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Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential
“This book will change your life. And, if enough of us commit, it will change the world.” — Phil Stutz, MD, bestselling author of The Tools, featured in the Netflix documentary Stutz
In Areté, Brian Johnson integrates ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools to, as per the subtitle of the book, help you win the ultimate game of life and fulfill your destiny.
Phil Stutz, MD, the author of The Tools, who was featured in the Netflix documentary called Stutz, wrote the foreword to the book.
He says: “What Brian has developed is much more than a bunch of coping mechanisms for the over-stressed modern person; although that would be an improvement for most of us. He’s developed a training program for the soul.
Commit to this training and you will gain the ability to transmute your biggest problems, your darkest days, into unstoppable courage, endless enthusiasm, and an unshakable faith in the future.
This book will change your life. And, if enough of us commit, it will change the world.
In Areté, Brian Johnson integrates ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools to, as per the subtitle of the book, help you win the ultimate game of life and fulfill your destiny.
Phil Stutz, MD, the author of The Tools, who was featured in the Netflix documentary called Stutz, wrote the foreword to the book.
He says: “What Brian has developed is much more than a bunch of coping mechanisms for the over-stressed modern person; although that would be an improvement for most of us. He’s developed a training program for the soul.
Commit to this training and you will gain the ability to transmute your biggest problems, your darkest days, into unstoppable courage, endless enthusiasm, and an unshakable faith in the future.
This book will change your life. And, if enough of us commit, it will change the world.
1023 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
1225 people are currently reading
14925 people want to read
About the author
Brian Johnson
1 book1,046 followersBrian Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation. He’s 50% Philosopher + 50% CEO and 101% committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. As a Founder/CEO he’s raised $25M+, made crowdfunding history, and built and sold two social platforms. As a Philosopher/teacher, he’s helped millions of people from around the world, trained 10,000+ Heroic Coaches from 100+ countries and created a protocol that science says changes lives. He lives in the country outside Austin, Texas, with his wife, Alexandra, and their two kids, Emerson and Eleanor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
Want to read
November 26, 2023Brian Johnson is my favorite teacher philosopher that is living that I've read/listened to. I've been following his newsletter and +1s since I met him in a cafe in Santa Monica in ~2007. I've consumed countless of his Notes (book summaries) and 101's on my journey, and have found his recapitulation of the masters, and just his *energy* around the topics to be infectious and immensely helpful. Brian is food for the spirit, and I can't wait to read this.
September 27, 2023
I got an advanced reader copy of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. This is the essential handbook on how to live a good life and the catalyst for changing the world.
September 28, 2023
Brian Johnson is THE embodiment of Heroic Love. His love for others is changing the world!
January 13, 2024
Of the thousands of books I have read, this has by far the most irritating writing style. The material covered here is oceans wide and mere atoms deep, delivered in the tone of a late night infomercial. It’s the greeting card versions of hundreds of self-help books, one after another, without any new insight. At its core, it’s an advertisement for the author’s app.
If you want the CliffNotes versions of self-help books, you’ll be much better off using Four Minute Books, Blinkist, or the like. The writing there is better and the summaries are more thorough and actionable.
If you want the CliffNotes versions of self-help books, you’ll be much better off using Four Minute Books, Blinkist, or the like. The writing there is better and the summaries are more thorough and actionable.
September 26, 2023
I have been involved in the Heroic movement for many years now and the material that you will find in this book will change your life! I am living my life on such a higher level with the tools I have learnt and I continue to see improvements in all areas of my life. I have lost weight, I sleep better, I have a great relationship with my kids, I eat well consistently and have made so many more changes. I embrace life with my hands raised saying BRING IT ON! Don't pass up your chance to improve your life!
September 28, 2023
¨Areté¨ is a captivating exploration that masterfully merges the wisdom of ancient philosophy with the insights of modern science and positive psychology. Having had the privilege of delving into an advanced reader copy, I can confidently say that this upcoming release is a gem for anyone seeking profound personal growth. What makes "Areté" truly special is its practicality. It's not just a philosophical discourse; it's a guide to self-improvement. Throughout the book, readers will find practical exercises and reflective prompts that encourage the application of ancient virtues such as courage, wisdom, and resilience in daily life.
December 12, 2023
Who is this book for? Everyone who believes, or even just dreams they've been put here to make a difference.
Who is this book not for? Anyone who wants to live life in the status quo, satisfied with mediocrity
Who might this book be for? YOU!
Brian Johnson has been my mentor for a number of years and I've been using the Heroic app (on Android and iOS) since January. The combination of ancient philosophy and modern science, divided into 3 main categories Energy, Work and Love under which I can claim the virtues I live my life by, and monitor the daily practices that keep me focused on what's most important to me is the simplest most direct methodology for practicing a values based life that I've found.
I've been waiting with baited breath for this book! Extremely grateful to receive a reader's copy and I expect to initially consume the audiobook quickly because this is not new information to me - and then, when my paper copy comes in November, I will digest it slowly and savor every thought and word.
REVIEW TO COME WHEN I COMPLETE READING - awaiting reader's copy
Who is this book not for? Anyone who wants to live life in the status quo, satisfied with mediocrity
Who might this book be for? YOU!
Brian Johnson has been my mentor for a number of years and I've been using the Heroic app (on Android and iOS) since January. The combination of ancient philosophy and modern science, divided into 3 main categories Energy, Work and Love under which I can claim the virtues I live my life by, and monitor the daily practices that keep me focused on what's most important to me is the simplest most direct methodology for practicing a values based life that I've found.
