make the Word say whatever we want to prove our point.

[@Arthurian.]

​@@crystalbuck6525that's a good one for a poster

[@MrX-zz2vk]

​@crystalbuck6525 And that's one of the best explanations of it. "Capable of great violence when needed..." And sometimes it's needed. Reminds me of John's interview with that guy in TX a few years ago, who, when he heard gunfire in a church across the street, grabbed his rifle, headed across that street into the churchyard, encountered that mass shooter leaving and shot him. What was doubly tragic about that whole incident was that there were no armed sheepdogs in that congregation to protect the flock. All the men, no, strike that, biological males(but not actual men)there were a bunch of nice guys. It took an actual real man to put down the evil evildoer.

[@tnpreparer8903]

You hit the bullseye with that first one. Immediately made me think of John 12:43 - For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

[@GarrettFemister]

Amen.

[@levigivens]

Uh. no

[@kingsix2000]

"You are not upset with me, but you are blaming me" A truly fantastic way to articulate the idea of being offended. ❤

[@harleypearson706]

Holy crap!!! I work with a guy EXACTLY like this. You hit every nail on the head! This guy's left his religion, got left by his wife, his teenage daughters don't listen to him and actively avoid him at times, he believes in a socialist paradise, he runs from conflict, he's turned on people, he's a yes-man, etc. I'm in my car right now, laughing so hard that I can barely breathe! I'm already picking co-workers to send this to!

[@Anamericanhomestead]

So...what your saying is that most politicians are NICE GUYS. 😂👍

[@tr889]

I knew Zach was a warriorpoet subscriber

[@evyl0076]

absolutley! have tou ever heard congressional debates? they akways refer to each other as 'my friend congressman so- and so' regardless of how much they can't stand each other.

[@davidhamilton7628]

Bing bong Bing bong

[@kevinbrown9831]

I was just thinking Democrats. Occasionally a Republican here and there.😅

[@kaufmanat1]

no...theyre far worse. theyre the wolves kn sheeps clothing. they are an entirely different entity. many of them are genuine psychopaths.

[@user-zx8xv1fi3z]

John you just mentioned one of my favorite lines. Be dangerously good. Basically I am only a threat if you are. Only dangerous to evil

[@YouTubesucks4real]

I had ALOT of nice guys that fit this description perfectly at the church I recently left. Nothing gets accomplished, and corrections are never made. They will wait for the problem to either go away or for people to stop complaining about it. When you eventually make the correction, they will be upset with you. It eventually allows sin into the church.

[@Godisinkontrol]

Yeah no thanks, good thing you left. We Christians must be bold, and not pushovers ready run away from any resistance.

[@boyscout6566]

like leaders like congregation

[@katierucker2870]

So true!!! We need God fearing men who are meek yet at the same time won’t put up with sin and evil. This is a pastor/leader’s job.

[@jamesbroyles3606]

You're spot on John. I'm a recovering nice guy and recognize many of these traits in myself. You, John Cooper, and Doug Wilson have been helpful in getting me to start becoming a courageous man.

[@user-zc3eh4di6p]

Joko willink navy seal is very inspirational great leadership abilities

[@MkGreene]

You're not the only one. Many of us are recovering nice guys. Raised up being told to repress the "evil" masculine that we were created and born with.

[@davidhenry7484]

Yeah, I had this exact realization about myself. As a young man raised with two older, liberal sisters- it took me through my military career about half way, until I realized that sometimes you have to be hard in social situations.

[@froglord1559]

Are those so called nice guys narcissist guys?

[@MkGreene]

@@froglord1559 I think most of us were just people that over valued politeness at the cost of other virtues.

[@catwrench3]

"You should be an absolute monster, and then learn how to have it under complete self control" ~Jordan Peterson

[@StinkyGringo]

Most people don't though. They are almost all either weak or condescending as hell. Balance is very difficult and most fail at it.

[@jerkforsure8387]

Life requires work. I sometimes struggle with my anger. Are you completely balanced?

[@GreatWhite7]

jp is a clown

[@gurgamous]

@@GreatWhite7 even if that was the case in general, the principle conveyed here is still valid. A formidable force for good is only going to come from someone who also possesses a formidable potential for evil. Weak individuals arent capable of much either way.

[@NewVegasBadger]

Truth.

[@briansmith4726]

I listened to this video on my way to work. Immediately, after work I went home and had my daughter listen to it. Thank you for that.

[@theCLDavis]

1st husband, not proud of this but spot on. When I left him everyone said “he’s such a nice guy” so often that today it still sets my teeth on edge. Every statement you made is so true, even 25 years later, it helped hearing this

[@doctorsdw]

Truth. This is a problem with many "Evangelicals," who bow their knee to political correctness.

