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Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life
“Courage,” Winston Churchill explained, is “the first of human qualities . . . because it guarantees all the others.” As a naval officer, P.O.W., and one of America’s most admired political leaders, John McCain has seen countless acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. Now, in this inspiring meditation on courage, he shares his most cherished stories of ordinary individuals who have risked everything to defend the people and principles they hold most dear.
“We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite our fears,” McCain reminds us, as a way of introducing the stories of figures both famous and obscure that he finds most compelling—from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to Sgt. Roy Benavidez, who ignored his own well-being to rescue eight of his men from an ambush in the Vietnam jungle; from 1960s civil rights leader John Lewis, who wrote, “When I care about something, I’m prepared to take the long, hard road,” to Hannah Senesh, who, in protecting her comrades in the Hungarian resistance against Hitler’s SS, chose a martyr’s death over a despot’s mercy.
These are some of the examples McCain turns to for inspiration and offers to others to help them summon the resolve to be both good and great. He explains the value of courage in both everyday actions and extraordinary feats. We learn why moral principles and physical courage are often not distinct quantities but two sides of the same coin. Most of all, readers discover how sometimes simply setting the right example can be the ultimate act of courage.
Written by one of our most respected public figures, Why Courage Matters is that rare book with a message both timely and timeless. This is a work for anyone seeking to understand how the mystery and gift of courage can empower us and change our lives.
From the Hardcover edition.
“We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite our fears,” McCain reminds us, as a way of introducing the stories of figures both famous and obscure that he finds most compelling—from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to Sgt. Roy Benavidez, who ignored his own well-being to rescue eight of his men from an ambush in the Vietnam jungle; from 1960s civil rights leader John Lewis, who wrote, “When I care about something, I’m prepared to take the long, hard road,” to Hannah Senesh, who, in protecting her comrades in the Hungarian resistance against Hitler’s SS, chose a martyr’s death over a despot’s mercy.
These are some of the examples McCain turns to for inspiration and offers to others to help them summon the resolve to be both good and great. He explains the value of courage in both everyday actions and extraordinary feats. We learn why moral principles and physical courage are often not distinct quantities but two sides of the same coin. Most of all, readers discover how sometimes simply setting the right example can be the ultimate act of courage.
Written by one of our most respected public figures, Why Courage Matters is that rare book with a message both timely and timeless. This is a work for anyone seeking to understand how the mystery and gift of courage can empower us and change our lives.
From the Hardcover edition.
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First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
John McCain
104 books106 followersJohn Sidney McCain III was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death. He was the Republican nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election, which he lost to Barack Obama.
McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and followed his father and grandfather—both four-star admirals—into the U.S. Navy. He became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While McCain was on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over Hanoi in October 1967, he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer. The wounds that he sustained during the war left him with lifelong physical disabilities. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona, where he entered politics. In 1982, McCain was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1987 and easily won reelection five times, the last time in 2016.
While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain also had a media reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues. After being investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the Keating Five, he made campaign finance reform one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in passage of the McCain–Feingold Act in 2002. He was also known for his work in the 1990s to restore diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and for his belief that the Iraq War should have been fought to a successful conclusion. McCain chaired the Senate Commerce Committee and opposed pork barrel spending. He belonged to the bipartisan "Gang of 14" which played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations.
McCain entered the race for the Republican nomination for President in 2000, but he lost a heated primary season contest to Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He secured the nomination in 2008 after coming back from early reversals, but was defeated by Democratic nominee Barack Obama in the general election, losing by a 365–173 electoral college margin. He subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the Obama administration, especially in regard to foreign policy matters. By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. In 2015, McCain became Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 2017, he reduced his role in the Senate after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He died at the age of 81 on August 25, 2018.
McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and followed his father and grandfather—both four-star admirals—into the U.S. Navy. He became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While McCain was on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over Hanoi in October 1967, he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer. The wounds that he sustained during the war left him with lifelong physical disabilities. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona, where he entered politics. In 1982, McCain was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1987 and easily won reelection five times, the last time in 2016.
