Passing the Fire

Immerse yourself in thoughts on vision, discipline, relationships, courage, and masculinity, and find your own path

What does it mean to “be a man”? What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century? What is our task, and are we even up to fulfilling it?

PASSING THE TORCH IS AN EFFORT TO GIVE MEN WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NATURALLY RECEIVED FROM THEIR FATHERS, BUT FOR VARIOUS REASONS, DID NOT.

“The goal is to ignite a fire in the soul of every person who touches this book.” (Peter Podlesný)

The core of this book is formed by thoughts that, despite our diversity, unite us and help us find guidance in discovering who we are and what our role is. We are surrounded by many men who have not allowed themselves to mature and discover their purpose. It is time to start doing something about it. It doesn't matter at what age this legacy reaches you. The fire is always different and original, but it always carries immense potential. This is precisely the mindset with which this book views men.

Why do we need a book for men?

“During my many years of working with men, I have all too often encountered the fact that many of them, despite their efforts, could not find direction or an answer to the question: ‘What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century?’”

When I hear “passing the torch,” I think of something like the ancient myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and brought it to humans. It’s about taking on passed-down experiences, skills, and answers, and passing them on.

I believe that in time, you will hold in your hands a book that was written out of both anger and hope. Out of anger because I feel sorry for the many broken men whose fathers did not pass the torch to them. And out of hope, because I am convinced that together we can achieve change.”

— Peter Podlesný, author of the book

Who is the book for?

If you are a man, it's for you. If you are a woman who knows a man and wants to learn more about men, this book is for you. It's for you if you're fifteen because it's time to become a man. It's for you even if you're over forty because it's not too late to become a man. Read it even if you are a father, to see what else you can pass on. You also need this book if you are a mother raising a son.

A better question is, who is this book not for?

For those who feel they already know everything, for those who have adopted passivity as a lifestyle—simply, for self-centred guys who have remained boys and do not want to change.