[@farmerwayne1404]

Yes, that's a shame! I believe it's an evil spiritual mess that is taking over. We as believers need to really know The Word of God, follow as best we can and pray to stay on His path. Where God in the Bible says to do something, do it. Where He says not to do something, don't do it! He and His Word is the same " yesterday, today, and forever" !!!

[@TennGrizz]

Truth

[@ParaSniper2504]

The one commandment that CANNOT be broken is the 11th: Thou shalt be NICE!

[@harrysmith8338]

No surprise there. They are Oxymoronic, at their "root".

[@larryvansertima7095]

They try to make Jesus a big sandal wearing hippie and effeminate. It comes from the hippie movement and is idolatry.

[@AnnGunther-m1t]

I see “nice” as being what “kind” looks like. Kindness comes from love. Nice is just the shell.

[@danr543]

That's good!

[@laladoodieincarnate]

sort of like when people are being fake where they smile at you and act all friendly and talk to you with their teeth clenched at the same time & whenever they look away from you theyre scowling then when they look back at you they smile again? Edit: cartoon example: Hazbin Hotel episode 4 when Valentino would look angrily at Angel but is smiling being nice, friendly, & polite to Charlie talking through his teeth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3mVgK1_hqqYsJIsi=PZpnr9ZfodLdOKWR

[@kaufmanat1]

i view kindness as an action... i view niceness as simply a sentiment...

[@AnnGunther-m1t]

Precisely!

[@nerychristian]

I think the word "nice" has been so overused, that it has become meaningless. There is nothing wrong with being agreeable, amicable, polite, respectful, humble, kind, peaceful, thoughtful, etc. Not everyone has to be a leader. There is nothing wrong with serving others. Christ taught us that the greatest among us is the one who will be a servant.

[@Michael-vc2cs]

I feel like I’m listening to a sermon here! I’ve had to stand up for truth, seemingly alone, for years. I believe in being kind but not withholding the truth from others, even if it hurts them. This road has been difficult. I’ve chased women away, friends away, and probably had tons of other people trash talk me behind my back. I still find myself asking, “Am I in any part this guy John is talking about?!” I grew up in the south so I believe in being kind. People have said “You’re too nice.” I also have NO problem with being a dangerous man. I learned some martial arts when I was younger and learned how to handle myself better in a fight. But I’ve never gone looking for one. Another problem I see too often in the south is fake niceness too. Nevertheless, we men all need to look in the mirror and root out that weakness, including myself if I’m getting complacent! Great video! I think people are confused about what niceness vs. true kindness is. I’ve been called all sorts of names, nice being one of them. The real question is, is there an agenda tied to being nice? If you’re being nice to someone in that moment because you believe it’s the right thing to do, you’re being kind.

[@HoneyPot710]

My mother raised me to be a kind person. Being “nice” tends to be for shallow gain. Not everyone deserves kindness and that’s what every man needs to learn.

[@anthonycat7303]

Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. That's my method of my mayhem retired US Navy veteran. Great show, never miss them

[@minuteman2547]

This may be the first time a retired Marine gives a Sailor an atta-boy. Please make my day even better and tell me you are enlisted rank.

[@mkdy218]

Copy that. Kindness is strength! Showing kindness can often be born out of ones own experience of hardship etc.

[@craighaller4002]

Amen. I will often appear to be a nice guy and conformist. Think of it like a grey man tactic. Be invisible, look non threatening. The whole time you are measuring people and the environment. Someone once told me in a crowd, look past the extroverts, tattoos and loudmouths. Beware the guy in the quiet, smiling guy in the corner, who looks weak and easy. Very often he's the most dangerous one in the room.

[@minuteman2547]

@@craighaller4002 In my experience they often also have tits, and split tails.

[@billtheboatman]

@@craighaller4002 I attempt to be the grey man, but I'm 6'2"/225. I've even gone so far as driving a boring old-man car with no distinguishing markings.

[@SecurityofaFreeState]

100% accurate… and the women whom go for the “nice guy” are narcissistic, they can manipulate the “nice guy” as they both use each other to pursue their own excessive self-interest.

[@bhazleton]

My late husband wanted our kids to like him so he left the discipline up to me. The kids loved him but I was being sabotaged. He was also a coward in many other ways. Even though he suffered with cancer for over 5 years, he would not talk about death due to fear. I was left with little information and guidance but I was relieved when he finally died.

