A review by mattj256
Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life by Eric Greitens

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.