I've been waiting with baited breath for this book! Extremely grateful to receive a reader's copy and I expect to initially consume the audiobook quickly because this is not new information to me - and then, when my paper copy comes in November, I will digest it slowly and savor every thought and word.
REVIEW TO COME WHEN I COMPLETE READING - awaiting reader's copy
November 14, 2023
I am very grateful to have received an advanced copy of this book. I have been following Brian for years now and this book puts it all together and at the same time is just the tip of the iceberg. There's more to come I'm sure of it. I have enjoyed this perspective changing book so much I have pre-ordered copies for friends and family. It's a lot to digest but worth the time and effort. Thanks again for the advanced copy.
December 10, 2023
First 9 pages contain praise for the book. Did not read.
Microchapters, each as long as two or three pages, may be inviting to some readers. Nonetheless, each chapter resembles a quick-bite social media post or an ultrashort YT video. It's just like Ryan Holiday’s work — a short quote + a generic statement about what the quote means.
According to the author:
‘As I stepped back and felt into what the book needed to be to have a shot at delivering on those expectations, I realized that I wanted to create a book that is basically The War of Art + War and Peace. Pithy microchapters + dense brick of a book.’
This book is neither 'The war of art' nor 'War and peace.' The microchapters are full of empty words and phrases that resemble Stoic posts on Instagram: ‘You need to take control of what you can take control of. What you cannot take control of, do not take control of. It’s beyond the sphere of your control’. That is superfluous, trivial, and redundant.
The author oscillates between the first-person singular narration (‘Hi, this is Brian’ or ’Before we continue, I’d like to ask you a quick question…’) and first-person plural narration (‘We’re going to help you become a master at creating Masterpiece Days. We’ll start with your AM and PM Bookends and we’ll teach…’). A good editor would have corrected that.
Overall, I am led to believe that an editor has not seen this book.
- There are dozens of exclamation points which do not add any value (within chapter names as well as the actual text). Sometimes three exclamation points are used.
- There are several words written in all-caps. WHY?
- Some words are written in bold (‘FEAR and LAZINESS.’), some are italicised, and I do not see how such formatting leads the reader anywhere.
- The use of ellipsis (…) is unnecessary, distracting, and adds no value to the book.
- There is no extra educational value in such formatting choices. An asterisk was also used ('They’ll give us the *exact* same single-word ANSWER.').
The dialogues of Socrates’ are exceptional. The idea of writing a book as a discourse allows the readers to immerse themselves in the conversation that could have occurred. It’s as if they’re there. Here, on the other hand, the conversation between the author and his children does not add any value to the book (see chapter ‘Explain it like I’m 10’). Infantile and unrewarding.
In terms of creative writing, I do not appreciate sentences like:
'I smile and look at him.
He smiles back.'
Or:
'I look at Emerson.
“Right?”
He looks back and says…
“YES!”'
This is too melodramatic and soapy.
I am unsure what was the purpose of several embedded hyphens and parenthesis and exclamation points, e.g., here:
‘as we turn you into a habit-installing (and -deleting!) ninja’
The use of onomatopoeia and hashtags:
‘Haha. #soulmates’
‘(No pressure no diamonds, right? Hah.)’
is something that should have been pointed out and deleted by the editor (or the alpha/beta readers).
Within the following chapter (‘451° - Activation energy’), a lesson in chemistry is given:
‘Water only boils once it reaches its activation energy point of 212° Fahrenheit. 100° certainly won’t do it. 200° won’t do it. Not even 210° or 211° will do it.’
I am unsure if such convoluted sentences are of any educational value for anyone.
The story continues:
‘400°? Nothing. 449°? Nothing. 450°? Nope. Nothing. 451°?
BAM! Let there be fire.’
I feel both informed and illuminated after reading such in-depth analyses.
Twenty pages later, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius loom in the horizon:
‘He was a former slave who taught (and practiced!) Stoic philosophy in ancient Rome. He trained the guys who trained the emperor-philosopher Marcus Aurelius. He’s also the primary influence for the guys who created the modern cognitive behavioral therapy movement.’
I am unsure if the use of ‘guys’ is inclusive. What about women? None of this has to do with philosophy.
‘emperor-philosopher’ - I am unsure if Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher, he only wrote one book that he never intended to publish, and never called himself Stoic.
Case in point: ‘It’s time to stand up, put the smartphones down and high five our inner souls as we activate our Heroic potential’.
First, high-fiving someone has little to do with the study of philosophy or self-improvement. I do not recall a single time in my life when I high-fived someone. Also, ‘heroic’ is an adjective and should start with a lower case (‘heroic’, not ‘Heroic’).
This chapter has taught me nothing about Epictetus nor Marcus Aurelius.
The author later explains the Greek etymology of ‘enchiridion’ and two sentences later tells us something about Navy SEAL’s explosive[s]’ and ‘WARRIORS of the mind’. The educational value of such sentences and paragraphs eludes me. The readers would benefit from more Epictetus, Seneca, M. Aurelius, instead we learn about SEALs, WARRIORs, EXPLOSIVEs.
The following chapter mentions a Heroic app:
‘In the Heroic app, we have classes on everything from Purpose 101, Productivity 101, and Confidence 101 to Nutrition 101, Sleep 101, and Love 101.’
The author fails to mention what ‘101’ stands for. I happen to know that it denotes an introductory course in the US. But the US only one of 197 countries/territories in the world, and it would be beneficial to use fewer US-centric phrases. (Another example: ‘A random assortment of fastballs and curveballs that keeps the batter constantly guessing’.) What are fastballs and curveballs, pray tell?
Additionally, since the introduction has claimed that the book content is grand, universal, almost flawless, I would have expected more than just ‘101’. I would have expected more 'in-depth'.
Amirite, mate?
In one of the chapters, ‘P.S.’ and ‘P.P.S.’ are found in the middle of a chapter. A postscript should be placed at the end of a letter (or chapter), not in the middle. Also: an editor should have removed both. Either something belongs in the book (in which case: incorporate it to the narrative), or it doesn't. If it doesn't, do not just use postscript as means to digress/add unnecessary comments or thoughts that do not lead us to a goal.
Let’s move on:
‘In addition to creating a SUPER-readable, open-the-book-up-to-any-page-and-potentially-change-your-life-in-a-few-minutes kinda book’
- ‘kinda’ is not a word (unless we’re communicating using slang terms now);
- ‘open-the-book-up-to-any-page-and-potentially-change-your-life-in-a-few-minutes’ is impossible to read and comprehend (although it is proper English, I must admit).
If you’re looking for an illuminating journey, get a copy of Eat, Pray, Love (or see the movie). If not, the author will give you the following advice (I quote):
‘That’s what we’ll do with our third Objective as we optimize
what we call your Big 3: Energy, Work, and Love.’
Sounds like a sequel: Eat, Pray, Love - Energy, Work, Love.
Neat.
Overall: this book is too conversational. It’s as if it was a transcript of a conversation that somehow, some day, after extensive editing, could become a Ted talk. But it is not.
I do not blame the author, who appears to be nice and friendly (I saw some of his videos on YouTube). It’s the editor’s fault. The author should, however, have more trust in the readers’ intelligence.
Microchapters, each as long as two or three pages, may be inviting to some readers. Nonetheless, each chapter resembles a quick-bite social media post or an ultrashort YT video. It's just like Ryan Holiday’s work — a short quote + a generic statement about what the quote means.
According to the author:
‘As I stepped back and felt into what the book needed to be to have a shot at delivering on those expectations, I realized that I wanted to create a book that is basically The War of Art + War and Peace. Pithy microchapters + dense brick of a book.’
This book is neither 'The war of art' nor 'War and peace.' The microchapters are full of empty words and phrases that resemble Stoic posts on Instagram: ‘You need to take control of what you can take control of. What you cannot take control of, do not take control of. It’s beyond the sphere of your control’. That is superfluous, trivial, and redundant.
The author oscillates between the first-person singular narration (‘Hi, this is Brian’ or ’Before we continue, I’d like to ask you a quick question…’) and first-person plural narration (‘We’re going to help you become a master at creating Masterpiece Days. We’ll start with your AM and PM Bookends and we’ll teach…’). A good editor would have corrected that.
Overall, I am led to believe that an editor has not seen this book.
- There are dozens of exclamation points which do not add any value (within chapter names as well as the actual text). Sometimes three exclamation points are used.
- There are several words written in all-caps. WHY?
- Some words are written in bold (‘FEAR and LAZINESS.’), some are italicised, and I do not see how such formatting leads the reader anywhere.
- The use of ellipsis (…) is unnecessary, distracting, and adds no value to the book.
- There is no extra educational value in such formatting choices. An asterisk was also used ('They’ll give us the *exact* same single-word ANSWER.').
The dialogues of Socrates’ are exceptional. The idea of writing a book as a discourse allows the readers to immerse themselves in the conversation that could have occurred. It’s as if they’re there. Here, on the other hand, the conversation between the author and his children does not add any value to the book (see chapter ‘Explain it like I’m 10’). Infantile and unrewarding.
In terms of creative writing, I do not appreciate sentences like:
'I smile and look at him.
He smiles back.'
Or:
'I look at Emerson.
“Right?”
He looks back and says…
“YES!”'
This is too melodramatic and soapy.
I am unsure what was the purpose of several embedded hyphens and parenthesis and exclamation points, e.g., here:
‘as we turn you into a habit-installing (and -deleting!) ninja’
The use of onomatopoeia and hashtags:
‘Haha. #soulmates’
‘(No pressure no diamonds, right? Hah.)’
is something that should have been pointed out and deleted by the editor (or the alpha/beta readers).
Within the following chapter (‘451° - Activation energy’), a lesson in chemistry is given:
‘Water only boils once it reaches its activation energy point of 212° Fahrenheit. 100° certainly won’t do it. 200° won’t do it. Not even 210° or 211° will do it.’
I am unsure if such convoluted sentences are of any educational value for anyone.
The story continues:
‘400°? Nothing. 449°? Nothing. 450°? Nope. Nothing. 451°?
BAM! Let there be fire.’
I feel both informed and illuminated after reading such in-depth analyses.
Twenty pages later, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius loom in the horizon:
‘He was a former slave who taught (and practiced!) Stoic philosophy in ancient Rome. He trained the guys who trained the emperor-philosopher Marcus Aurelius. He’s also the primary influence for the guys who created the modern cognitive behavioral therapy movement.’
I am unsure if the use of ‘guys’ is inclusive. What about women? None of this has to do with philosophy.
‘emperor-philosopher’ - I am unsure if Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher, he only wrote one book that he never intended to publish, and never called himself Stoic.
Case in point: ‘It’s time to stand up, put the smartphones down and high five our inner souls as we activate our Heroic potential’.