While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain also had a media reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues. After being investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the Keating Five, he made campaign finance reform one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in passage of the McCain–Feingold Act in 2002. He was also known for his work in the 1990s to restore diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and for his belief that the Iraq War should have been fought to a successful conclusion. McCain chaired the Senate Commerce Committee and opposed pork barrel spending. He belonged to the bipartisan "Gang of 14" which played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations.
McCain entered the race for the Republican nomination for President in 2000, but he lost a heated primary season contest to Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He secured the nomination in 2008 after coming back from early reversals, but was defeated by Democratic nominee Barack Obama in the general election, losing by a 365–173 electoral college margin. He subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the Obama administration, especially in regard to foreign policy matters. By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. In 2015, McCain became Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 2017, he reduced his role in the Senate after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He died at the age of 81 on August 25, 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 22, 2010
Excellent book! I thought he would speak only of his capture, however, he spoke not only of his, but also the bravery of John Lewis, Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito, Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh and Burmese dissident (and Nobel Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi.
I would read this book again.
I would read this book again.
May 15, 2024
Inspiring, genuine, thought provoking. A great book with real-life stories, very approachable, sincere and non-preachy at all.
September 21, 2008
This is a short unsophisticated essay on courage that contains mostly opinion and indulgent tangents. The stories of courageous people are the saving grace of the book - probably because they are based on fact - everything else is opinion. John McCain is hell bent on distinguishing physical from mental or emotional courage; and examining courage from every imaginable (and imagined) angle. If John McCain had not had his war experiences what would he have to write about and on what authority? He has some authority but not as much as he takes; and he doesn't seem to have any thoughts that don't circle back around to his war experience. It gets old but we're not supposed to say because we're disrespecting his service. Most vets don't use their experience to lord it over people. They share their experience in a serious and personal way. It's a private thing - not a contest.
October 23, 2009
The best thing about this book is the stories. They are of truly courageous people of whom I have not heard of before. McCain does a good job of reflecting and considering other veiwpoints on the meaning of each story and shows great humility, as we all should, in telling/hearing these courageous life stories. I don't agree with a lot of his viewpoints on courage in the beginning of the book but at the end he hits it dead on in my opinion (not sure if this was his writing strategy because the beginning and the end explanations don't really go hand in hand with eachother). It is a short book and worth the time, prepare to be inspired by these amazing people.
September 19, 2009
Good inspirational individual stories of courage interspersed with difficult to follow philosophical dialog.
July 9, 2022
A good book for the inspiring stories about courage, but felt a little too self-helpy at other times. Also some of it, like defending the Iraq War, aged like milk.
March 13, 2012
First there was Obama with his famous (currently infamous) words that echoed the hearts and souls of a generation – Change & Yes We Can! And along with that was heard a campaign cry that came in the form of two atrociously boring, terribly verbose and infinitely constipated books – The Audacity of Hope & Dreams from My Father.
My assumption is that just because Obama wrote it, people out of a sense of obligation purchased it and to be in the good books of the President, wrote glowing reviews in praise of those two tragedies.
And folks – this is where another idiot comes into play.
Me.
Yes, me (or I for that matter).
I like a fool, went and purchased those two books with great anticipation – only to have a Niagara Falls of ice cold spine-chilling water poured on the passionate heat of my curiosity.
Those two books of Mr. Barack were some of the worst and most hyped-up books I have ever come across.
So now, that being lavish praise for Mr. Obama literary contribution, let us respectfully move on to Mr. John McCain.
First and foremost, let me make an honest disclaimer – I have no idea why in the world did I purchase this book. It should have been very clear to me that this would have been a typical ‘America-beats-the-rest-of-the-world-and-only-America-is-the-Hero-And-the-rest-of-the-world-is-a-zero’ Rambo styled story considering its blue, red and white color combinations on the cover. However, Stupid is what stupid does. And I like an idiot purchased this book.
And now, like a bigger idiot, I spend the next 2 days reading it.
So what is this book about?
Simply put – Courage.
Courage to kill.
Courage to protect your country.
Courage to murder the infidels.
