“Create more, consume less”: it’s a slogan blogger Brett McKay picked up at a middle school graduation, but he thinks that- at this time of crisis for American men- it could help boys transition into manhood.

“Boys are consumers,” he argues. “The problem is that men aren’t outgrowing this passive role. Instead of creating, they go on consuming. They may not depend on Mom and Dad anymore (although sadly, they often do), but they’re still dependent on stuff for their happiness. Consuming clothes, movies, video games, cars, parties, fast food, and even travel to make them happy.”

In this video, McKay- founder of the blog The Art of Manliness– explains how consuming less and producing more (whether in a garden or a painting studio) could be good for the soul.