October 13, 2025: The Defining Feature

A question for the ages: to shave or not to shave?

Every man faces the hairy dilemma: embrace the rugged allure of a beard or stick with baby smooth? I’ve always preferred a clean mug, despite a misguided goatee phase.

Sometimes I daydream about life on an abandoned island, sporting a wild beard like Tom Hanks in Cast Away. I think I could grow one. But the constant itching would drive me mad.

This week, I read about Rudolf Martino, the Guinness World Records holder for the longest natural beard on a living person.

The length? A magnificent 3 feet 6 inches.

For perspective, that’s taller than a toddler. And over a foot higher than the world’s shortest woman.

Rudolf has dedicated over ten years to sprout his beard, with no intention of stopping. His flowing chin locks are now his calling card.

So what is your defining feature?

Maybe you grow ideas instead of whiskers. Or you’re known for legendary kindness. Perhaps fashion is your trademark or elaborate cooking or showing up early to every meeting.

Find your thing and wear it proudly.

Go be the Rudolf of your own world.