Courage to get shot, beaten, killed, piss, urinate, fart and barf with a hope to win a nice ribbon with a star from the President – along with a nice pension and retirement fund.
Sorry folks – if you didn’t figure it by now, well I am not Mr. Patriotic.
To me, going to a war for politically bound reasons, chocolate covered with lies with an ulterior motive and with a end result of killing others or being killed or worse being a handicap for the rest of your life for country, god or for another other great cause just does not make sense.
This book is nothing but one patronizing story after another Aung San Suu Kyi to Hannah Senesh (who?) to Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez (what’s that?) filled with unnecessary details and unwanted information that would not do you any good or would not serve any purpose.
To be all honest, this book was written only because Mr. John McCian wanted to score a few more votes and help his PR campaign score points. (by the way, he didn’t win the election – must have been because of this book)
The book lacks honesty, integrity, the feel and the passion for the reader. However, the only person whom it does benefit is Mr. McCain and his fellow types who will stand and salute a flag and for it, may be kill and be killed in the name of courage, patriotism and senseless bravery.
A book to be read by lunatics who go to war so that at least they can get some false sense of security and meaning to their madness.
To all my American and Taliban Brother – Jai Ho!
Overall Rating – 0 out of 10.
My assumption is that just because Obama wrote it, people out of a sense of obligation purchased it and to be in the good books of the President, wrote glowing reviews in praise of those two tragedies.
And folks – this is where another idiot comes into play.
Me.
Yes, me (or I for that matter).
I like a fool, went and purchased those two books with great anticipation – only to have a Niagara Falls of ice cold spine-chilling water poured on the passionate heat of my curiosity.
Those two books of Mr. Barack were some of the worst and most hyped-up books I have ever come across.
So now, that being lavish praise for Mr. Obama literary contribution, let us respectfully move on to Mr. John McCain.
First and foremost, let me make an honest disclaimer – I have no idea why in the world did I purchase this book. It should have been very clear to me that this would have been a typical ‘America-beats-the-rest-of-the-world-and-only-America-is-the-Hero-And-the-rest-of-the-world-is-a-zero’ Rambo styled story considering its blue, red and white color combinations on the cover. However, Stupid is what stupid does. And I like an idiot purchased this book.
And now, like a bigger idiot, I spend the next 2 days reading it.
So what is this book about?
Simply put – Courage.
Courage to kill.
Courage to protect your country.
Courage to murder the infidels.
Courage to get shot, beaten, killed, piss, urinate, fart and barf with a hope to win a nice ribbon with a star from the President – along with a nice pension and retirement fund.
Sorry folks – if you didn’t figure it by now, well I am not Mr. Patriotic.
To me, going to a war for politically bound reasons, chocolate covered with lies with an ulterior motive and with a end result of killing others or being killed or worse being a handicap for the rest of your life for country, god or for another other great cause just does not make sense.
This book is nothing but one patronizing story after another Aung San Suu Kyi to Hannah Senesh (who?) to Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez (what’s that?) filled with unnecessary details and unwanted information that would not do you any good or would not serve any purpose.
To be all honest, this book was written only because Mr. John McCian wanted to score a few more votes and help his PR campaign score points. (by the way, he didn’t win the election – must have been because of this book)
The book lacks honesty, integrity, the feel and the passion for the reader. However, the only person whom it does benefit is Mr. McCain and his fellow types who will stand and salute a flag and for it, may be kill and be killed in the name of courage, patriotism and senseless bravery.
A book to be read by lunatics who go to war so that at least they can get some false sense of security and meaning to their madness.
To all my American and Taliban Brother – Jai Ho!
Overall Rating – 0 out of 10.
June 28, 2020
Okay, say what you want about John McCain, but one thing stands out to me and that is he, surviving while being tortured as a POW for over five years, has the authority to speak on the subject of courage.
The book is slight. The hardcover is the size of a trade paperback, widely double spaced and only 209 pages. It at times has the feel of a war story journal (in a bad sense). But you read this book because it delivers on its title—it shows you why courage matters and how to get to a braver life.
McCain is wise. He has lived through much. This is no rah-rah right wing manifesto. For starters, he acknowledges the failure of his courage as a POW.