[@Vocarin]

The origin of "nice" is "nescio." It's Latin for "I don't know." The idea is that a "nice" guy will flip flop on every issue they're confronted with, have no firm opinion of their own, and will therefore ride the fence in every circumstance to the point where they can't stand up for anything, even the things that matter. Speaks pretty well to what John's saying.

[@GarrettFemister]

Revelation 3: 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

[@brianwherry8838]

We in the UK have just elected a nice guy. He has changed his position on nearly everything when faced with any push back.

[@nathankleber9150]

It's incredible how scared people are of taking responsibility for their own actions. So many in my life I've stood up and said I was wrong, I messed up, and it's been met with nothing but appreciation for being honest. There might be disappointment with the mistake and the consequences, but being trustworthy and accountable is far more appreciated.

[@froglord1559]

Are those so called nice guys narcissist guys?

[@nonyabiz2777]

@@nathankleber9150 I agree it’s uncommon to see folks willing to admit their mistakes. We normal folks don’t like to be wrong but will admit our mistakes so we can fix our mistakes. When we are willing to move on and fix our problems we can live good lives. The alternative is to be one of the millions of folks living life with anger and frustration. You spend to much time unhappy in the alternative life choices. Bravo sir perfect observation.

[@HickSquatch]

My friend started a men’s group called Rise Undaunted which specifically addresses Nice Guy Syndrome and helps guys become true masculine Men. Excellent and important message.

[@GarrettFemister]

That’s sounds like a worthwhile group to join. Is it part of an actual study plan? I’d love to lead something like this!

[@GarrettFemister]

I went to the website. It seems to be essentially MLM, and potentially under the LDS umbrella… tell me if I’m wrong.

[@HickSquatch]

@@GarrettFemister it’s not an mlm but there is an incentive for recruiting if you want to. I don’t. You don’t have to pay to participate. I don’t either. The founder is LDS, but the group is not affiliated with any church.

[@theoneandonlybridge4210]

Correct. I used to be like this and had to force my self to change. Now I see my brother going down this path and the people he associates with use him because of it, so he is basically a doormat for everyone. We are trying to get him out of it

[@Sojourner_Tyson]

I’m not triggered by this, so much as I am convicted by it. Definitely at least a couple of things here that I identify with. This is a good one. God bless bro.

[@craighaller4002]

This is somewhat true. Sometimes one can often appear to be a nice guy and conformist. Be invisible, look non threatening. The whole time measuring people and the environment. Someone once told me in a crowd, look past the extroverts, tattoos and loudmouths. Beware the quiet guy, smiling guy in the corner, who looks weak and easy. Very often he's the most dangerous one in the room if he's cornered and got nothing to lose.

[@RodCornholio]

The most dangerous person in the room is the one with the ability and _motivation_ . That skinny young man with glasses who got bullied when he was a kid, that old man with a cane and a wife, the person in a wheelchair.... yeah, they are potentially well armed, able, and motivated.

[@ultraskunk8926]

That's totally NOT the guy John is talking about here. You missed the point, brother.

[@agogecoach8790]

It's not an extrovert/introvert thing. John has made a few video's about 'the most dangerous guy in the room' that your post could actually be an intro for.

[@PEEPNME]

A favorite patch I keep on my kit..." Dont mistake my kindness for weakness".

[@GarrettFemister]

Love it!

[@garyboy50]

In my experience, a nice guy is actually prone to saying sorry because he will commit emotional hijacking as a way of disguising his cowardice. "I'm sorry, I was wrong on this small issue, and because I'm so humble and willing to admit my flaws, it would be cruel to correct me on bigger issues". Nice guys gas light because no one can truly avoid conflict in life, so they choose that path instead of direct conflict.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Great read here. I’ve seen this

[@KeithBarrowsToday]

Excellent take. I grew up as a nice guy. Just over 40 years ago, at the young age of 23, I went to Marine Corps boot camp. Life has never been the same since. Nice guys are weak men. Weak men create hard times. Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Guess where in the cycle we are!

[@FreeBirdVince]

I'm 23 years old now. Enlisted in the Army and intend to become a Ranger. Respect to you sir.

[@Hey_you_______x]

​@FreeBirdVince never give up on yourself, on your team, and you'll do well. Quite the adventure you're embarking on, your service will be appreciated, thank you for taking the oath. Hey, don't drink too much off duty, a LOT of problems stem from just that one seemingly little act. I mean yeah drink, get wasted sometimes, just don't make it your go-to. Stay true to yourself, once you find him in the hardest days. Keep your head down in boot camp, do what you're told, do it fast but do it as well as you can.

