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Resilience by Eric Greitens
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About the author
Eric Greitens
8 books161 followersEric Greitens was an Angier B. Duke Scholar, Truman Scholar, Rhodes Scholar, Navy SEAL, White House Fellow, champion boxer and sub-3 hour marathon runner. He is currently the founder/Chairman of the Center for Citizen Leadership in St. Louis, MO.
Eric's book of award-winning photographs and essays, Strength and Compassion , grew from his humanitarian work. His doctoral thesis, Children First, investigated the ways in which international humanitarian organizations can best serve war-affected children. He has worked as a humanitarian volunteer, documentary photographer, and researcher in Rwanda, Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, the Gaza Strip, Croatia, and Bolivia."
Eric's book of award-winning photographs and essays, Strength and Compassion , grew from his humanitarian work. His doctoral thesis, Children First, investigated the ways in which international humanitarian organizations can best serve war-affected children. He has worked as a humanitarian volunteer, documentary photographer, and researcher in Rwanda, Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, the Gaza Strip, Croatia, and Bolivia."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 17, 2024
I initially didn't like this book because it felt too much like a self help book, rather than an analytical look at the idea of resilience. However, I did like some of Greiten's thoughts about philosophy, and the history behind some of the philosophers and thinkers, and the context behind their philosophies. Some of those details were really enlightening. I especially liked the section with quotes by Hemmingway, and the story of Philoctetes.
However, One of the things I really don't like in self help books, that is equally true in this one, is that they usually say things like "I did this to be successful. If you do the same thing I did, you'll also be successful". But the advice they give ignores the nuances of individual experiences and circumstances. I would rather read a book about principles of success, and what makes those principles important on a psychological level, so that I can decide if and how to apply them. Greitens seems to oversimplify some of the complex issues he discusses, and assumes that his personal approach will work for everyone. This distinction is apparent in several parts of Resilience like chapter 14 "mastering pain" where he gives the example of being depressed and not being able to get out of bed. And how you can say to yourself, "can I wiggle my toes? Can I open my eyes? Can I put one foot off the bed? Look, now you're out of bed". This is a great example of what is wrong with self help books because like I said, it completely ignores the nuances of individual experience and assumes all of his experiences are universally applicable to mine. Like, nothing is more disingenuous than someone who doesn't suffer from clinical depression giving advice to someone who does have clinical depression, and telling them all they need to do to get out of bed is to do steps A, B and C like I did.
Further, the book feels like it was more about Greitens showcasing his own wisdom than helping his friend. The premise of a series of letters to a struggling friend suggests a deeply personal and empathetic connection, but the book often reads more like a lecture than an intimate conversation. It can be hard to ignore the feeling that Greitens is using his friend's hardship as a platform to share his thoughts on resilience, which undermines the book's emotional authenticity. The book felt more like an attempt to promote Greitens' own intellectual prowess, and comes off as disingenuous.
That said, it's worth acknowledging that Greitens is coming from a unique place—his experiences as a Navy SEAL, his academic background, and his public career all influence how he approaches these topics. It might be that the way he combines personal, military, and intellectual lenses isn't the most effective for a personal, intimate narrative. The attempt to weave in so many perspectives could end up feeling like he's speaking more to an audience than to his friend, which detracts from the personal connection you’d expect from letters.
The book’s later chapters seem scattered and hard to follow. Greitens' approach is a bit all over the place, especially as the book progresses. It starts off with a focus on resilience, but it feels like he veers off into tangents, exploring philosophy, pain, habits, and other topics without always clearly tying them back to the central theme. The way these ideas are presented doesn’t always feel cohesive, which can be frustrating for readers looking for a more focused exploration of resilience.
One possibility is that Greitens intended the book to be a patchwork of wisdom—a kind of philosophical collage where different thoughts and ideas come together to offer a broader understanding of resilience. However, the lack of clear transitions and deeper connections can make it seem disjointed, as though he's throwing in every philosophical idea that seems related, but without fully developing them in relation to the main theme.
If Greitens had leaned more into one of two directions —either a purely analytical exploration of resilience or a more intimate, personal dialogue—Resilience could have been more compelling. The fact that the book tries to do both but doesn’t fully succeed at either makes it feel disjointed.