First, high-fiving someone has little to do with the study of philosophy or self-improvement. I do not recall a single time in my life when I high-fived someone. Also, ‘heroic’ is an adjective and should start with a lower case (‘heroic’, not ‘Heroic’).
This chapter has taught me nothing about Epictetus nor Marcus Aurelius.
The author later explains the Greek etymology of ‘enchiridion’ and two sentences later tells us something about Navy SEAL’s explosive[s]’ and ‘WARRIORS of the mind’. The educational value of such sentences and paragraphs eludes me. The readers would benefit from more Epictetus, Seneca, M. Aurelius, instead we learn about SEALs, WARRIORs, EXPLOSIVEs.
The following chapter mentions a Heroic app:
‘In the Heroic app, we have classes on everything from Purpose 101, Productivity 101, and Confidence 101 to Nutrition 101, Sleep 101, and Love 101.’
The author fails to mention what ‘101’ stands for. I happen to know that it denotes an introductory course in the US. But the US only one of 197 countries/territories in the world, and it would be beneficial to use fewer US-centric phrases. (Another example: ‘A random assortment of fastballs and curveballs that keeps the batter constantly guessing’.) What are fastballs and curveballs, pray tell?
Additionally, since the introduction has claimed that the book content is grand, universal, almost flawless, I would have expected more than just ‘101’. I would have expected more 'in-depth'.
Amirite, mate?
In one of the chapters, ‘P.S.’ and ‘P.P.S.’ are found in the middle of a chapter. A postscript should be placed at the end of a letter (or chapter), not in the middle. Also: an editor should have removed both. Either something belongs in the book (in which case: incorporate it to the narrative), or it doesn't. If it doesn't, do not just use postscript as means to digress/add unnecessary comments or thoughts that do not lead us to a goal.
Let’s move on:
‘In addition to creating a SUPER-readable, open-the-book-up-to-any-page-and-potentially-change-your-life-in-a-few-minutes kinda book’
- ‘kinda’ is not a word (unless we’re communicating using slang terms now);
- ‘open-the-book-up-to-any-page-and-potentially-change-your-life-in-a-few-minutes’ is impossible to read and comprehend (although it is proper English, I must admit).
If you’re looking for an illuminating journey, get a copy of Eat, Pray, Love (or see the movie). If not, the author will give you the following advice (I quote):
‘That’s what we’ll do with our third Objective as we optimize
what we call your Big 3: Energy, Work, and Love.’
Sounds like a sequel: Eat, Pray, Love - Energy, Work, Love.
Neat.
Overall: this book is too conversational. It’s as if it was a transcript of a conversation that somehow, some day, after extensive editing, could become a Ted talk. But it is not.
I do not blame the author, who appears to be nice and friendly (I saw some of his videos on YouTube). It’s the editor’s fault. The author should, however, have more trust in the readers’ intelligence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2023
This book is truly a Bible to and for life - a good life! It will lead you, support you and guide you - with real life examples and experiences, as well as clear, concise and brilliant tools and processes toward becoming, creating and being - embodying your best self - your best YOU.
Arete - Heroic, that IS Brian!! Having been fortunate enough to have followed him and partaken in his various offerings for many years, including Heroic Coach and Mastery, benefiting from his love of wisdom and learning, I can honestly say Brian has and continues to, amaze me - with the skill, dedication, brilliance, heart and soul, he exudes in sharing all that he knows, that he has lived , learned and absorbed. Brian does not just talk the talk - he walks the walk! And in this book he shares how you and we can too!
Brian not only lives, breathes and embodies the virtues, philosophies and wisdom he has learned but, in this book, he distills out how we too can achieve and live our own idiosyncratic heroic amazing life. He has and is somehow able to take all the wisdom from a life well lived, and from an array of brilliant books, individuals, scholars past and present, stoic and beyond, and bring it all together in a way that not only makes you want to be your BEST self but in a way that clearly guides you as to how to get there - and to live there with Arete! I do believe, there is no doubt, this book can and will change your life ....for the better.
Advance Reader copy review
Arete - Heroic, that IS Brian!! Having been fortunate enough to have followed him and partaken in his various offerings for many years, including Heroic Coach and Mastery, benefiting from his love of wisdom and learning, I can honestly say Brian has and continues to, amaze me - with the skill, dedication, brilliance, heart and soul, he exudes in sharing all that he knows, that he has lived , learned and absorbed. Brian does not just talk the talk - he walks the walk! And in this book he shares how you and we can too!
Brian not only lives, breathes and embodies the virtues, philosophies and wisdom he has learned but, in this book, he distills out how we too can achieve and live our own idiosyncratic heroic amazing life. He has and is somehow able to take all the wisdom from a life well lived, and from an array of brilliant books, individuals, scholars past and present, stoic and beyond, and bring it all together in a way that not only makes you want to be your BEST self but in a way that clearly guides you as to how to get there - and to live there with Arete! I do believe, there is no doubt, this book can and will change your life ....for the better.
Advance Reader copy review
December 28, 2024
Life-changing, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. While you are at it, grab several for the best gift ever to those you love!
September 29, 2023
I’ve been following Brian’s +1’s and Philosophers notes for years. So happy to add Aréte to my list of favorite books of all time.
Brian’s book is one that will be on the best sellers list for years to come, and one that I highly recommend to friends looking to go from reading and learning theory, to practice and eventually mastery.
Go ahead and get yourself a copy, you’ll be impressed how much wisdom is packed in these pages!
Brian’s book is one that will be on the best sellers list for years to come, and one that I highly recommend to friends looking to go from reading and learning theory, to practice and eventually mastery.
Go ahead and get yourself a copy, you’ll be impressed how much wisdom is packed in these pages!
September 29, 2023
I’ve been a selfhelp book junkie for many years. Continuesly searching for books that has inspired me to become a better version of myself and/or has given me new perspectives. The pattern for me has been that I have been fired up initially and then it has quickly vained off. But with Brians work it has really been something else. I’ve been and I still am deeply inspired and fired up AND committed to really do the work to become the best version of myself. Arete is truly based in ancient wisdom and modern science so this book has really shown me how to go from theory to practice to mastery. For me it has provided an operating system that sets me up to continuously develop and grow day by day. It has provided me with a purpose and I’m profoundly grateful to Brian that has written this masterpiece and how he embodies and walk the talk himself. A true source of inspiration to me and the whole Heroic community!
Want to read
September 29, 2023I have not read this book. I plan on it. I have followed Brian Johnson, Heroic, for over 25 years. I still go back to his Bali days videos. The growth him and his family have made is amazing. E1 and E2, his childen, Emerson and Elinor are heroes in the making. Alexandra is the goddess behind THE MAN. If you enjoy improving your whole life and enjoy learning words inside out I am sure "Arete" will be by your bedside.
September 29, 2023
Amazing content. My whole life is better because of the heroic movement and Brian
October 9, 2023
It's a training manual for how to do life and be well! This book was an easy read, but it combines a complex set of several centuries worth of ideas, scientific research, and proven concepts in a single system for actionable personal and professional improvement.
Like many people, I struggled for years with closing that seemingly huge gap between KNOWING and DOING (hint: it's actually not that big and the author shows how/why). The process Brian Johnson lays out is what finally worked for me in moving from theory to practice to mastery. Now he's consolidated that framework into this great book - virtually an operating manual for life. I'm so grateful to refresh and customize my system with an advance reader copy of this book. There's even an app with social aspects for accountability, but as a writer I prefer my brain-to-pen-to-paper process. Either way - this system WORKS!
Like many people, I struggled for years with closing that seemingly huge gap between KNOWING and DOING (hint: it's actually not that big and the author shows how/why). The process Brian Johnson lays out is what finally worked for me in moving from theory to practice to mastery. Now he's consolidated that framework into this great book - virtually an operating manual for life. I'm so grateful to refresh and customize my system with an advance reader copy of this book. There's even an app with social aspects for accountability, but as a writer I prefer my brain-to-pen-to-paper process. Either way - this system WORKS!
September 30, 2023
I am THRILLED to be reading an advance copy of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential by Brian Johnson—a book sure to become one of the classics of personal development literature.
Brian is an incredibly well-read man who has a gift for taking all the complex philosophical tomes and scientific studies he’s read, distilling the most important ideas, and making those ideas actionable.
As a fan of Brian’s work, I expected to like the book, but it is even better than I anticipated. Areté is a true manual for a life well-lived, and it’s extraordinarily readable—conversational and funny, heartwarming and inspiring.
Although I’m enjoying reading it cover-to-cover, you could easily make a daily ritual of flipping open to a random page and putting that page’s nugget of wisdom into practice.
READ THIS BOOK. Share it with those you love. And don’t forget get busy actually DOING the stuff you read about. The world is not too far gone for us to save it. And you, and I, and all our loved ones are just the heroes to do it.
Brian is an incredibly well-read man who has a gift for taking all the complex philosophical tomes and scientific studies he’s read, distilling the most important ideas, and making those ideas actionable.
As a fan of Brian’s work, I expected to like the book, but it is even better than I anticipated. Areté is a true manual for a life well-lived, and it’s extraordinarily readable—conversational and funny, heartwarming and inspiring.
Although I’m enjoying reading it cover-to-cover, you could easily make a daily ritual of flipping open to a random page and putting that page’s nugget of wisdom into practice.
READ THIS BOOK. Share it with those you love. And don’t forget get busy actually DOING the stuff you read about. The world is not too far gone for us to save it. And you, and I, and all our loved ones are just the heroes to do it.
September 29, 2023
WOW!!! 😯 Brian, you are a modern day hero, and hero trainer.
Not only does this book show you practical advice on how to live to your highest potential, it helps me know that I am part of a community of people all across the world.
If you’re wondering what this book is, or what the title means, you’re in for a treat!
Without giving spoilers: This book and the messages inside are carefully crafted to help you and those around you to be the best version of yourself, day after day after day. Imagine having the best day of your life, full of amazing memories and stories you talk about for years. Imagine every day being like that.
Areté taught me how to not only learn the theories and wisdom of so many amazing people, but also taught me how to implement and practice these theories.
This book is in a category of its own: The Help Others and Serve Categories. This book teaches you to lift up and help those around you in so many ways… anyone looking to level up their life, TODAY, needs to know that THIS is the book and message you’ve been waiting for.
Go ahead and get a copy of the book, then share it with everyone you know!
Not only does this book show you practical advice on how to live to your highest potential, it helps me know that I am part of a community of people all across the world.
If you’re wondering what this book is, or what the title means, you’re in for a treat!
Without giving spoilers: This book and the messages inside are carefully crafted to help you and those around you to be the best version of yourself, day after day after day. Imagine having the best day of your life, full of amazing memories and stories you talk about for years. Imagine every day being like that.
Areté taught me how to not only learn the theories and wisdom of so many amazing people, but also taught me how to implement and practice these theories.
This book is in a category of its own: The Help Others and Serve Categories. This book teaches you to lift up and help those around you in so many ways… anyone looking to level up their life, TODAY, needs to know that THIS is the book and message you’ve been waiting for.
Go ahead and get a copy of the book, then share it with everyone you know!
September 29, 2023
Tuve la oportunidad de leer un avance de este libro y les puedo decir; sin temor a equivocarme, que esta obra no es un libro mas de desarrollo personal, es en realidad un compañero durante todo el trayecto de transformación hacia la mejor versión de nosotros mismos.
Ya quiero que sea la publicación oficial para poder leerlo completo.
Estoy seguro que va a dejar una huella imborrable en mi camino.
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I had the opportunity to read a preview of this book, and I can tell you, without a doubt, that this work is not just another self-help book. It is truly a companion throughout the journey of transforming into the best version of ourselves. I can't wait for the official publication to read it in its entirety. I am sure it will leave an indelible mark on my path.
Ya quiero que sea la publicación oficial para poder leerlo completo.
Estoy seguro que va a dejar una huella imborrable en mi camino.
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I had the opportunity to read a preview of this book, and I can tell you, without a doubt, that this work is not just another self-help book. It is truly a companion throughout the journey of transforming into the best version of ourselves. I can't wait for the official publication to read it in its entirety. I am sure it will leave an indelible mark on my path.
October 31, 2023
Areté is THE BOOK FOR COACHES as it gives 451 different entry points for empowering and life changing conversations with clients.
A MUST READ FOR COACHES WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR COACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
On a personal level, the framework Brian teaches in Areté works. As a scattered ADHD brain, Areté offered me a system that always works. It gave me more clarity on my purpose, and helped me align my values, beliefs, and standards, and provided the bridge and the tools between Who I want to be and How I am going to get a little closer on a daily basis.
ARETÉ CHANGED MY LIFE AND IT MADE ME MORE EXCITED ABOUT MY OWN FUTURE.
The best thing is that Areté is not just a book. Areté is the foundation of the Heroic Community with 10,000+ like minded people who together thrive to change the world for the better one person at a time, starting with themselves, today 🙏.
JOIN THE HEROIC TRAINING PLATFORM, CONNECT WITH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD AND BECOME YOUR BEST SELF.
P.s.: I had access to the Advanced Reader Copy - I have been involved in the Heroic Community since 2020.
A MUST READ FOR COACHES WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR COACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
On a personal level, the framework Brian teaches in Areté works. As a scattered ADHD brain, Areté offered me a system that always works. It gave me more clarity on my purpose, and helped me align my values, beliefs, and standards, and provided the bridge and the tools between Who I want to be and How I am going to get a little closer on a daily basis.
ARETÉ CHANGED MY LIFE AND IT MADE ME MORE EXCITED ABOUT MY OWN FUTURE.
The best thing is that Areté is not just a book. Areté is the foundation of the Heroic Community with 10,000+ like minded people who together thrive to change the world for the better one person at a time, starting with themselves, today 🙏.
JOIN THE HEROIC TRAINING PLATFORM, CONNECT WITH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD AND BECOME YOUR BEST SELF.
P.s.: I had access to the Advanced Reader Copy - I have been involved in the Heroic Community since 2020.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Painful writing, basically a 1000 page ad for an app made by a guy who can only regurgitate the thoughts of others. Didn't have time to read other people's motivation books? You're better off googling a summary than reading this.
September 30, 2023
This book made me do something in the last 48 hours that I have NEVER done in 35 years of life. This book inspired me to read 500 pages in two days. While working full time.
I am an avid reader yet I have never read a single 500 page book cover-to-cover--let alone half of a 1066 page book in 48 hours!--but the wide scope, well-researched quality and immediate practicality of the verbal gold nuggets inside of it made it into an irresistible delight that has sucked up nearly every free moment from my last two days since I got an advanced reader copy.
Full disclosure: I was paid for this review--But not with money, rather my compensation begin on March 14 of 2011 when I first started following brian Johnston and his growing treasure chest of personal development works.
For those of you doing the math that is nearly 13 years, and I can tell you I have watched Brian grow so much as a leader and philosopher, and as he has grown he has crafted a pathway to help so many others grow with him--myself very much included.
This book is for you if you're just starting on your journey of self growth OR if you're like me and sometimes feel like you've "read it all" by now. Bottom line: IF you want to thrive more in any domain of life, this book WILL be a prime asset to you.
And if you're a close friend or family of mine, guess what you're getting for Xmas? 😀
I am an avid reader yet I have never read a single 500 page book cover-to-cover--let alone half of a 1066 page book in 48 hours!--but the wide scope, well-researched quality and immediate practicality of the verbal gold nuggets inside of it made it into an irresistible delight that has sucked up nearly every free moment from my last two days since I got an advanced reader copy.
Full disclosure: I was paid for this review--But not with money, rather my compensation begin on March 14 of 2011 when I first started following brian Johnston and his growing treasure chest of personal development works.
For those of you doing the math that is nearly 13 years, and I can tell you I have watched Brian grow so much as a leader and philosopher, and as he has grown he has crafted a pathway to help so many others grow with him--myself very much included.
This book is for you if you're just starting on your journey of self growth OR if you're like me and sometimes feel like you've "read it all" by now. Bottom line: IF you want to thrive more in any domain of life, this book WILL be a prime asset to you.