[@FreeBirdVince]

@@Hey_you_______x thank you. I will keep this all in mind. 🙏

[@andrewdelaix]

Be nice. Be nice until it is time to not be nice.

[@leadboy83]

Nice Roadhouse quote!

[@StinkyGringo]

Dalton: If somebody gets in your face and calls you a cocksucker, I want you to be nice. Ask him to walk. Be nice. If he won't walk, walk him. But be nice. If you can't walk him, one of the others will help you, and you'll both be nice. I want you to remember that it's a job. It's nothing personal. Steve: Being called a cocksucker isn't personal? Dalton: No. It's two nouns combined to elicit a prescribed response. Steve: What if somebody calls my mama a whore? Dalton: Is she?

[@Vincent_Boogaloo]

Never be nice, be respectful unless someone gives you a reason not to be.

[@mikeshuman7393]

​@@Vincent_BoogalooI like being humble. It's the quiet man that people should look out for.

[@adamethridge7824]

Hehe Swaze gets a pass

[@JRabbit28]

I'm not a "nice guy" anymore, I've learned to be "nice" with the ability to still be capable of leading my crew with a stern authority. I was thrown into a lead position at my company and was forced to be "the man"! And learning from you and Mark Driscoll how to "Act Like A Man". Thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching me and many men how to be a Warrior Poet! You have single completely changed my life. God Bless you Sir! ❤️💪🙏

[@andrewanderson4372]

Former nice guy here. John youbare hitting the nail on the head. I can tell you from experience that you can change for the better. It is difficult, but it means a lot of self-reflection is needed and drop your friggin ego. Nice guys are toxic. I used to be very toxic and didn't even know it. I still have some issues I am working on, but things are getting better. Do better, and your life will get better

[@andrewbarker8631]

Grandad said be strong enough to be gentle. You can't just cultivate strength or exercise tenderness alone. You lose sight of things like your boundaries and might not tell someone the hard truth because it will hurt a lot.

[@Benaiah2279]

Another way to say this is “weak passivity”

[@RichardOlsonar15]

@@Benaiah2279 We call them "Cucks".

[@hairlessharescrambler56]

Everyone's an outlaw till it's time to do outlaw $hit- Bryan Martin

[@Ninjaman-do5uk]

Incredible video. I agree with everything you said. I spent my first 25 years being a nice guy 100%, being a LEO showed me to stop in my professional life but I still did it in my personal life especially with dating. At 29 something changed and I fully committed to being a strong man. Changed my life and it is my mission to show others. Hard to do though.

[@Hey_you_______x]

John is a good biblical name. My grandfather, father, and oldest brother, all have that name, all badass leaders, winners, like you sir.

[@josephfoster6313]

Never confuse kindness for weakness.

[@skootr924]

So true, there is only a line crossed. That is where the Lion comes out, and all bets are off. I bite my tongue only when applicable, otherwise I have no filter 😊

[@PeterRSCFF]

The saying is “never confuse MY kindness for weakness””. If someone just went around judging kindness as weakness they would be right a lot of the time.

[@boyscout6566]

The reverse is also true: never confuse weakness for kindness.

[@PeterRSCFF]

@@boyscout6566 That’s an interesting perspective. Seems like it could be useful in a totally different way

[@christianbgood2910]

Quoting Al Capone...

[@michaelpritchard7547]

I think you clarified my internal frustration with organized religion, with your remark on “your church is dead if it’s filled with nice guys”. I have felt like I was in the wrong crowd many times based on the way people behaved to the needs of the community vs the role of the church. This isn’t to say that representation is true of all organized religion, but unfortunately, represents many of the churches people attend. God is not for us to follow as sheep and cowards. The right thing to do, may in fact, be something your church won’t support. In those times it’s better to follow god than the church.

[@connormcalister5765]

I would encourage you to still find a church full of good men to go through life with, rather than rejecting the church. No man is an island. I’m in a church with the opposite of nice guys, and that collective is doing things that are making massive impacts in our city.

[@mnt809]

I know what you are talking about. I struggle with it too. I'm a Mormon, and I think the nice guy syndrome is plaguing our church. People generally consider Mormons conservative/traditional, but I believe all the nice guys are creating confusion about our message and what we stand for. A lot of people don't really know what Mormons stand for anymore. That used to not be the case. Even though people hated us for our beliefs, at least we made them clear and stood by them. The criticism made us better Mormons. Those days are a memory. But, instead of giving up, I'm one of the holdouts that believes in the Warrior Poet way. I don't play nice guy. Sometimes people gasp at what I say. But, they like my sincerity. I don't think I make a big difference, but I do think I make a small difference with the small circle of influence I have. If nothing else, I hope to pass it along to my sons, and that my daughters will value the Warrior Poet way in men. Half of my kids are teenagers and it seems like they are learning the ways of their old man, and rejecting the nice guy syndrome. I basically associate myself more with my Warrior Poet mentality than I do with my particular "brand of church" at this point. I agree with your statement that it's better to obey God instead of the church. I have done that many times over the past few years, and so far, God has always backed me up. I encourage you to do it where you can.