In prison, I was not always a match for my enemies. I was proud and angry. I thought I was tough, clever, and prepared to resist. But I found my courage wanting nevertheless.
He goes on to say a key element of courage is relying on others, on their strength.
He quotes Eleanor Roosevelt's (and has a nice pic of her): "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." And he says that to get brave you must go through fearful situations. That facing the fear is a key to its dissipation.
...it's a familiarity with fear and inhibitions and learning that we can act in spite of them that build the kind of confidence that can give us courage.
And it's not all cowboy stuff. He asks, 'Who are the bold adventurers?' And answers:
Don't we see them as people driven by something close to an insatiable need to know something not known? And the answers they needed took courage to find.
But then there's the cowboy stuff too, and oh, it's good cowboy stuff.
He quotes Admiral Lord Nelson:
"No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy."
And Admiral Bull Halsey (if you're wondering, yes, it's the same Admiral Halsey referred to in Paul McCartney's "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" song):
"All problems, personal, national, or combat, become smaller if you don't dodge them. Touch a thistle timidly and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble. Carry the battle to the enemy. Lay your ship alongside his."
Honestly, I don't know if that's really such good advice, but it does make you want to have some backbone, doesn't it?
McCain reports on the Native American chief Manuelito who when he was younger was mocked by his friends for his bearing being so prideful and elegant. Manuelito responded:
"I walk like a chief now, so that when I become one, I will already know how to behave."
I really like that throughout this little book you get the idea that McCain really wants you to "get it." He really wants to help.
Near the end of the book he sums up his ideas:
Put one foot in front of the other and move toward the thing that scares you....Just move along quickly and things will likely turn out fine....If you do things you think you cannot do, you'll feel your resistance, your hope, your dignity, and your courage grow stronger every time you prove it. You will someday face harder choices that very well might require more courage. You're getting ready for them.
He finishes with the thought provoking:
So be brave. The rest is easy.
The book is slight. The hardcover is the size of a trade paperback, widely double spaced and only 209 pages. It at times has the feel of a war story journal (in a bad sense). But you read this book because it delivers on its title—it shows you why courage matters and how to get to a braver life.
McCain is wise. He has lived through much. This is no rah-rah right wing manifesto. For starters, he acknowledges the failure of his courage as a POW.
In prison, I was not always a match for my enemies. I was proud and angry. I thought I was tough, clever, and prepared to resist. But I found my courage wanting nevertheless.
He goes on to say a key element of courage is relying on others, on their strength.
He quotes Eleanor Roosevelt's (and has a nice pic of her): "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." And he says that to get brave you must go through fearful situations. That facing the fear is a key to its dissipation.
...it's a familiarity with fear and inhibitions and learning that we can act in spite of them that build the kind of confidence that can give us courage.
And it's not all cowboy stuff. He asks, 'Who are the bold adventurers?' And answers:
Don't we see them as people driven by something close to an insatiable need to know something not known? And the answers they needed took courage to find.
But then there's the cowboy stuff too, and oh, it's good cowboy stuff.
He quotes Admiral Lord Nelson:
"No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy."
And Admiral Bull Halsey (if you're wondering, yes, it's the same Admiral Halsey referred to in Paul McCartney's "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" song):
"All problems, personal, national, or combat, become smaller if you don't dodge them. Touch a thistle timidly and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble. Carry the battle to the enemy. Lay your ship alongside his."
Honestly, I don't know if that's really such good advice, but it does make you want to have some backbone, doesn't it?
McCain reports on the Native American chief Manuelito who when he was younger was mocked by his friends for his bearing being so prideful and elegant. Manuelito responded:
"I walk like a chief now, so that when I become one, I will already know how to behave."
I really like that throughout this little book you get the idea that McCain really wants you to "get it." He really wants to help.
Near the end of the book he sums up his ideas:
Put one foot in front of the other and move toward the thing that scares you....Just move along quickly and things will likely turn out fine....If you do things you think you cannot do, you'll feel your resistance, your hope, your dignity, and your courage grow stronger every time you prove it. You will someday face harder choices that very well might require more courage. You're getting ready for them.