Had the book gone deeper into analysis, Greitens could have built a more structured, thought-provoking exploration of resilience that doesn't rely on personal letters. On the other hand, if he had committed more to the personal aspect—letting the letters be less polished and more like real conversations between him and his friend—it could have felt more raw and relatable. Instead, it seems like Greitens is trying to balance both, and the result is a tone that feels somewhere between distant and contrived.
The book might have worked better with a clearer focus. Resilience definitely has interesting moments, especially when it delves into the philosophical aspects of overcoming adversity, but the delivery seems to undermine the core message. Had Greitens stuck more firmly to one direction, whether as a philosophical treatise or a more personal exploration, the book might have resonated more deeply.
However, One of the things I really don't like in self help books, that is equally true in this one, is that they usually say things like "I did this to be successful. If you do the same thing I did, you'll also be successful". But the advice they give ignores the nuances of individual experiences and circumstances. I would rather read a book about principles of success, and what makes those principles important on a psychological level, so that I can decide if and how to apply them. Greitens seems to oversimplify some of the complex issues he discusses, and assumes that his personal approach will work for everyone. This distinction is apparent in several parts of Resilience like chapter 14 "mastering pain" where he gives the example of being depressed and not being able to get out of bed. And how you can say to yourself, "can I wiggle my toes? Can I open my eyes? Can I put one foot off the bed? Look, now you're out of bed". This is a great example of what is wrong with self help books because like I said, it completely ignores the nuances of individual experience and assumes all of his experiences are universally applicable to mine. Like, nothing is more disingenuous than someone who doesn't suffer from clinical depression giving advice to someone who does have clinical depression, and telling them all they need to do to get out of bed is to do steps A, B and C like I did.
Further, the book feels like it was more about Greitens showcasing his own wisdom than helping his friend. The premise of a series of letters to a struggling friend suggests a deeply personal and empathetic connection, but the book often reads more like a lecture than an intimate conversation. It can be hard to ignore the feeling that Greitens is using his friend's hardship as a platform to share his thoughts on resilience, which undermines the book's emotional authenticity. The book felt more like an attempt to promote Greitens' own intellectual prowess, and comes off as disingenuous.
That said, it's worth acknowledging that Greitens is coming from a unique place—his experiences as a Navy SEAL, his academic background, and his public career all influence how he approaches these topics. It might be that the way he combines personal, military, and intellectual lenses isn't the most effective for a personal, intimate narrative. The attempt to weave in so many perspectives could end up feeling like he's speaking more to an audience than to his friend, which detracts from the personal connection you’d expect from letters.
The book’s later chapters seem scattered and hard to follow. Greitens' approach is a bit all over the place, especially as the book progresses. It starts off with a focus on resilience, but it feels like he veers off into tangents, exploring philosophy, pain, habits, and other topics without always clearly tying them back to the central theme. The way these ideas are presented doesn’t always feel cohesive, which can be frustrating for readers looking for a more focused exploration of resilience.
One possibility is that Greitens intended the book to be a patchwork of wisdom—a kind of philosophical collage where different thoughts and ideas come together to offer a broader understanding of resilience. However, the lack of clear transitions and deeper connections can make it seem disjointed, as though he's throwing in every philosophical idea that seems related, but without fully developing them in relation to the main theme.
If Greitens had leaned more into one of two directions —either a purely analytical exploration of resilience or a more intimate, personal dialogue—Resilience could have been more compelling. The fact that the book tries to do both but doesn’t fully succeed at either makes it feel disjointed.
Had the book gone deeper into analysis, Greitens could have built a more structured, thought-provoking exploration of resilience that doesn't rely on personal letters. On the other hand, if he had committed more to the personal aspect—letting the letters be less polished and more like real conversations between him and his friend—it could have felt more raw and relatable. Instead, it seems like Greitens is trying to balance both, and the result is a tone that feels somewhere between distant and contrived.
The book might have worked better with a clearer focus. Resilience definitely has interesting moments, especially when it delves into the philosophical aspects of overcoming adversity, but the delivery seems to undermine the core message. Had Greitens stuck more firmly to one direction, whether as a philosophical treatise or a more personal exploration, the book might have resonated more deeply.
