Scan barcode
gwa2012's review against another edition
3.0
I’m usually skeptical of Navy Seals (or any SOF/military specialist) offering advice outside military tactics and strategy. This book simultaneously reinforced and overcame my skepticism.
The author provides practical, common sense advice to live a resilient life. The author has a doctorate in philosophy and supports his advice with lessons from classical philosophy. While this has a “cool” factor, the lessons do not appear to be supported by empirical research—think white knuckling your way out of depression through positive thinking and actions.
This book is great for general motivation, but I would not read it for clinical remedies. I do not agree with some of the author’s advice, but there are some good take-aways. Worth a quick read.
The author provides practical, common sense advice to live a resilient life. The author has a doctorate in philosophy and supports his advice with lessons from classical philosophy. While this has a “cool” factor, the lessons do not appear to be supported by empirical research—think white knuckling your way out of depression through positive thinking and actions.
This book is great for general motivation, but I would not read it for clinical remedies. I do not agree with some of the author’s advice, but there are some good take-aways. Worth a quick read.
ranahabib's review against another edition
3.0
6/10
Some stuff was noteworthy but I hated the writing style and it felt messy
Some stuff was noteworthy but I hated the writing style and it felt messy
smsloyer's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most transformative books I have read in all of 2018, both due to its content and style of delivery. The wisdom in this book transcends different moral and religious systems and really targets the heart of what it means to be a good, strong, resilient man. Certainly a book I will be coming back to year after year.
shighley's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this book (read by Greitens himself) over a period of several weeks (it was due, and I had to wait to check it out again) However, the impact was not lost during that gap of time; the stories still resonate. Because the book is composed of letters written to a friend, it's as if Greitens is telling stories. I can say that this is one time in my life that I felt like I needed to brush up on mythology and the Ancient Greeks. Greitens does a scholarly job of incorporating so many old stories and legends into today; the wisdom of the ages still applies.
I took many notes during the course of listening, and I probably should have just purchased a copy to mark up; I know that I will enjoy reading it again, possibly using excerpts. While the book is not perfect (making the last letter about death was sort of a bummer, but I guess in the course of life it does come last), there is so much to admire and reflect upon. The most important part, and probably the major point of this book, is that it has really stayed with me; the many definitions and examples of resilience can be very inspiring. I can't recall another book that so easily blended history, philosophy, current day problems, and helpful examples.
I took many notes during the course of listening, and I probably should have just purchased a copy to mark up; I know that I will enjoy reading it again, possibly using excerpts. While the book is not perfect (making the last letter about death was sort of a bummer, but I guess in the course of life it does come last), there is so much to admire and reflect upon. The most important part, and probably the major point of this book, is that it has really stayed with me; the many definitions and examples of resilience can be very inspiring. I can't recall another book that so easily blended history, philosophy, current day problems, and helpful examples.
catalystcafe's review against another edition
5.0
“More often, a closed mind is a product of fear. Certain believes are as central to our thinking as the pillars that support a cathedral. We use these beliefs to hold up our own conception of ourselves and to justify our place in the world. We’re afraid that if we question their strength, the world around us might collapse.” (pg 200)
“Good mentors respect complexity. But because they’ve learned to separate essentials from distractions, they can offer clarity.” (pg 224)
“When it comes to creativity, people often focus on freedom from. They think they’d be more creative if they were only free from constraints, from interference, from obligations. We’d do better to spend as much time thinking about freedom too. You can be free from rules and obligations, but that doesn’t make you free to create. You can, for example, be free from rules and still not have mastery over yourself. You have freedom to when you can say, ‘I am my own master’ … some freedom can only be won through self-mastery.” (pg 253)
This book was an unexpected gem. It admittedly took me several months to read, partially because each page had so much wisdom to digest. Based on letters written between two ex-Navy SEAL members, it’s two friends talking about their experiences and what to do next, and is full of kindness as the letters are to a friend who is struggling with normal life after being in the combat zone and has resorted to alcoholism. His friend gently reminds him to be resilient, to integrate his pain (not ignore it), and talks about how the right perspective on their experiences gives them hard won wisdom. But it’s also about trying to be the person you want to be now, instead of waiting for a perfect future.
I miss Walker and Greitens already and they are the perfect example of strong men with the right outlets for the tough things they have had to face.
int's review against another edition
2.0
Starting this book I had no idea that Eric Greitens is actively involved in politics as I only start looking for information regarding the author once the book is done reading. I have to admit that the person that I have imagined as going along with the book and the one that I saw being displayed as a candidate for governor of Missouri are quite different, however that is not influencing my opinion about his past writings, including this one.
The book is structured as letters written by the author to his close friend, resilience being the main theme, with emphasis on titles such as identity, habits, responsibility, vocation, and reflection. There are numerous references to Greek mythology and ancient philosophers, and as you would expect, our history is always around to teach us about our present and future.
Going through the notes that I have highlighted from the book, I am writing down my favourite one, so you can make an idea of what to expect in case you decide to give this book a go.
"There will come a day when the lights go out one last time, a day when the work and the living and the loving is all done. No one knows for certain what lies beyond that day. But if you've lived well, you can hope to become part of a story that others are proud to tell."
The book is structured as letters written by the author to his close friend, resilience being the main theme, with emphasis on titles such as identity, habits, responsibility, vocation, and reflection. There are numerous references to Greek mythology and ancient philosophers, and as you would expect, our history is always around to teach us about our present and future.
Going through the notes that I have highlighted from the book, I am writing down my favourite one, so you can make an idea of what to expect in case you decide to give this book a go.
"There will come a day when the lights go out one last time, a day when the work and the living and the loving is all done. No one knows for certain what lies beyond that day. But if you've lived well, you can hope to become part of a story that others are proud to tell."
pikapp22's review against another edition
4.0
First half of the book is great. It's a must read for everyone. Second half drags on a bit.
mattj256's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite quote from this book:
"We all need something to struggle against and to struggle for. The aim in life is not to avoid struggles but to have the right ones; not to avoid worry, but to care about the right things; not to live without fear, but to confront worthy fears with force and passion."
Eric Greitens is a serious warrior and a serious philosopher. He was a boxer, a Navy SEAL, worked with refugees in war-torn countries, and now runs an organization that helps military veterans return to civilian life.
Greitens has given a lot of thought to what makes people effective. There are references to Epictetus and other Romans, but also the Talmud and various other philosophers. What I like about this book is that the advice is all practical. Mr. Greitens has been there. He's put a lot of heart and sweat into his craft, and it shows.
The value of this book (or any self-help book) is that it inspires you to take meaningful action. I just read the book so I can't put in perspective the effect it's had on my life. I can say that I hardly ever write book reviews, and I wrote a review here. Greitens is a role model for me and I hope he will be one for you as well.
"We all need something to struggle against and to struggle for. The aim in life is not to avoid struggles but to have the right ones; not to avoid worry, but to care about the right things; not to live without fear, but to confront worthy fears with force and passion."
Eric Greitens is a serious warrior and a serious philosopher. He was a boxer, a Navy SEAL, worked with refugees in war-torn countries, and now runs an organization that helps military veterans return to civilian life.
Greitens has given a lot of thought to what makes people effective. There are references to Epictetus and other Romans, but also the Talmud and various other philosophers. What I like about this book is that the advice is all practical. Mr. Greitens has been there. He's put a lot of heart and sweat into his craft, and it shows.
The value of this book (or any self-help book) is that it inspires you to take meaningful action. I just read the book so I can't put in perspective the effect it's had on my life. I can say that I hardly ever write book reviews, and I wrote a review here. Greitens is a role model for me and I hope he will be one for you as well.