He finishes with the thought provoking:
So be brave. The rest is easy.
October 13, 2011
(Original review graded on a score of 1-3)
Summary:
[3] McCain discusses what does, and doesn’t, constitute courage, as well as why it’s important, something we can all aspire to, but need to train ourselves toward. It lacks footnotes and bibliography, which would have been handy.
Entertainment:
[2] This is not a heavy, ponderous book, but, even amongst the examples provided and the lessons McCain draws from them, the reading is relatively quick. The main critique is also probably a blessing: the book is not very organized, largely because it’s more meditative than instructional. McCain goes back and forth on what is (or, more properly, isn’t) courage, and why it’s important, but ultimately is able to provide only hints at how to pursue it as a goal. At times this meandering becomes a bit irksome, but never drags the book down too far. The comparison to Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage is probably inevitable, and mixed — the book is far less structured than Profiles, but a bit less heavy-handed as well. It certainly makes me want to go back and reread the Kennedy book, though. And it makes me wish that the author was on one of the presidential tickets this fall …
Profundity:
[3] Courage manifests itself unexpectedly, and sometimes inexplicably. It can be trained toward and prepared for, but cannot be predicted. True courage is not simple endurance, but endurance for a higher reason of what could have been avoided.
The book is inspirational without being preachy, and illustrative without being treacly. McCain’s straightforwardness shines through, and he’s as quick to dismiss his own courage (and confess to his lack thereof at times) as one could hope.
Re-readability:
[3] I plan to keep this one at hand for a while. It’s a useful topic these days to be able to look up thoughts on.
Summary:
[3] McCain discusses what does, and doesn’t, constitute courage, as well as why it’s important, something we can all aspire to, but need to train ourselves toward. It lacks footnotes and bibliography, which would have been handy.
Entertainment:
[2] This is not a heavy, ponderous book, but, even amongst the examples provided and the lessons McCain draws from them, the reading is relatively quick. The main critique is also probably a blessing: the book is not very organized, largely because it’s more meditative than instructional. McCain goes back and forth on what is (or, more properly, isn’t) courage, and why it’s important, but ultimately is able to provide only hints at how to pursue it as a goal. At times this meandering becomes a bit irksome, but never drags the book down too far. The comparison to Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage is probably inevitable, and mixed — the book is far less structured than Profiles, but a bit less heavy-handed as well. It certainly makes me want to go back and reread the Kennedy book, though. And it makes me wish that the author was on one of the presidential tickets this fall …
Profundity:
[3] Courage manifests itself unexpectedly, and sometimes inexplicably. It can be trained toward and prepared for, but cannot be predicted. True courage is not simple endurance, but endurance for a higher reason of what could have been avoided.
The book is inspirational without being preachy, and illustrative without being treacly. McCain’s straightforwardness shines through, and he’s as quick to dismiss his own courage (and confess to his lack thereof at times) as one could hope.
Re-readability:
[3] I plan to keep this one at hand for a while. It’s a useful topic these days to be able to look up thoughts on.
June 3, 2009
As someone who wishes he had more courage, I am always interested in reading books on courage. This book had a different chapter on different people, and they all had a different type of courage. I particularly liked the story about the guy who won the Congressional Medal of Honor "becoming a Destroying Angel". I thought that was nice. And I loved the poem by the Israeli about "blessed is the Match that lights the fire".
August 8, 2010
This is book that everyone should read. It is a collection of story of courage that chronicles not just the good but the cost that some people pay for leading a courageous life. I carry this book with me every where I happen to go.
July 2, 2011
I doubt anyone, even John McCain, can talk about something like courage without having the hollow ring of Hallmark platitudes...What sizzle that does exist in this book is the vividly told real-life stories of courage, generally in a framework of organized violence.
November 22, 2019
(Audible)
Really a 3 1/2 but tipping towards 4 stars.
The audio book was done in 2004. There is some dated information in the book. Like how character counts, intrinsic values, personal honor--truth. McCain treats all of these as if they are important and required for true courage and leadership. John McCain is now passed on and so have these ideals. Certainly we all know now that it's really about money and you should lie cheat and steal, throw friendships under the bus and deny responsibility or culpability as long as you retain your power.