February 4, 2024
The format of book is very interesting. Author Greitens is a former Navy SEAL, who now runs a humanitarian nonprofit. Greitens has a colleague who confronts some hard times. The book is organized around 23 different letters from Greitens to his SEAL buddy, that mix both memoir and well thought-out advice about overcoming hardships, adversity and crippling challenges. There is some really excellent advice in this book about resilience, but at 280 dense pages (not including the index), the book does get a bit mired in the weeds. Greitens also attended Oxford, and some of the infinite number of quotes from favorite philosophers, warriors, and warrior-poets slows things down in the reading. (3.8-4.2 stars/5.0 stars).
January 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, and found many of the ideas about growth and excellence to be inspiring and invigorating. The author’s writing style was unique, but worked for the content. I found the book slow to read, but that was largely because the content was often heavy and needed to be digested. Big themes that stuck out to me were the place of suffering/difficulty in living the good life and the importance of taking ownership of one’s own response in difficult times. While none of the ideas were necessarily groundbreaking (which the author acknowledges), the sources that Greitens brought into conversation (namely various Greek philosophers) were often new to me. The only critiques I have are the somewhat clunky writing style at times and perhaps an overconfidence from the author in the power to enact self-driven change (but that is largely a deeper epistemological disjunction between myself and the author). All in all, a great read!
January 29, 2025
Review of Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life by Eric Greitens
“We are not born with resilience. We build it. We create it. And we can rebuild it again and again.”
Eric Greitens’ Resilience is not just a book—it is a battle-tested manifesto on mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to endure hardship. Written in the form of letters to a fellow Navy SEAL struggling with life after service, Resilience merges philosophy, military experience, and practical wisdom to offer a guide for overcoming adversity and forging inner strength.
Greitens draws upon lessons from Stoic philosophy, classical literature, and warrior traditions, alongside his own experiences in combat and humanitarian work. The book emphasizes that resilience is not an inherent trait but a skill—one that must be developed through hardship, self-discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Unlike typical self-help books, Resilience does not rely on empty motivation. Instead, it presents actionable principles grounded in reality, making it an invaluable resource for leaders, warriors, and anyone striving for mental fortitude. Greitens challenges the reader to embrace struggle rather than avoid it, viewing obstacles as opportunities to refine strength and character.
Key Takeaways:
• Resilience is built through action—mental toughness is forged, not inherited.
• Adversity is necessary—hardships are not roadblocks but stepping stones to mastery.
• Discipline is the foundation of strength—self-control and structured habits create resilience.
• Philosophy is practical—the wisdom of thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius remains relevant today.
• Service and purpose drive resilience—focusing on a greater mission provides the will to endure.
Final Verdict:
Resilience is an essential guide for those who refuse to be broken by hardship. Greitens delivers a powerful call to arms, urging readers to embrace grit, discipline, and purpose in their pursuit of personal and professional mastery. This book is not about surviving difficulty—it is about dominating it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A profound, battle-tested guide to mental toughness and the warrior’s mindset.
“We are not born with resilience. We build it. We create it. And we can rebuild it again and again.”
Eric Greitens’ Resilience is not just a book—it is a battle-tested manifesto on mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to endure hardship. Written in the form of letters to a fellow Navy SEAL struggling with life after service, Resilience merges philosophy, military experience, and practical wisdom to offer a guide for overcoming adversity and forging inner strength.
Greitens draws upon lessons from Stoic philosophy, classical literature, and warrior traditions, alongside his own experiences in combat and humanitarian work. The book emphasizes that resilience is not an inherent trait but a skill—one that must be developed through hardship, self-discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Unlike typical self-help books, Resilience does not rely on empty motivation. Instead, it presents actionable principles grounded in reality, making it an invaluable resource for leaders, warriors, and anyone striving for mental fortitude. Greitens challenges the reader to embrace struggle rather than avoid it, viewing obstacles as opportunities to refine strength and character.
Key Takeaways:
• Resilience is built through action—mental toughness is forged, not inherited.
