Some years ago the News and Observer of Raleigh, North Carolina, published an article entitled, "Do You Measure Up As a Man?" The article stated that some extensive research had been conducted on the twentieth century standards for measuring a man. The eight criteria are quite interesting: his ability to make, conserve, and amass money; the cost, style, and age of his car; how much hair he has or has not; his size and strength; the job he holds and how successful he is at it; what sports he likes; how many clubs he belongs to; and his aggressiveness and reliability.

As I recall, the article did not specify how each standard rated in importance, or whether a man could measure up with less than all eight. But I do recall that when I read the article I was struck by the sharp contrast betwee…