Oh wait.
McCain's personal opinions and story are the weaker part of the book. I cannot help but compare his words with what later became his actions. That VP pick . . ugh. And yet . . . and yet . . . there's that moment on the Senate Floor. The pregnant pause and then the thumbs down. Oh yes. That's the McCain we admire.
The strongest part of the book was the retelling of stories we don't know as well as McCain's personal journey: Civil Rights legend, John Lewis; Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito, Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh, and Burmese dissident (and Nobel Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi.
I liked McCain's attempt to differentiate between anger and outrage. He makes an interesting argument.
RECOMMEND
Really a 3 1/2 but tipping towards 4 stars.
The audio book was done in 2004. There is some dated information in the book. Like how character counts, intrinsic values, personal honor--truth. McCain treats all of these as if they are important and required for true courage and leadership. John McCain is now passed on and so have these ideals. Certainly we all know now that it's really about money and you should lie cheat and steal, throw friendships under the bus and deny responsibility or culpability as long as you retain your power.
Oh wait.
McCain's personal opinions and story are the weaker part of the book. I cannot help but compare his words with what later became his actions. That VP pick . . ugh. And yet . . . and yet . . . there's that moment on the Senate Floor. The pregnant pause and then the thumbs down. Oh yes. That's the McCain we admire.
The strongest part of the book was the retelling of stories we don't know as well as McCain's personal journey: Civil Rights legend, John Lewis; Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito, Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh, and Burmese dissident (and Nobel Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi.
I liked McCain's attempt to differentiate between anger and outrage. He makes an interesting argument.
RECOMMEND
November 27, 2018
What a difference a decade plus makes. It is amazing that Suu Kyi did so much for human rights in Burma, as John McCain describes here in this book published in 2004 but now presides over a government that systematically conducts a decades long purge of the Rohingya muslim minority in the country and locks up foreign journalists who report on it.
I say take back her Nobel Peace Prize. She may have had a captivating presence way back before she had a role in government, but she has proven completely inept at governing herself. McCain provided insight on this point in the book he published shortly before he died last summer, "The Restless Wave."
But in the end, this book is about courage and everyone should read it because John McCain wrote it, with Mark Salter, his long time administrative assistant, and they are courageous men. The book does not disappoint.
I say take back her Nobel Peace Prize. She may have had a captivating presence way back before she had a role in government, but she has proven completely inept at governing herself. McCain provided insight on this point in the book he published shortly before he died last summer, "The Restless Wave."
But in the end, this book is about courage and everyone should read it because John McCain wrote it, with Mark Salter, his long time administrative assistant, and they are courageous men. The book does not disappoint.
June 28, 2020
Senator John McCain was a Vietnam War Vet, a POW in Vietnam, a U.S. Senator and Republican candidate for President in 2008. He was someone whom I admired. He put this book together after 9/11 to help people be less afraid in the aftermath. Many people were tested on 9/11 and so many acted with courage. They were in the moment. I think it is anticipation of what could happen that curdles courage. John McCain expressed that himself in regards to his own captivity in Vietnam.
In this book are a selection of true stories of courage. Very inspiring, if one can be inspired to courage. I do think stories help but it is only in the time of testing a person knows if they act courageously or not and to what degree.
In this book are a selection of true stories of courage. Very inspiring, if one can be inspired to courage. I do think stories help but it is only in the time of testing a person knows if they act courageously or not and to what degree.
December 23, 2024
In today's world, very few of our leaders show true courage. McCain speaks of his captivity and the stories of other's courage when faced with horrific situations.
July 28, 2013
John McCain intersperses his own commentary on the virtue and elusiveness of courage with the stories of heroic individuals who stood strong in the face of enormous adversity or overwhelming fear. Most of them may be little-known in history, but they are still powerful examples today. My favorite profiles from the book were of John Lewis and Aung San Suu Kyi. McCain’s philosophizing on courage can be a bit preachy at times. I enjoyed the profiles more, as I learned a lot of history from them. The book doesn’t show readers how to be braver – really, how could any book do that? It does, however, demonstrate that each time a choice is made to stand for something or defend someone, your courage grows a little stronger.
