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[TOPIC 01] The 5 Traits The Modern Man Is Missing   Society has evolved at an incredible pace over the past decades. And while that has been amazing in terms of making our lives easier through technology and tools, it has somewhat diluted the difference between genders. To a certain point, there aren’t men and women anymore, but rather, just people.   As men, we’re born to possess certain qualities — being ambitious, hard working, confident, and hey, even a bit egotistical. But many men have either forgotten or just don’t care about these traits.   The top five traits that many men have lost throughout the past few decades are:   CourageNowadays, many men have no confidence. They don’t have passion and don’t go for what they want: be it women, a dream job or anything else they would like to do — they’re stifled by fear.They just stand by, expecting things to come to them; they act too entitled or have no confidence at all. They don’t even try.Confidence aside, I love the concept of courage. You possess confidence when everything is fine and you have a reason to embody it.But courage is what you have when something is wrong, or conditions are tough and you need to step up. And while experience gives you confidence — be it to get a gorgeous girl — or to get a job for which you’re not qualified, it requires courage.   LoyaltyMany men today don’t know how to work hard, how to give back to the people who gave to them or how to fight for something. Loyalty is key.Even though this mindset has been changing lately with companies, like Richard Branson’s Virgin and Starbucks, that promote doing excellent work, giving back and being loyal, many companies still retain the cutthroat environment.And just as companies, many individual men don’t promote being loyal, giving back or helping the individuals who helped them.It’s our duty as men to be loyal, not only in business, but also in life. If you have met amazing people who have helped you, help them back. Or help other people for no reason.Pay it forward. Be loyal to those who are loyal to you. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Provide value and then take value.   CenterednessAs men, we’re supposed to be centered. We’re supposed to be the pillars of certainty for others in the world. However, many men don’t take the time to have the life experiences necessary obtain that centeredness.Sure enough, there are men who behave oppositely, who have too much certainty with no reason for it. But that’s not the general rule — most men nowadays don’t have the life experience or confidence to be centered.   CultureMany men have lost touch with culture. They’re sloppy, not thorough, they just want to finish things and many times, not even well. They don’t care about the details at work, when speaking or when in public.We’re supposed to have a purpose, a passion. But after we achieve the former, we’re supposed to have a culture to surround it. After you get things done, get things done well. After the essentials of your life are accounted for and in order, take care of the rest; read, watch good movies and deliberately brush up on culture.   AmbitionAmbition is passion, and passion is ambition. Many men can’t identify something they love, something they could spend countless hours doing, perfecting their craft. Be it an area of work or an activity, they just wander through life, trying to get by.   True, today’s world is more competitive than ever; jobs are hard to come by. But that’s exactly why men should be reminded of the importance of being ambitious and a having passion.If you’re going to suffer, make the most of it. As Churchill would say, "if you’re going through hell, keep going." If you’re suffering due to difficult conditions and don’t work hard to create something amazing, you’re wasting time.     1. Do you agree or disagree with the article?2. What differences have you noticed between men now and men long ago?3. What things are modern man better at compared to men before? Why do you say so?4. What does it mean to be a man? What characteristics should a male individual have to be called a man?For female students: Would you prefer a modern man or a man from long ago? Why?For male students: Is it easy or difficult to be a man? Explain.     <TOPIC 02> Digital Gadgets 'Can Cause Brain Fatigue'   People could experience diminished memory and learning difficulties if their brains are exposed to an endless onslaught of digital information, the New York Times warned Tuesday citing research by the University of California, San Diego.   Research on mice showed improved memory capacity after the brain got some rest, but when exposed to endless digital stimuli, the brain lost its ability to retain information and learning skills weakened.   The best remedy was to stash away smartphones and MP3 devices and head outside for a walk at a set time every day to let the brain rest, researchers were quoted as saying.     1. How much do you rely on the digital devices in your daily life?2. Have you ever experienced physical or mental fatigue from a number of overflowing digital information?3. Where do you usually use the digital gadgets? Could you imagine what they disappear in your life or workplace?4. If people get stressful from a lot of digital devices or information, what do you think is the best solution to overcome them?