Today's Read Team 
Remembering Sam Keen: Influencer of the Men’s Movement
Sam Keen, a prominent figure in the realms of psychology and philosophy, passed away on March 19 in Oahu, Hawaii, at the age of 93. His wife, Patricia de Jong, confirmed the news of his passing during a vacation. The couple lived together on a 60-acre ranch in Sonoma, California.
Early Life and Education
Born Samuel McMurray Keen on November 23, 1931, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the second of five children in a Methodist family. After moving to Wilmington, Delaware, his parents ran a mail-order business. Keen graduated from Ursinus College and earned advanced degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Princeton University, including a Ph.D. in the philosophy of religion.
Shifting Focus to Pop Psychology
In the 1960s, Keen left academia behind, feeling overeducated yet unfulfilled. He moved to California, where he became an active participant in the human potential movement and led various self-help workshops, ultimately penning over a dozen books.
Influence of “Fire in the Belly”
Keen’s most notable work, Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man, published in 1991, gained national attention following a PBS conversation with journalist Bill Moyers. This book spent 29 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and became a pivotal text in the men’s movement of the 1990s.
In his discussions with Moyers, Keen revealed his early struggles with societal expectations of masculinity, particularly those imposed by women. He expressed, “They were the audience before whom I dramatized my life, and their applause and their approval was crucial for my sense of manhood.”
The Men’s Movement
His work catalyzed a response among men struggling with perceived feminization, as he urged them to explore a new concept of masculinity. Keen argued, “Only men understand the secret fears that go with the territory of masculinity.” Along with Iron John by Robert Bly, Keen’s work helped shape the narrative of the men’s movement, which sought to reconnect men with their primal instincts.
Retreats often saw men engaging in cathartic activities like drumming and expressing their emotions openly, addressing the often-ignored wounds inflicted by societal norms and absentee fathers. Despite its critiques and parodies, this movement garnered significant interest among both men and women.
Beyond Masculinity
Keen’s views evolved as he embraced feminism, recognizing the impact of patriarchal structures on both genders. He has been quoted saying that the women’s liberation movement served as a model for the transformative changes that men were beginning to encounter.
Moreover, Keen turned to the flying trapeze as a metaphorical challenge for overcoming personal fears, offering workshops that focused on the psychology of risk and trust. He authored Learning to Fly: Trapeze — Reflections on Fear, Trust, and the Joy of Letting Go in 1999, reflecting on these experiences.
Career Highlights and Legacy
In addition to his writing, Keen contributed to publications like Psychology Today and engaged with figures such as Joseph Campbell, enhancing the narrative of modern spirituality. His career includes works like Faces of the Enemy, which scrutinized the role of propaganda in war, later adapted into a PBS documentary.
Keen’s first two marriages ended in divorce, but he found lasting companionship with Patricia de Jong, with whom he married in 2004. He is also survived by three children and several grandchildren.
Conclusion
Sam Keen’s journey into the discussion of masculinity and personal exploration marked a significant chapter in the emergence of contemporary discussions around gender. His unique blend of psychology and philosophy left an indelible mark, resonating with countless individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of modern manhood.