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The Patton Mind
Surveys the life of the World War II tank commander, and reveals how he developed and used his skills as a tactician and military leader
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 4, 2018
So much take-aways packed in 160p. It has everthing you search for in a biography (his shortfalls, darker periods, personal view), combined with his inspiring example of personal study. Things I will start doing after reading this: read on tactical matters of my branch, search for translations to broader my view and write some relevant analysis in an article/paper. The cultural touch of poems and religion in his life made the book close to perfect. HIGHLY recommend, along with 'the challenge of command' to realise the true nature of a military calling
May 3, 2013
"I have studied the German all my life. I have read the memoirs of his generals and political leaders. I have even read his philosophers and listened to his music. I have studied in detail the accounts of every damned one of his battles. I know exactly how he will react under any given set of circumstances. He hasn't the slightest ideas what I'm doing to do. Therefore, when the day comes, I'm going to whip the hell out of him."
This is one of my favorite passages of the book, because it underscores the importance reading played in the development of the military genious of George Patton. Patton's war-fighting ability was unmatched because he supplemented his experience with being a life-long learner. Highly encourage this book for junior officers who think that reading only plays a minor role in leader development.
This is one of my favorite passages of the book, because it underscores the importance reading played in the development of the military genious of George Patton. Patton's war-fighting ability was unmatched because he supplemented his experience with being a life-long learner. Highly encourage this book for junior officers who think that reading only plays a minor role in leader development.
February 18, 2023
This is an outstanding book, and not just for readers seeking to learn more about General George Patton or military history. Patton's lifelong dedication to self-education is on every page of this book, and the benefits of his extensive reading went far beyond his military career.
The author, Roger H. Nye, was a West Point classmate of Patton's son. He examined the enormous personal library Patton accumulated during his lifetime, although its volumes are located are in many different places. Patton would mark the binding of every book he read, and often wrote notes in the margins. These resources helped Nye's appraisal of Patton's growing intellect and abilities as he follows Patton through his lifetime.
This isn't a Valentine to Patton, though. As with all good historical analysis, the readers get the full story warts and all. While generally supportive of Patton, the book doesn't shy away from criticizing his shortcomings and doesn't hide his more extreme views.
The book contains so many important observations that I'll only comment on two:
First, Patton stressed the professional development of subordinates from his earliest days at West Point. He not only provided his subordinates with professional reading lists, but also discussed these works with them and gave classes on the information they contained. Patton was heavily involved in the development of training curricula for Army officers, and as a student at various Army schools he was frequently added as a guest lecturer or adjunct faculty. Almost as prodigious a writer as he was a reader, Patton authored an impressive number of reports, articles, manuals, and training materials.
Second, Patton refused to be siloed in his job or his perspective. His reading spanned every discipline, and often involved works written in foreign languages. He had an active interest in topics ranging from the internal combustion engine to poetry, and traveled a great deal. In wartime, he insisted on sending reconnaissance flights well beyond the boundaries assigned to him, so that he wouldn't be surprised by developments in someone else's area of responsibility. That broad perspective tipped him off to the growing enemy troop concentration that would become the counteroffensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. Although his command was south of that attack, Patton was familiar with the terrain when asked to break off his own operations and strike north to relieve the encircled city of Bastogne. Patton's staff was already drafting the plan for that attack when Patton received the request for it, which was one of the reasons his command was able to respond so quickly and effectively.
An outstanding book for anyone interested in self-education, reading, management, organizational behavior, and development of subordinates.
The author, Roger H. Nye, was a West Point classmate of Patton's son. He examined the enormous personal library Patton accumulated during his lifetime, although its volumes are located are in many different places. Patton would mark the binding of every book he read, and often wrote notes in the margins. These resources helped Nye's appraisal of Patton's growing intellect and abilities as he follows Patton through his lifetime.
This isn't a Valentine to Patton, though. As with all good historical analysis, the readers get the full story warts and all. While generally supportive of Patton, the book doesn't shy away from criticizing his shortcomings and doesn't hide his more extreme views.
The book contains so many important observations that I'll only comment on two:
First, Patton stressed the professional development of subordinates from his earliest days at West Point. He not only provided his subordinates with professional reading lists, but also discussed these works with them and gave classes on the information they contained. Patton was heavily involved in the development of training curricula for Army officers, and as a student at various Army schools he was frequently added as a guest lecturer or adjunct faculty. Almost as prodigious a writer as he was a reader, Patton authored an impressive number of reports, articles, manuals, and training materials.
Second, Patton refused to be siloed in his job or his perspective. His reading spanned every discipline, and often involved works written in foreign languages. He had an active interest in topics ranging from the internal combustion engine to poetry, and traveled a great deal. In wartime, he insisted on sending reconnaissance flights well beyond the boundaries assigned to him, so that he wouldn't be surprised by developments in someone else's area of responsibility. That broad perspective tipped him off to the growing enemy troop concentration that would become the counteroffensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. Although his command was south of that attack, Patton was familiar with the terrain when asked to break off his own operations and strike north to relieve the encircled city of Bastogne. Patton's staff was already drafting the plan for that attack when Patton received the request for it, which was one of the reasons his command was able to respond so quickly and effectively.
An outstanding book for anyone interested in self-education, reading, management, organizational behavior, and development of subordinates.
November 19, 2019
Nye does a fantastic job describing General Patton's method of self-development. His research into what Patton read and what he wrote is without parallel. Patton said that a soldier must be 'steeped in military lore' and it was through reading that he developed expert knowledge.
It is through his writing and notes within these books that provide a true picture of the man. A complexity of thought emerges. He wrestled with the idea that small professional armies could achieve a quick victory but a long war requires a large army with vast popular support. He thought that mechanized forces should fight from their vehicles while motorized forces use the transport to get to the fight. And some of the items were surprising.
"Even the youngest officers must be required to look after the men” Patton wrote. When his new tankers arrived, he had hot coffee waiting for them. This had a profound affect. A successful commander causes his Soldiers to believe he cares for them – he gave them the best chance to survive and achieve the glory they seek.
A short and simple read, this is a research book and really an introduction for those who want to study George Patton.
It is through his writing and notes within these books that provide a true picture of the man. A complexity of thought emerges. He wrestled with the idea that small professional armies could achieve a quick victory but a long war requires a large army with vast popular support. He thought that mechanized forces should fight from their vehicles while motorized forces use the transport to get to the fight. And some of the items were surprising.
"Even the youngest officers must be required to look after the men” Patton wrote. When his new tankers arrived, he had hot coffee waiting for them. This had a profound affect. A successful commander causes his Soldiers to believe he cares for them – he gave them the best chance to survive and achieve the glory they seek.
A short and simple read, this is a research book and really an introduction for those who want to study George Patton.
April 11, 2018
Awesome book to serve as a quality case study on the value of reading in self-development. I believe Patton serves as the enduring military example of commitment to self-study and reading, and Nye shows the results it had on him. Highly recommend for junior military officers to gain an appreciation for and understanding of reading for self-study.
May 30, 2020
A quick and easy read about Patton and his relationship with books. Dedicated to life long learning he read broadly in order to enhance his understanding of the military profession.
August 18, 2020
The reading list alone is worth the book. Fantastic insight into the mind of George S Patton
December 9, 2015
Very good insight into what made the general the man he was.
July 29, 2016
great book and gives great reflection and accounts of a legend
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews