BY Ben Fogle Inspire Life Lessons from the Wilderness Hardcover - 15 October 2020

by Ben Fogle

The latest adventure from bestselling author Ben Fogle explores what we can learn from nature about living well and living wild.What can rowing across the Atlantic teach us about boredom and about patience?Can coming down from Everest take more resilience than climbing up in the first place?How can the isolation of the South Pole highlight what’s most important? And how can we tap into the same reflective state in our daily lives?Writing during the unprecedented period of the coronavirus pandemic and drawing on a wealth of personal stories, Ben reflects on the significance of nature to all our lives and shows us how we can benefit from living a little more wild.Drawing on his greatest adventures, he shares what his time spent in the wilderness has taught him about life. Ranging across seas, icecaps, jungles and deserts, Ben’s stories are filled with wonder and struggle, with animals, adventure, wilderness, friendships, unexpected acts of kindness and heroism, and are bursting with inspiration directly from nature. Ben’s epic stories reveal a new side to his adventures and show how everyone can find meaning in the wilderness, even if it’s just outside their front door.Full of exciting adventures and practical guidance, this primer on positivity is a story about overcoming obstacles, surpassing your expectations and inspiring your journey of adventure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Travel, Biography, Nature, Personal Development, Environment

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Ben Fogle is a presenter, writer and adventurer. His achievements include racing 160 miles across the Sahara desert in the notorious Marathon Des Sables.

He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.
He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.

He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written four bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer will be published by Transworld in 2011.

He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.

Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.

http://www.benfogle.com/biography

Reviews

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pause, reflect and what did I just listen to? Ok you would think, ah yes, another one of these inspirational books, just saying the same thing, with the same uplifting phrases, well yes, .... but wait a minute, not so fast ... and that's it ... although I did do a heap of cleaning around the house with this one, I must admit, at times I sat on the green grass outside in the shade, with Chloe, the daisies and the dandelions and also making sure I wasn't sitting among some bird poop.... and listened.
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Yes, I listened to Inspire by Ben Fogle as an audio book. A personal pick of mine.
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Ben Fogle, while in isolation and in locked down, spent his time with pen and pencil up in his childrens tree house, delivering to us an entertaining, awe inspiring view of his life.
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Very nature inspired due to Ben Fogles experience with out door adventures, TV related programmes, for example - "Castaway" when reality TV, was just that, and not scripted, we are tossed and turned into the ocean when rowing across the Atlantic. Snow bound and frost bite warnings in the South Pole. An arrange of stories from the sea, letches in jungles, why you keep your feet dry at all costs "because your feet are your wheels" . Killings of animals on "Castaway" which was totally facinating and very insightful.
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I wrote down and played back a few quotes that will appear from time to time on Facebook and Instagram.
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Not all the book is like this, but well balanced with stories full of adventure, but there were sad bits too, my eyes welled up when Ben mentioned his stillborn baby boy he and his wife had, which he held in his hands, I can't think of anything worse with me being a Mum how that would have been like.
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If you have lost your mojo, or you just want a bit of an uplift this will do it, or like me and you just wanted to know what this man you've seen on TV is like ... well this is your chance.
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Rating this as 5 Stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Recommended Genre - NonFiction/Biography/Lifestyle/Mind, body & spirit/Recreation/Nature/Animals

7 hrs - 15 mins. Released 15 Oct 2020

[Jovi Ene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Fogle este, cel puțin în Marea Britanie, un cunoscut realizator de televiziune, fiind prezent pe Channel 5, ITV, BBC, National Geographic. Dar mai presus de acest lucru, este un aventurier, un explorator, un om care sare dintr-o aventură în alta. A fost, pe rând, „naufragiat” timp de un an pe o insulă pustie scoțiană, a mers prin Amazon și la Polul Sud, a participat la Maratonul Nisipurilor, a traversat Atlanticul într-o barcă cu vâsle, a urcat pe Everest etc. etc. În anul pandemiei, privat de plăcerea de a hoinări prin sălbăticie și a cunoaște noi teritorii, a scris această carte care rezumă aventurile sale, punând accentul pe sfaturile și învățămintele care i-au fost oferite de sălbăticie, de oamenii care trăiasc acolo, fie ca locuitori de generații, fie care persoane care s-au retras din societatea urbană pentru a se reculege în fața naturii. Un volum interesant, care îmbină explorările exotice cu sfaturi despre felul în care putem proteja și respecta natura, dar și cu ceea ce a învățat Ben Fogle din peregrinările sale.
În curând și în traducere românească...