• Adversity is necessary—hardships are not roadblocks but stepping stones to mastery.
• Discipline is the foundation of strength—self-control and structured habits create resilience.
• Philosophy is practical—the wisdom of thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius remains relevant today.
• Service and purpose drive resilience—focusing on a greater mission provides the will to endure.
Final Verdict:
Resilience is an essential guide for those who refuse to be broken by hardship. Greitens delivers a powerful call to arms, urging readers to embrace grit, discipline, and purpose in their pursuit of personal and professional mastery. This book is not about surviving difficulty—it is about dominating it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A profound, battle-tested guide to mental toughness and the warrior’s mindset.
July 30, 2024
Resilience is a book for thoughtful and introspective readers contemplating changes, transitions, or making life assessments. The format of the book is a conversation with someone going through crisis, but it aims at a much broader audience than that. Happy and successful people will also appreciate this book as a guide to how to consider what's most important and what should guide them going forward.
The author is a deep thinker and applies the teachings of philosophers like Seneca and Aristotle, as well as people like Marcus Aurelius. But it's not pedantic. The narrative is down to earth and conversational, easy to read.
I enjoyed the book and find myself thinking about many of the ideas. I would not say it's entertaining, but rather a book to pick up when you have time to contemplate life's big questions.
The author is a deep thinker and applies the teachings of philosophers like Seneca and Aristotle, as well as people like Marcus Aurelius. But it's not pedantic. The narrative is down to earth and conversational, easy to read.
I enjoyed the book and find myself thinking about many of the ideas. I would not say it's entertaining, but rather a book to pick up when you have time to contemplate life's big questions.
June 22, 2025
Enjoyed the integration of so much philosophy
“Don’t expect a time in your life when you’ll be free from change, free from struggle, free from worry. To be resilient, you must understand that your objective is not to come to rest, because there is no rest. Your objective is to use what hits you to change your trajectory in a positive direction.”
“What happens to us becomes part of us. Resilient people do not bounce back from hard experiences; they find healthy ways to integrate them into their lives. In time, people find that great calamity met with great spirit can create great strength.”
“Don’t expect a time in your life when you’ll be free from change, free from struggle, free from worry. To be resilient, you must understand that your objective is not to come to rest, because there is no rest. Your objective is to use what hits you to change your trajectory in a positive direction.”
“What happens to us becomes part of us. Resilient people do not bounce back from hard experiences; they find healthy ways to integrate them into their lives. In time, people find that great calamity met with great spirit can create great strength.”
November 4, 2024
Well written letter format chocked full of wisdom on RESILIENCE. This is a book that will be reread by me throughout the rest of my life as I am sure each time that I will gain more insight to be successful with resilience.
December 28, 2023
I listened to this book as an audiobook. Some good stories on how to keep going and continue to pursue your goals and best life through the hard times.
May 8, 2024
awesome short book
July 9, 2024
Decent book with some decent takeaways. Too bad the author is kind of a tool.
September 19, 2024
3.5 - enjoyed reading something out of my usual categories, and felt that there was a decent amount of conventional wisdom that could be helpful in becoming a more resilient person.
October 21, 2024
Great book and a great approach to stress where we grow our strength and resilience.
Worth reading the full version.
Listened via Blinkist at 2x speed. 13 mins.
Worth reading the full version.
Listened via Blinkist at 2x speed. 13 mins.
November 4, 2024
Demasiado general y básico, complicado sacar algo de valor de este libro en comparación con otros de la misma temática.
November 20, 2024
Amazing book. Makes you think about life in a way I haven’t before now.
January 24, 2025
This is one I will have my children read! There is so much wisdom and good examples from history and literature. This book should be required reading for everyone!
May 23, 2025
Looking for more "meat" for my students, I did find some good stuff to apply to my classroom while also getting some more things to apply to my own life, particularly my artistic side.
Want to read
November 21, 2025recommended by rich cooper
September 12, 2023
The format on this book is a little odd since it is written as actual letters to one of his navy seal brothers after they are our of service but the points conveyed and principles to live by are timeless and he quotes many great other peices of literature to back up his points
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews