The Chief of the Danish Army embodies a mature masculinity that inspires hope and challenges preconceived notions about the military. His calm authority, coupled with humility and a commitment to protecting values, creates a sense of security.

Peter Boysen, the 62-year-old commander, leads the rebuilding of Denmark’s land military forces amidst geopolitical turbulence. An encounter with him revealed a leader who is human, warm, reflective, and honest. This challenged the author’s prejudices and expectations about the defense.

The author, who grew up in a left-leaning family skeptical of the military, found herself moved by Boysen’s presence. She describes his energy as representing a calm authority that one could lean on. This resonated with her own experience of mature masculinity, particularly the security provided by her father’s honesty.

The author contrasts this mature masculinity with the destructive masculine energy seen in figures like Trump and Putin. She argues that society has perhaps overlooked the importance of anchored, empathetic masculinity. This includes qualities like responsibility, direction, and calm.

She emphasizes that mature masculinity is not about biology or gender. Instead, it is a quality that anyone can possess. It involves taking responsibility without demanding recognition, standing firm without dominating, and listening before speaking.

Boysen’s balanced approach, his ability to reflect and connect with his leadership colleagues, creates a sense of security. This contrasts with figures like Trump, whose actions evoke anxiety and fear. The author found no desire for attention or war lust in Boysen, but rather a quiet commitment to protecting the kingdom and its values.

The encounter prompted the author to reflect on her own prejudices and the importance of freedom. She also considered the need to talk about heroism again. Not as a self-assertive act, but as the courage to take responsibility and stand firm in difficult times.