[Clouds · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m probably not the target audience for this one.
Was given it as a gift and had no idea who Ben Fogle was.
He seems like a lovely guy, but I found Inspire something to be endured rather than enjoyed - workmanlike writing, poorly edited, repetitive and rather hammers the assumption that ‘we’re all obsessed with Instagram and fast consumer lifestyle’, which I’m not. At all.
Penultimate chapter on Mountains and risk was the high point (pun intended) but not enough for me to recommend.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of Ben's books I have read and apart from it seeming to have been written in a bit of a rush, I enjoyed it. I was familiar with his some of his expeditions but mainly with his trips to see the wild folk. The book is divided into the aspects of wilderness by rivers, mountains, deserts etc. and Ben tells a tale of his experience there. Understanding what motivates him to do these things was mainly what I got from the stories.
Towards the end of the book he shares some thoughts on life and some sound bites he likes. If they resonate then you can consider them for personal healing strategies, healing rifts in society as well as climate issues for the planet.
It's made me realise that lockdown has stopped my own adventures but given me chance to take stock and focus on my own next chapter/s if I'm lucky enough to have any.

[Anouk Decuypere · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this immediately after "The Accidental Adventurer" and found myself scrolling through what felt like repetition and also more of a manifesto. I'd love to have read way more about the "wild people" that he got to meet over the years..

[Lauren Beveridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ben and his adventures. Some inspiring things to think about while stuck in lockdown and how to keep positive and keep life in perspective. Another good read from Ben. I hope there are many more!

[David Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great bloke. His family are very tolerant too.

[Karen Dennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Very thought provoking and helped me understand myself a little better.

[Sabina_bere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uživam ob njegovih oddajah, zato sem bila vesela prevoda ene izmed njegovih knjig. Njegovo pisanje odseva ljubezen in spoštovanje do divjine in divjosti. Prostodušno priznava svoje napake in strahove, hkrati pa nam polaga na srce, da nas divjina lahko ogromno nauči o nas samih, samo oči (in tudi druge čute) moramo bolje odpreti.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es mīlu Benu. Punkts. Es varu skatīties jebko, ko viņš ir uzfilmējis, un klausīties jebko, ko viņš ir uzrakstījis un ierunājis.

Šo grāmatu viņš ir sarakstījis pandēmijas lokdaunā un tā aptver visus viņa iepriekšējos piedzīvojumus (nebiju zinājusi, ka to ir tik daudz 🙈), viņa īpašās attiecības ar mežonīgo (?) dabu (nu kā lai pārtulko wilderness?), kā arī ieskatu viņa iekšējos pārdzīvojumos. Mani pārsteidza, ka cilvēks, kas, man no malas skatoties, ir sasniedzis tik daudz un tik daudz ko redzējis un piedzīvojis, var būt tomēr tik jūtīgs pret sabiedrības viedokli - par ko viņš arī ļoti daudz runā savā grāmatā. Kāpēc mēs gremdējam labprātāk nekā ceļam? Kāpēc mēs apsmejam vieglāku sirdi nekā apmīļojam? Tas tik ļoti sasaucās ar pēdējā laika cepieniem sociālajos medijos (kas līdz manīm nonāk ļoti mazā apjomā) un pasaulē kopumā, ka liek aizdomāties - kādi mēs no šīs pandēmijas iznāksim? Saprātīgi sabiedrības locekļi vai Mušu valdnieka varoņi?

[Tracey Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to Ben’s book and stories of his adventures makes one realise how boring one’s life can be; risk-less, routine, random. And even though I’m not ready to scale Everest, it has inspired me to do even more outside, and is a good reminder to be more at one with nature, where expectations and social pressures don’t exist, where you can get back to the basics of life and remember what’s truly important. And to be just a little more wild.

[levenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Ben fongle from return to the wild, and like his show very much. The book exceeded my expectation from TV host, and I’m completely drawn to his honest sharing and his connection to the wild. We learn, heal, grow in the nature, and let’s be conscious in our decisions to protect the little piece of wilderness that’s still left in the world.

[Meile Bauzyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are book you skim through and books you read every word of trying to take in as much as possible. This one is deffinitely the latter one.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant :). Some serious food for thought for every one of us.

[Roxana Sabau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genul de carte cu care e bine să-ți începi anul. Fără lecții de viață și predici despre lupta omului cu sălbăticia.
Doar un tip curios, care iubește natura și mișcarea, înțelege că eșecul nu e rușinos ci normal și, mai ales, critică direct politicile vestice vis-a-vis de mediu, în special când vine vorba de fostele colonii.

Pentru mine fericirea nu depinde de un obiect sau o haină, ci mai degrabă de senzația de împlinire pe care o ai când ai escaladat un munte sau ți-au răsărit primele plante în grădină primăvara. Mă simt atât de apăsată și copleșită de viața în mediul urban, încât nu sunt sigură că e cartea bună, sau doar am rezonat eu cu ea fiindcă am un bias în direcția asta.

[Mat Greener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this through recommendation. All I knew about him was a posh bloke on zoo program, presents a few things, turned up randomly on taskmaster. Well I was blown away by his life CV of travels & adventures. If he had just done one of things he had it would be impressive. He is now someone I would go to see to hear him talk of his adventures. Each chapter gives a little snippet of a particular adventure. If anything the last chapter going through his conclusion of his travels was the least interesting. Often what happens during a event is better than the end

[Dave B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been so much better. The rich posh kid spoils it with his socialist views. His journeys and expeditions should have made this book so much better than it is. It is just one long ramble interspersed with interesting tales.