And if you're a close friend or family of mine, guess what you're getting for Xmas? 😀
Want to read
October 1, 2023I received this book when asking for an advanced readers copy of it. I was taken aback by just how many gold nuggets are contained in this gem of a book. The nuggets are spread out evenly throughout the entirety of the book. This book, if you use and take action on the actionable content, has the potential to significantly change and massively improve your life. I highly recommend Arete by Brian Johnson as it is life altering at the least if you only do a fraction of the actionable content. Using this book along with the content on the authors Heroic Platform, will solidify your place at the top of your class and the head of the line...
November 14, 2023
I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy. I have benefited from Brian Johnson’s wisdom for over 10 years. I started receiving his book notes on January 14, 2014, under his en*theos moniker. Then I subscribed to his daily +1s that were part of his Optimize teachings. He inspired me to run in my first Spartan race in 2018. As his coaching became more formalized, I went through one of the first versions of the Heroic 300-day program.
All that’s to say, I have watched him for a while and believe he’s a good dude. He is very open and vulnerable to the Heroic community, so we get a pretty wide-view of his life. I think he’s gifted and a gift. I hope Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential gets him a much broader audience.
The Greeks saw time in two ways, first, in chronological fashion (chronos time), but also in special, particular moments of time (kairos time). Brian Johnson has been immersed in ancient wisdom and modern science for decades. I feel this book is coming at a kairos moment. Many of us feel we are living at a hinge moment in history. We are surrounded by so much that is fake. We need help navigating what is really real.
Brian has cultivated deep discernment for a life well-lived. He’s accomplished, astute, and authentic. He will not ask anything of you that he isn’t asking of himself. He’s the real deal. In his book, Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, he is putting out a call to those who desire a good, flourishing life.
I’m so excited for a larger audience to be exposed to this distillation of three decades of trial-and-error living. He is his own experiment. He invites you to start your own quest to become the best version of yourself. He will ask a lot of you, in every aspect of your life. When you get the book, I suggest you skip to the mini-chapter titled “Time Traveling” (toward the end of Objective I) and consider the question posed.
One more thing, I mentioned following Brian for several years, but it wasn’t until part way through the 300-day Coach program that the “penny dropped” and I decided to change my life. You’ll come across a question several times in the book that asks what the one thing is that you know you could be doing or stop doing that would most positively change your life. I knew what that was at that moment in my life. Making that decision has had a ripple effect. I lost almost 50lbs over the next several months. My routines and consistency took a radical turn. My sleep, nutrition, creativity, focus, gratitude, long-term goals, and connection with loved ones have all changed for the better. Going after Areté has re-routed me. I have taken on a new identity. These are the positive results of embracing Areté. I hope you’ll consider going after Areté too.
All that’s to say, I have watched him for a while and believe he’s a good dude. He is very open and vulnerable to the Heroic community, so we get a pretty wide-view of his life. I think he’s gifted and a gift. I hope Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential gets him a much broader audience.
The Greeks saw time in two ways, first, in chronological fashion (chronos time), but also in special, particular moments of time (kairos time). Brian Johnson has been immersed in ancient wisdom and modern science for decades. I feel this book is coming at a kairos moment. Many of us feel we are living at a hinge moment in history. We are surrounded by so much that is fake. We need help navigating what is really real.
Brian has cultivated deep discernment for a life well-lived. He’s accomplished, astute, and authentic. He will not ask anything of you that he isn’t asking of himself. He’s the real deal. In his book, Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, he is putting out a call to those who desire a good, flourishing life.
I’m so excited for a larger audience to be exposed to this distillation of three decades of trial-and-error living. He is his own experiment. He invites you to start your own quest to become the best version of yourself. He will ask a lot of you, in every aspect of your life. When you get the book, I suggest you skip to the mini-chapter titled “Time Traveling” (toward the end of Objective I) and consider the question posed.
One more thing, I mentioned following Brian for several years, but it wasn’t until part way through the 300-day Coach program that the “penny dropped” and I decided to change my life. You’ll come across a question several times in the book that asks what the one thing is that you know you could be doing or stop doing that would most positively change your life. I knew what that was at that moment in my life. Making that decision has had a ripple effect. I lost almost 50lbs over the next several months. My routines and consistency took a radical turn. My sleep, nutrition, creativity, focus, gratitude, long-term goals, and connection with loved ones have all changed for the better. Going after Areté has re-routed me. I have taken on a new identity. These are the positive results of embracing Areté. I hope you’ll consider going after Areté too.
October 18, 2023
I was grateful to have received an ARC of Areté, and it exceeded my expectations! I have been part of first Optimize and then Heroic for years, and this book distills decades of wisdom into real-life strategies. Brian is a truly great modern day philosopher and one of the best teachers ever. You can practically hear him speak directly to you from the pages of the book (the audiobook is fantastic, too!), and he is giving you science-based wisdom with practical tools to alter and improve your life and live in a more fulfilled way, with more connection and happiness, as you are reaching your full potential. A wonderful, entertaining yet deep book, which I highly recommend, because it is so hands-on and practical, but has a solid basis in science. It will change your life!
December 7, 2025
As we approach Thanksgiving 2023, here in the US, I can’t think of a more appropriate time for sharing my review of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential . That’s because among a plethora of insights, gratitude is a key theme and the author enlightened me on a broader view of just how far gratitude extends in my every day life. But, there’s so much more.
My friend, Otis Chandler (some of you may have heard of him) has said: “the right book, in the right hands (and at the right time) can change the world".
Very true and it can also change an individual.
Reading Areté and learning about Heroic has certainly come to me at the right time to open up new perspectives and learnings across an extraordinary spectrum of wisdom from great philosophers and minds. It's made such a positive impact on me personally.