Favorite quotes: “Face the experience with quiet assurance or with a look that reflects stark terror, screaming in anguish all the while. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you faced it, lived it, and did so because your conscience compelled you to act. That is what gives courage its grandeur.”
“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
Favorite quotes: “Face the experience with quiet assurance or with a look that reflects stark terror, screaming in anguish all the while. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you faced it, lived it, and did so because your conscience compelled you to act. That is what gives courage its grandeur.”
“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
February 16, 2008
This was a gift from my (conservative) father, before he realized mccain was a beltway insider (i warned him years ago). thought i'd go ahead and read it though since he's probably going to be president. this wasn't as bad as i thought it would be though since he stays away from politics and dissects 'courage' and how the word (or maybe it's the act) has been diluted in present-day whatever-the-subject-is discourse. i think it's just mccain's way of subliminally telling his constituents that he embodies true bravery and everyone else (at least those he opposes, which are non-incumbents) are cowards. he does know the true nature of courage though, so parts of the narrative are actually interesting. so i give it two stars instead of one (even though my copy is autographed with a personal inscription - thanks dad!).
May 3, 2016
"Daniel Webster said, "A sense of duty pursues us ever." There is nowhere to which we can escape our duty, our debt of honor. "If we say the darkness shall cover us, in the darkness as in the light our obligations are yet with us," The longer we live, the better we understand that truth. We all incur debts to others, and the obligations once accepted will trouble the selfish, hardened heart until they are fairly discharged. Our duty will chase us to the grave. So it is the debts we owe to the brave, the obligation to repay courage with courage."
There are some decent thoughts shared in this slim volume as the author talks about examples he knows about and examples of courage he observed during his military service. I think JFK's book, Profiles in Courage will stick with me longer (stories of people who demonstrated courage).
There are some decent thoughts shared in this slim volume as the author talks about examples he knows about and examples of courage he observed during his military service. I think JFK's book, Profiles in Courage will stick with me longer (stories of people who demonstrated courage).
December 31, 2016
This short book tells the tale of six or seven very courageous people with short commentary by McCain in between. The people in this book defied the odds and accomplished the impossible. Each of their stories are unique, and McCain explains how each of them show courage in different ways under different circumstances. One consistency between all of the stories in this book is that each of the heros had strong beliefs that drove them to act in amazing ways in the face of extraordinary challenges. Courage is a hard thing to define, but I think McCain has done more than a fair job of it here, using these people's stories as examples.
The one thing I wish this book told more about was McCain's own courage as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He really down plays his own heroism a great deal in this book..
The one thing I wish this book told more about was McCain's own courage as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He really down plays his own heroism a great deal in this book..
August 17, 2019
I thought that this was a remarkable book, very much an updated "Profiles in Courage". John McCain, ex-POW, the Republican Senator from Arizona, and one-time presidential candidate, speaks from the heart on the subject of courage of all types. He illustrates his opinions with a series of biographies drawn from history and recent times:
Roy Benavidez
Angela Dawson
John Wesley Powell
Chief Manuelito & Barboncito
John Lewis
Hannah Senesh
Aung San Suu Kyi
There are others, perhaps less well-known but no less courageous in their stands. Whether they faced down Nazis or nature, whether it was actively taking a stance or passive civil disobedience, all of them stood up for their convictions when it was not easy, when there was a personal cost. Courage does matter.
Roy Benavidez
Angela Dawson
John Wesley Powell
Chief Manuelito & Barboncito
John Lewis
Hannah Senesh
Aung San Suu Kyi
There are others, perhaps less well-known but no less courageous in their stands. Whether they faced down Nazis or nature, whether it was actively taking a stance or passive civil disobedience, all of them stood up for their convictions when it was not easy, when there was a personal cost. Courage does matter.