[@michaelpritchard7547]

@@mnt809 My favorite complement I have received in the past five years is being told I am authentic. In that one word, I felt proud and emboldened to continue presenting myself as a man, unafraid. I appreciate your comment and your authenticity to stand for the right things over the crowd. Regardless of what name your faith carries, people need others to represent the strength and compassion of a higher purpose. Stand tall and lend an insightful ear to all that need guidance. Good men, like yourself, will save us from tyrants lurking in our communities.

[@michaelpritchard7547]

@@connormcalister5765 You are not wrong. It be of the most common things I hear these days is that men have no friends. Good organizations are a great way to combat that theory. They also provide a place for important messages to be heard. I was told recently, that I am an authentic soul. It’s my favorite complement I have received because it not only empowered me to stand tall in my convictions, but it also gave room for me to be received by the community around me on a true level. I am happy you have found a fellowship that aligns with your authenticity. Stand tall in your community and lend solid guidance to “right and wrong” wherever you see fit. As for me , I will continue without a church until I am drawn in by authentic people. People that understand that compassion is the second biggest strength/burden we must carry in order to secure the role of leaders in our community. I hope you continue to be authentic to yourself and provide that strong outward guidance to your fellowship and community at large. Our world needs it in every way.

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

I really needed this topic of discussion today. Thank you, John, and the Warrior Poet team.

[@Mtbambeno]

We all should listen to things that are hard to listen to. If all we ever hear is the things we want to hear, we never feel like we have to grow as a person. Thank you for the Hard Listen.

[@brianames7832]

My son has me listening to your books and listening to your podcast now

[@code_red7744]

Sounds like you raised a good kid… congrats

[@wills9392]

Smart boy

[@StinkyGringo]

Your son may make a man out of you yet! 😂

[@brianames7832]

@@code_red7744 he is an ex-Marine and I’m so proud of him

[@blakehartsfield8423]

@@StinkyGringo Is that all you do is go from comment to comment gas lighting? Only thing worse than a nice guy, is a douche who likes to leave keyboard warrior messages all over peoples comments of a video, knowing good and well they wouldnt say it to their face. Run along and comment on the next one. I think id rather be a nice guy than a keyboard warrior.

[@marktisdale7935]

Thanks, John. We need more men with a microphone saying this.

[@garagedays1776]

Love it. I call the young guys out at work all the time. Mostly in their early 20's. I'll talk about hard subjects. Push them to examine themselves. Then explain that we should always be pushing each other to be our best. A friend of mine uses the phrase. "Past self, taking care of future self." Often in life you get out what you put in so do the work.

[@darinsb6896]

Iron sharpening iron!

[@kevinclause4p55p5]

It is powerful to be kind and charismatic with others, while never revealing your hand.

[@victorymeadow4073]

As wife and mother of 4 boys, this is refreshing!

[@lexlane9353]

This hurt. I am too soft. I have some work to do. Thank you John.

[@BrotherAdamHehr]

"Only the courageous can... truly be virtuous." - John Lovell Joshua 1 comes to mind.

[@ryangierman4421]

Finally! I am so glad to hear someone other than myself admit that the “nice guy” is a self-centered coward. Thank you for your voice

[@TW-rr6qb]

That isnt something my mind usually goes to. But it really makes sense. I agree with this statement!

[@alansloan7784]

Example of a 'nice guy' in politics: a RINO.

[@formeolosuslasvenators1777]

This is what every man needs to hear. I have been wondering why I feel bad about failure to act, because I mis understood what being a “good man” actually is. To sum up this video I would say this is what the phrase “nice guys finish last,” means. Thank you and God bless. Your children are lucky to have you as a father who puts The Father before himself.

[@camutk]

I think all of us can glean something from this. Gauge: Are you willing to go through some fire for someone else other than yourself? Wife? Kids? Your bro? His wife? Their kids?

[@Jim5745]

💯 agree. I used to be a “nice” guy. When it finally dawned on me that I was not owning up to my failures. It took some time but I have changed for the better. Thank you for what you do John. We all need to continue to learn and grow especially in our faith. 🙏✝️

[@romanstravels6390]

Quite literally describing “The Try Guys” and Rhett and Link lol

[@rickswordfire4774]

Ever seen that video where The Try Guys get their testosterone levels checked?