Brian Johnson has written a masterpiece of a book. Extraordinarily insightful and extraordinarily well written.
It’s a delight to read and easily absorbed. I didn’t think one could distill teachings from a multitude of deep thinkers ranging from famous ancient philosophers to many leading minds of today and make their material and message so accessible. So clear. So impactful.
But that’s what you’ll find in the 1000+ pages of Areté which includes the author's own valuable thinking and perspectives.
Speaking of a thousand pages, I am not sure I have ever actually made it through a 1,000+ page book before. No, actually, I am certain, I have not.
But, Areté read as fast and easy as a 100 page book for me. And as a side benefit, my Goodreads Year In Books summary will look AWESOME this year with Areté leading the pages read field there! Whooo! :)
After finishing it, I’m now enjoying just opening to a random page and rereading that particular chapter to start or end my day.
As Otis talked about a book changing the world, the author does here too as his mission is to truly help people worldwide realize their own Areté and make a major positive difference in the world. Can Brian Johnson and the team at Heroic accomplish this? My bet is yes.
I highly recommend this exceptional book.
Let’s get to work.
Disclosure: I was introduced to the author by an outstanding book marketing agency which I advise and received a complementary advance reader copy. I have since purchased a number of copies as Christmas gifts.
My friend, Otis Chandler (some of you may have heard of him) has said: “the right book, in the right hands (and at the right time) can change the world".
Very true and it can also change an individual.
Reading Areté and learning about Heroic has certainly come to me at the right time to open up new perspectives and learnings across an extraordinary spectrum of wisdom from great philosophers and minds. It's made such a positive impact on me personally.
Brian Johnson has written a masterpiece of a book. Extraordinarily insightful and extraordinarily well written.
It’s a delight to read and easily absorbed. I didn’t think one could distill teachings from a multitude of deep thinkers ranging from famous ancient philosophers to many leading minds of today and make their material and message so accessible. So clear. So impactful.
But that’s what you’ll find in the 1000+ pages of Areté which includes the author's own valuable thinking and perspectives.
Speaking of a thousand pages, I am not sure I have ever actually made it through a 1,000+ page book before. No, actually, I am certain, I have not.
But, Areté read as fast and easy as a 100 page book for me. And as a side benefit, my Goodreads Year In Books summary will look AWESOME this year with Areté leading the pages read field there! Whooo! :)
After finishing it, I’m now enjoying just opening to a random page and rereading that particular chapter to start or end my day.
As Otis talked about a book changing the world, the author does here too as his mission is to truly help people worldwide realize their own Areté and make a major positive difference in the world. Can Brian Johnson and the team at Heroic accomplish this? My bet is yes.
I highly recommend this exceptional book.
Let’s get to work.
Disclosure: I was introduced to the author by an outstanding book marketing agency which I advise and received a complementary advance reader copy. I have since purchased a number of copies as Christmas gifts.
October 28, 2023
Areté is a book that I couldn’t wait to finish and simultaneously didn’t want to end! It is a unique book - part ancient wisdom, part modern day science and part timeless, practical encouragement to become our best selves right now and every day after. It is a book like no other.
Brian Johnson is a positive force for good. He is heroic and he inspires me to be my heroic best, too. He is grounded and iconoclastic. Bold and practical. He embodies what it means to live his life with Areté.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It has the power to transform your life. It has transformed mine.
Brian Johnson is a positive force for good. He is heroic and he inspires me to be my heroic best, too. He is grounded and iconoclastic. Bold and practical. He embodies what it means to live his life with Areté.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It has the power to transform your life. It has transformed mine.
October 29, 2023
I have been following Brian Johnson’s work for years, and there is nothing that inspires me more than connecting with him and his wisdom. Not a day goes by where I don’t tap into and use some wisdom from Brian. When I experience a challenge in my life, I turn to Brian’s work for courage. When I experience success in my life, I turn to Brian’s work for motivation to take the next big step. I have often wished that Brian’s most impactful wisdom could be combined into a book that I could pick up and read, and now here it is! Areté! Knowing I would love the book, I pre-ordered 10 copies. After reading an advanced copy (which is FANTASTIC!), I ordered 10 more. I will be giving them as gifts. When I give my last book, I will order more. It's. That. Good!
April 7, 2024
I couldn’t finish this book. I had high expectations as it has been parked on the top of my “want to read” list for ages based on all the 5 star reviews. I don’t understand how a book so insipid could generate such a positive average rating. Have y’all actually read this thing? Is the distillation of ancient wisdom into one-sentence summaries what readers really want these days? I should have been skeptical as soon as I saw books by that Bulletproof coffee guy lined up next to Marcus Aurelius. I got tired of being called a hero. It really did feel like a time share pitch, or an infomercial for wellbeing. This book will join Untamed on my “books not even good enough to donate” list.
September 30, 2023
I’ve been following Brian Johnson’s work for a decade, and it’s tough keeping up with the incredible volume and life-changing content he creates (he’s prolific!!!), but I never want to miss a thing because my life is immeasurably better for having him as a mentor and guide through his work over the years and the Heroic app he launched in 2022. When I heard this book was in the pipeline I couldn’t wait to read it, so when I got an advance reader copy this week I deep dived straight in. It’s even better than I expected, and I had HIGH expectations! He imparts timeless and modern wisdom that can help anyone have the life they want by being the person they aspire to be, and it’s artfully done not simply with facts and intelligent quotes but through storytelling. Brian, you’re a genius, thank you for continuing to make me a better person.
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