Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life

If you are going through the darkest moment in your life, this book is for you. I am going through tough times for over 3 years now. I am a US Navy veteran currently going through financial crisis, health crisis, relationship crisis, all types of crisis thrown at me all at once and have been crawling my way to success. I've always felt like life is against me and have been suffering from suicidal thoughts and multiple depression.Eric Greitens in his book Resilience explains his experience as well as the experiences of many other great individuals, philosophers, teachers, novels, stories, etc. how they have all cope with difficult times and how rise above it.If you have never tasted true defeat in your life, you may not understand the true value of this book. This book will lift your heart back up after it has been defeated by life and keep moving forward. The book has definitely shaped my character today and it has become a bible to my everyday living.If life has you defeated and you feel like you can't go much longer, then this book is for you.If you're tired lonely sick sad depressed, then this book is for you.if you want transformation from your old self to a new strong resilient self, then this book is for you.

I expected much more from this book than what I got. I heard Eric on some podcasts, and was interested in hearing more about how he mixes ancient philosophies with his life experiences to help people chart a path towards resiliency. While the book is good, I found his constant references to BUDS and other Navy SEAL training redundant. I understand the book is actually a collection of letters to another former Navy SEAL, but each chapter or concept seemed to use some experience they shared at Coronado as the illustration which didn't resonate with me.I definitely appreciated the myriad references he brought into the book; ancient philosophers, historic figures, contemporary leaders, and various "normal people" that influenced his life.Obviously a very intelligent and talented man, but the book wasn't for me.

I'm going to say this is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. I've read several books on resilience in the past and Eric Greitens' book tops the list. Resilience: Hard Won Wisdom For Living a Better Life is based around a series of letters between him and a SEAL buddy that was going through a rough time in his life with alcoholism, job loss, and PTSD. Greitens calls upon his background in philosophy to provide insights and advice for his struggling friend on how to develop resilience in the face of adversity. Every page has some nugget of wisdom on how you can become more resilient to big adversities or just life’s mundane struggles. Along the way you’re treated to personal war stories from Greitens’ SEAL days as well as excerpts from Thucydides, Aristotle, Aquinas, modern psychology and his own experience as a Navy SEAL and lays out a philosophy of resilience. One of the things I loved about his book is that he woven in all these different authors and thinkers from ancient times and even modern times. It has changed my outlook on life and I highly recommend this to anyone who is going through hardship or striving for excellence in life. This is a book that should be read, and re-read, and re-read again by everyone who could use a little more resilience in their life. In other words, everyone.

My mom read this book and liked it so much she recommended that I buy it for my brother who is going through a tough time. He was visiting, and I bought it for him for his birthday. My brother has ADD and doesn't read much, but he devoured this book. He read sections of it aloud to me. I was impressed with the knowledge of the author who seems capable of synthesizing a lot of the best theory and practices in the world to craft a wise message on resilience. He not only knows the theories, he lives them in a courageous way. This is a great gift for someone going through challenges which all of us do from time to time.

This book is worth of more than 5 stars. To those ready to receive the information (have been kicked down in life) or those open to information, this is the book to read and savor-every-word.You see, for most of us, life's instruction manual is a mash up of what our parents, friends, TV, marketing, and what ever other influences come into play. We model, not after our idols, but what we perceive them to be. We only see (this side) of the stage and fail to see what's behind the curtain. It takes a toll. This has been exacerbated by social media where everyone is perfect, beautiful, and interesting... EXCEPT FOR YOU!So, it appears as if one of the secrets to figuring out life is finding the right landmarks from which to navigate. This book, is definitely one of those landmarks. I normally try to read 1-3 books per week. I highlight important passages. After chapter one, I put down the highlighter as everything is relevant. I quit speed reading and started reading every sentence - twice! Maybe not for everyone, but for me this book is a missing piece.The author has insight and wisdom well beyond his years. There is more relevant and applicable content in this book than in 25 self-help books you would grab off the shelf. If you seek insight and wisdom, buy this book. If I had it at a much younger age, I'd be MUCH farther along in life.

Perfect

Probably the most worthwhile book I've read in a while. Definite food for thought.

An excellent look at the human condition from multiple intelligent perspectives. Honest and thoughtful. What more can you ask for?

Great book That emphasis that life is hard but we can find nobility and strength by persevering.

This is a great book for life, thank you Sir