[@Godisinkontrol]

Those beta's make me sick

[@BigZ971]

Damn, what wrong did rhett and link do

[@adamnanney4952]

I'm ashamed to say this, but at nearly 30 years old, I've had to learn the hard way, and there is a difference between niceness and kindness. Kindness still contains humility, compassion, love, understanding, patience, and tenderness, but niceness is essentially naivety. If one is nice, they are willing to be naive in order to evade confrontation, but when you are kind, when dealing with confrontation, you take the high road, you keep a cool head, as long as it doesn't get physical, then yeah, take up self defense, but you discuss, not argue. Arguing determines who is right, that is, ego, but discussing determines WHAT is right, that is true knowledge and wisdom. That's what the kind guy does. Also, I've had to learn this, and I have a quote for this as well, just because the word ass is in assertive, that doesn't mean you have to be one, so in short, the kind guy is assertive but at the same time humble and patient about it, he's not a jerk. Also, pardon my language with my quote, but I am just being honest.

[@MulCRM]

i know weaklings like this! the weak men that create hard times! they love to proclaim themselves to be "down the middle" but they only have the courage to give opinions that the crowd they approve of will applaud!!! Epic video!

[@Clydeisms]

In about to become a father in January and I’ve been thinking a lot about this stuff. I’ve been working on myself a lot over the past 6 months, getting in shape physically and spiritually. I’m so glad I am able to feel prepared for this next step and I hope my child will always to see me as a good man, not just a nice guy. I agree with every word!

[@Taylordtech]

Goodness John this is a whole sermon. The last point about nice guys is something that hits home for me. I see this in my church so much. The people there try to walk a tightrope of being acceptable socially without outright compromising biblical principle, but push come to shove they just collapse. We need so many strong me. Men who dont bend and compromise but who hold fast under pressure. Sadly they seem rare. Im really tempted to send this to my pastor as a challenge.

[@glencrouch442]

The term "nice guy" may throw some folks off track, Ann Gunther said it well, "I see "nice" as being what "kind" looks like, Kindness comes from love" I would say "kindness" comes from strength as well. And she is correct, "nice is just a shell". You are spot on with this, can't argue a single point you've made.

[@danasmith9942]

I love the call to action and encouragement to do something about it at the end - better yourself, better the community, better the next generation. Keep Fighting the Good Fight

[@DamienFroody]

20 year old Australian here. I was arrested multiple times at freedom rallies in Victoria during the tyrannical lock downs we had here as a 17 year old at the time. I am still not satisfied that i have done enough and struggle with feelings of insecurity around my masculinity despite being unafraid to speak my mind. I think this video brought into light how i have a lot of energy towards the freedom agenda but for a while have been unwilling to actualize it in terms of leadership.

[@williambutler2177]

Some solid useful and generally correct insights John! I had to go back and re-listed while taking some notes when a thought occurred to me halfway through point #3. 1) Say Hard Things 2) Lead/Take Risks 3) Take Responsibility 4) Protect 5) Keep the Faith These are equally the failings of toxic women. Solid points all the way through, and I think you're right we all at least occasionally fail to do these things at some level and it's a good list to consider when planning out our paths to self improvement. Work Hard, Pray Hard, Play Hard.

[@forgingluck]

I'm trying to be a better and stronger person every day. Watching your channel is part of that journey. Thank you.

[@financeguy4859]

I think you presented this very well, and make a compelling argument. My belief and takeaway is that a true man, or Warrior Poet, is someone who falls squarely in the middle of this spectrum. The characteristics of the exact middle being as follows: 1) Speaks softly yet carries a big stick; 2) Is a true gentleman; 3) Never stops striving to improve, knowing that this is a lifelong journey with no arrival date.

[@snailsfrogslegs119]

I have been a highly competitive software engineer in the corporate world for years... I recently (and inadvertantly) took a job with a state/public employer. The difference between real working men and those mushy men (and women) that are public employees is a very stark and obvious difference indeed. You describe in this video perfectly. It is the reason that I am leaving that job very soon. Let the "lifers" have it.

[@CmRoddy]

I am blessed to be part of a church filled with the exact opposite of “Nice Guy” as you define here, and you will find some of the most kind and gentle husbands, fathers, and protectors you will ever meet.

