Reviews

The Triumph of the Man Who Acts (revised) by EDWARD EARLE PURINTON, Ari Berkowitz

chloekld's review

Go to review page

informative inspiring reflective

5.0

kartiknarayanan's review

Go to review page

5.0

You can listen to the review on my podcasts available on Apple Spotify Stitcher
You can also watch it on Youtube
Or read more like this on my blog, Digital Amrit


The book was originally published in 1916 by Edward Earle Purinton. He had written this book as a practical, self-help book that covers health, happiness, relationships and efficiency. Ari Berkowitz has stumbled upon this book during this time of self-quarantine and has re-released it with appropriate corrections and enhancements.

Since 'The Triumph of the Man Who Acts' was initially published in 1916, it carries all the biases of that age. Edward Earle Purinton wrote it for the white male American, but most of the advice applies to all walks of life, even today. I found most of Purinton's writing brimming with energy. Of course, the onus is on the reader to pick and choose the sections that apply to them.

Going even beyond the biases, the book has some sections which might seem a bit trivial and silly. But, there is still a kernel of value even there. For example, the author advises us to wear thin and light pyjamas at night. Though it is a bit frivolous on the surface, at its core, the message is that we should ensure that we get a good night's sleep.

Ari Berkowitz has re-organized the book into five sections - Productivity, Health, Happiness, Relationships and Freedom. Each of these sections has chapters that focus on particular topics like 'ways to ascertain character' and 'how to be an optimist'. Each chapter is, in turn, logically and hierarchically organized. There are topics, which are broken down into smaller sections and then explained. The reader can almost visualize the bullet points in their head.

In conclusion, 'The Triumph of the Man Who Acts' is an excellent book that needs to be read carefully and multiple times. It contains so much information and useful, practical advice which are still relevant today.

If you liked this review, please support me on
Patreon
More...