A "better" man in this tradition is defined by his reliability and strength of will. In the historical Japanese context, this is the man who remains unshaken during a storm. Developing mental fortitude involves setting high standards for oneself and sticking to them.
To understand why this archetype works, we must define it. The phrase tane wo tsukeru (to plant seeds) carries a dual meaning in Japanese culture. tane wo tsukeru otoko better