[@davidpryor7366]

On a serious note, My mother, the greatest person to ever walk this earth, raised me to be a pacifist. She would get very angry with me if I got in a fight as a kid. She said any problem can be worked out with communication. For the most part, she is correct. I have never been in a fight that was worth the fight not that I have been in that many. That being said, she was very proud of me when I enlisted in the Army. While she did not like me fighting, she liked me defending. She is who taught me the difference.

[@Th3_Illuminati]

Well said.

[@waynemensen4252]

You don't always have to fight to stand your ground. But, you should stand your ground. Which sometimes leads to defending what you stand for!

[@christophermitchell7925]

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being in a fight if you’re defending yourself and your beliefs. Or just be a punching bag, your choice.

[@Remy4489]

I see what you are saying, and thank you for your service, BTW (*I am also a US Army veteran) ;but if she was okay with you "defending" (*physically, that is, which occasionally requires violence to do so) then she is not a complete pacifist; complete pacifists believe (*or claim to believe) that literally every single form of violence towards/against another human being, in all situations, is unjustified.

[@bluemntceltic2]

I was raised in a similar fashion. Only my parent's admonition was that I was never to start a fight, but I'd better be ready to end it. So I never got into fights, walked away from several of them. Got labeled a coward, particularly since I wasn't allowed to play football either, took a long time to prove otherwise, elementary and Jr. Hi were not fun times.

[@DyingBreed1776]

John, thank you Sir. I am battling with this so much right now in my life. I have for the first time in my life truly found God in my life. In turn I find myself dealing with this everyday wanting to be nice and liked so I feel like I am living right. It has felt fake at times, and I didn't like it but understanding nothing good will come from it I had to let it go and move on. I am only @2:11 but I can already tell God has led me to this video. Thank you, brother and glory to God always.

[@carnakthemagnificent336]

I appreciate your wisdom and insights. Confessing my sins, admitting my failures, are healthy practices, I've not exercised enough. Also: praying for my enemies.

[@Buckdog37]

I’ve been guilty of not watching this channel that much here lately, but I’m really glad there’s someone that’s not afraid of bringing out the word of God. Thanks John. Great video. Excellent.

[@WE-R-EVERYWHERE]

Maybe educate yourself on history ( read books written in the time, not written recently about the historical time) instead of reverting to the Bible for “truth”.

[@alorrick7546]

I've met too many "nice guys" They often flock to me, then slowly become friend to "family," and once they get inside, try to get me to "lighten up" and or quit and "relax" be more soft and have less "hard talks"... while VERY few become brothers and embrace the hard talks and BETTER eachother/ourselves.

[@williammckinely8950]

You hit it on the mark. Like my screen on my phone says "DON'T EVER THINK THE REASON I AM PEACEFUL IS BECAUSE I FORGOT HOW TO BE VIOLENT"

[@rockymountainhomestead]

You and many others mistake justified force with violence. Violence is using force to violate another, and it is unjustified. Justified force is simply force.

[@williammckinely8950]

I’m sorry but I disagree. You’re just playing on words. Force is violent. Weather justified in protecting or used in a criminal behavior. It becomes force on force. Good vs evil. But I think I understand where your coming from.

[@mike-yp1uk]

We all are born to serve but if you were made to be a cook then create wonderful food. If you were born to be a warrior be a warrior. Never try to be someone or something you are not made to be. It becomes a long and tedious life.

[@brendawerner5425]

I moved from Denver to central TX. Damn what a change. I'm a woman but learning to be Nicer

[@CrumpledPaperHearts]

Being kind is not the same as being nice. Kindness is to niceness as meekness is to weakness.

[@logiciskindness]

Jon, I was just hanging out with my friend who also enjoys your sermons. You were spot on. Thanks for sharing this. We really do appreciate it.

[@Djwhynotlove]

Nice and kind are completely different things. Nice is a face, a front sometimes. Kind is character

[@Dgwodo]

Yep! A warrior poet is not a nice guy! You are right on!

[@petrag.4092]

I am not a guy, but watch and support the cause. Yep, kindness is a Fruit of the Spirit, niceness is not. Is the word nice even in the bible?

[@StinkyGringo]

This is in the Bible: Romans 2:1: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (NIV)

[@stevecochran9078]

​@@StinkyGringo Sounds like St. Paul was speaking to a bunch of scum-sucking democraps.

[@StinkyGringo]

Sin is sin. You sin every day.

[@20tigerpaw20]

@@StinkyGringo get me that verse in the KJV or ESV and then we'll talk. using the N.on I.nspired V.ersion is just peek coward behavior.

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

I don't really know enough people well enough to confirm there are a lot of people like this but you seem completely correct

[@g1mpster]

I had this same conversation yesterday: I have many family members who prioritize the biblical notion of being peacekeepers above standing firm on moral principles and clearly telling others what is right/wrong.