January 22, 2016
I found this short book to be a good read, mixing historical context and figures with a philosophical outlook on what courage means. Approaching this book I was prepared to read mostly about courageous figures in American military history, and while a few chapters indeed focus on this very subject, I'm glad Mr. McCain expanded his outlook to humanitarian and civil rights leaders, both American and foreign. I was also impressed with he academic focus on defining courage, such as in the instances of the modernity and courage and the difference between courage through acts of aggression and anger to Ghandian courage. Overall a good mix of history and philosophy!
February 24, 2016
Many will remember McCain for his failed presidential campaign and the Republican Party's huge folly of choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate, but this book is a great reminder that his place in history is more significant than that. He divulges very little about his own experiences as a Navy pilot and Vietnam POW in this book, but sprinkles enough experiences to weave through this collection of stories about individuals who exemplified true courage in the face of adversity. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates learning about inspirational people, or to anyone having a hard time and in need of a reminder that many have suffered much worst fates than them.
February 6, 2008
It doesn't matter what your politics are, this man is a hero. This book is filled with stories of men and women showing extraordinary courage. What does McCain see as the link between them all? Fear. Without fear there is no courage.
What do we owe Mitchell Redcloud, the man who was so injured that he could not stand and had his comrades tie him to a tree so that he could continue to fight for our freedom? We owe him a blood debt and we owe him to never forget his sacrifice.
Redcloud is only one example of heroes who fought for freedom. Teach your children how to be brave!
What do we owe Mitchell Redcloud, the man who was so injured that he could not stand and had his comrades tie him to a tree so that he could continue to fight for our freedom? We owe him a blood debt and we owe him to never forget his sacrifice.
Redcloud is only one example of heroes who fought for freedom. Teach your children how to be brave!
July 22, 2011
Not very flowing. Really talks about how to lead a couragous life. Goes off on tangents. Certain individuals through out history have exemplified, through their actions what courage is really about. Take Hannah Sanesh bright young Jewish girl. She could have gone to school with the other Christian girls but chose the British army instead. Read the book to find out more.
Tremendous book, This book got through the thick "drudge" of war. Must read if you are a military member of any aspect, any generation.
Tremendous book, This book got through the thick "drudge" of war. Must read if you are a military member of any aspect, any generation.
July 30, 2008
While I am taken by the theme and the important message of this collection of stories, it was very difficult to complete (especially about midway through). I really became exhausted from the repetition and some sentences or paragraphs that seemed to never end. This book contains some great stories that I will remember for a long time and, I believe, good intentions, but at times, is very poorly engineered.
November 13, 2008
The book remains bipartisan, not leaning towards any political side. In fact, he does not address any policies at all.
Labeled as an inspirational book, it does just that. However, McCain/Salter seem to examine courage from a few perspectives (mostly military) and reiterate the same points, only with a different story or a rewording (sometimes the same sentences).
The book was very quick to read, and the stories are wonderful, but the real meat of the book was lacking.
Labeled as an inspirational book, it does just that. However, McCain/Salter seem to examine courage from a few perspectives (mostly military) and reiterate the same points, only with a different story or a rewording (sometimes the same sentences).
The book was very quick to read, and the stories are wonderful, but the real meat of the book was lacking.
May 31, 2015
Put the politics aside please. This book is not political. It is about courage.
Sometimes we forget the difference between courage and fear. People with courage have fear, no question, however, "We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite our fears."
We can all learn from this.
Read it.
Sometimes we forget the difference between courage and fear. People with courage have fear, no question, however, "We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite our fears."
We can all learn from this.
Read it.
August 2, 2015
I'm grateful for the lessons learned from the role models John McCain has chosen to discuss in this book.
I am also impressed with the humility with which he speaks some of his own experiences as a POW. He says he doesn't measure up to the courage several of the men he was imprisoned with, and he cannot repay his debt to them.
I am also impressed with the humility with which he speaks some of his own experiences as a POW. He says he doesn't measure up to the courage several of the men he was imprisoned with, and he cannot repay his debt to them.
January 2, 2008
I gave this book three stars because while I liked the stories of courage in the book, the definitions of courage and philosophical musings on courage by the author were clumsy and often incorrect, in my opinion. The different arguments for the meaning of courage weren't always congruent.
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