[Chris Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, one of the best books I've read in a long time. Very inspiring. I've followed Ben Fogle for a while and enjoy his television programs. This book, though, hit me at just the right time in my life. The "lessons" he has learned through his many adventures are life lessons for all of us. The final chapter, "Re-wilder" was an amazing summation that left me saying, "Yes, yes, yes!" A brilliant book.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting read that made my re-evaluate my growth as a person. I have always loved being outdoors and that has increased as I have got older. I look forward to exploring the world and finding out more about myself in the process. This book is good to have on hand as a peptalk when the chips are down.

[Jason Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophical, honest, real, thought provoking and quite honestly inspiring. Do not miss this book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, a little snippet of lots of adventures and provides some thinking into our current way of living.

[Dale McGarrity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and uplifting. Makes me motivated to get out and enjoy what the wilderness has to offer. I smiled reading this book, as I found it so relatable. Ben pierces the pysche with deep philosophical questions that opened my mind and made me think differently about the nuances of modern day society and how we should all be a little more wild inside.

[Nicola Albinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with lots of stories about his trips and adventures travelling around the world and what he has learnt from them.

[Tomaž Stritar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I recommend. If you want to find some true inspiration in this negative COVID times, this is the book for you. Book reminded me again, that obstacles and limitations are only in our head. Everything is possible if you truly belive. Ben is just ordinary guy who has achieved big goals in his life. I can too. Why not? Book have me a courage to execute my dreams.

[Guy Milligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're all used to affable Ben on the telly. I didn't realise he is a very good writer. For someone with many impressive achievements it was a surprise to learn of his lack of self-confidence. No doubt this spurred him on. I understand his life mission, but he seems torn because of the life he lives. Despite his own dichotomy there is much to like and learn from this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben, this is the first of your books I have read! It won’t be my last! I’m not a big reader but as you can see, I ploughed through this book! (Goodreads: 6-12 January!)
The title ‘inspired’ me to read this book. I was not disappointed. Ben has chapters where he tries to section inspiration but there are overlaps. The overlaps are good; a reinforcement to ‘the reader’ of what Ben is trying to get across. I think you do this very well Ben. A flavour of your adventures, of which I now wish to explore.
Your passion for your drive for accomplishment and love for the wilderness filter though with ease. I found myself on many occasion, nodding in agreement with what you wrote!
For those who have in the passed causes you to berate yourself, go forth! This guy comes across as a gent, an honest friend and fabulous family man. I have learned a lot about him within this book and like him even more as a solid person.
We all have hardship in our lives but walk a mile in any man’s shoes and berate him, if you dare!
The wilderness is our ally and embracing nature should be in curriculum along with mindfulness, meditation and posture! Along with respect, survival and need! Without nature, we are nothing!
To everyone who has gone to live in the wilderness, well done. You are inspirational, you are doing what most of us only dream of. I look forward to more televised adventures!

[Hilary RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was overwhelmed by annoyance and jealousy in the first couple of pages as I read that this book had been written from a treehouse in Oxfordshire during the pandemic after he had the opportunity to reflect and scrutinise his life…. My lockdown experience was different… managing a full time job with homeschooling, there was definitely no reflection opportunities for me; just constant exhaustion. But once I got past that. I loved the book. It was inspiring. Gave me itchy feet for the mountains and made me appreciate the good things I have (living in Cumbria the mountains are 10 mins away and my lockdown wasn’t really so bad).
I think this book is one I will come back to in the future when I need advice and inspiration.
I enjoyed reading about his adventures and I look forward to watching/reading his future ones.

[Camio.Dontchaknow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing surprising or new - just exactly what you'd expect Ben Fogle to say to summarise his experiences and inspire you to look beyond your gadgets, scrolling feeds, and take away dinners in front of nighttime TV. There's a world out there. It's a shame to live a mostly artificial life cut off from it. Especially as interacting with nature, confronting new experiences working together with other people builds your resilience and adaptability. It helps to combat the mental fatigue and stress that our modern way of life nurtures.
If you're unsure if you want to take the time to read it or not, I suggest reading the epilogue. It's a lovely consise summary of the lessons learned in the book and a good taster of the overall vibe and content.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about Ben is the way that he sees the conflicts in issues and recognises the beliefs and viewpoints of both sides. He believes that we all consume too much yet admits that he is tempted by the latest phone. He worries about the planet yet admits that he flys too much. It's this honesty that makes Ben likeable and relatable. And given that he is a 46 year old man I have no idea why people think that his childhood school is of any relevance to the adult man - except that he admits to failing. Most of all, I admire Ben's love of the wilderness, his concern for the planet and his exhortation to be kinder.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I felt like I relate to Ben so much whilst reading this book and just loved hearing his stories. The way he sees the wilderness and not only how it’s helped him personally but everything he’s learned from it. I just felt like I got it and I was right there with understanding exactly where he is coming from. I felt so inspired while reading this book.

Thank you to my partner who encouraged me to read and showed me the value of books because if it were not for her I’d never of found this gem.

Defiantly one of my favourite books and I can’t wait to read his other books!