[@MrAlaska66]

I'm generally a nice guy, but not that kind of "nice guy", but I know exactly the type you speak of. I place being nice well down the list of importance, and that niceness can evaporate extremely quickly when someone mistakes it for weakness, and tries to take advantage of it. I care very little what most people think of me, and as a result I'm able to admit my flaws and mistakes, and I'm also capable of being extremely blunt when needed. I've no time to entertain bullshit from anyone. On second thought maybe I'm not nice, so much as genuine and potentially friendly.

[@darinsb6896]

In my experience most of the "nice" folks don't like when people are actually genuine and masculine.

[@IRLand713]

There is a good distinction here between being a "nice guy" and being polite, being kind or being meek and humble. Those are not always the same and I think that distinction is important.

[@ryanwing5785]

I tend to just give people the benefit of the doubt because we as people have our problems too, so I try not to give people a hurt time. Not sure why this behavior of mine falls into this category because it's just me minding my own business, saying less and no more. If you somehow mistake this as weakness, the moment you abuse this courtesy, I will not hesitate to withdraw this treatment.

[@raymondlambert4132]

Voddie Baucham says if you can't say Amen then you gotta say Ouch...I said ouch cause I can feel roots trying to take hold. Thank you Mr Lovell for this...I NEEDED this.

[@WiIdbiII]

Gotta disagree. I know some nice guys who will throw down at moments notice , but they are always considerate of others feelings.

[@getyourgnarlon]

"Throwing down", and "always considerate of others feelings" seems to be a juxtaposition. The individual being "thrown down" upon may feel his feelings have not been held with consideration. Perhaps the "nice guys" have a veneer that is easily removed when necessary. A veneer that covers a not nice guy.

[@WiIdbiII]

@@getyourgnarlon idk , but these guys I know are like super liberal and always talk about their feelings and you'd pretty much think they are a group of women the way they talk. But they do have some principals that they stand for and will fight for. And I mean I sure as hell wouldn't want to fight them.

[@getyourgnarlon]

@@WiIdbiII Someone in the comments pointed to the difference between being nice and being kind. Kindness is a positive trait based on human compassion, while niceness is most often a cloak of concealment that is used as a tool to gain favor or advancement best exemplified by the politician. At the end of the day I would say it is very important that we all learn to distinguish the difference.

[@sheepdawg6946]

This is my father in law. I often have told my wife that her dad is a nice guy, but not the type of guy I can hang out with for very long. This episode fits him to a tee.

[@Loyal2law]

@2:59 Yes. It means that Nice Guys are people pleaser. They tell things that would garner positive attention towards him, and is careful in saying the right things so as not to offend. There's no assertion in language and speech

[@StinkyGringo]

Most people pleasers had abusive parents. Like narcissistic abuse etc. Thank God we're all here talking about how pathetic people with mental illness are. It's like a dog that has been abused. It doesn't tuck it's tail just because it's choosing to be weak, it does so from horrible experiences you never went through and don't fully understand.

[@crosstacticalairsoft2678]

I love it. I was at a church that was a pacifist. As a law enforcement officer and swat officer I truly believe that every person has to have a capability for violence in certain situations. But violence without control is dangerous as well. But being a "Nice Guy" is an even bigger threat. Well done and well said.,

[@007Chancellor]

It makes sense if one delineates between "acting nice" and BEING kind. Huge difference. Huge. Loved your book and, as always, l loved this talk.

[@caliradocowboy255]

John, you’re such a class act man. Way to walk what you preach. You gave some unpopular truths, stood your ground on saying it and why you’re saying it, and then even give a call to action and a pathway for betterment for those who are perhaps “programmed” to be a nice guy. Uncomfortable truth->stand for your beliefs as opposed to chasing being liked->demonstrated actual kindness by trying to help lift up others John is certified not a nice guy (possibly a real jerk, need to meet in person to verify!)

[@johndesrochers-si4cl]

Wow. I always thought I was a nice guy. Until this. Yeah. I don’t fit into that category as you describe. Challenge brings adversity. And adversity brings experience and knowledge. Which makes a good leader for others to follow. 100 percent onboard with your perspective on this.

[@Thepreparedguy]

The proper use of words is very important. Agree 100% don't be the "Nice" guy. Be the Good guy.

[@MiClLC]

Wow this guy just described 99% of law enforcement in this country. Spot on assessment

[@pslitchfield]

I love this. You are right on point about all of this. My husband is NOT a nice guy (as described in this video). I have 2 sons and we have raised them not to be “nice”