The Spartan Way: What Modern Men Can Learn from Ancient Warriors

by The Art of Manliness, Brett McKay, Kate McKay

A city the Roman historian Livy called “memorable not for the magnificence of its buildings, but for its discipline”; protected by what the mythical founder of its military described as a “wall of men, instead of bricks”; populated by those who considered themselves the descendants of “Heracles the unconquered” — a tiny warrior community that managed to command the respect of its neighbors and leave a legend for all time — Sparta has intrigued and inspired us for millennia. There is something about this ancient polis that calls to the modern man’s heart. But what, exactly? In this short ebook, we dig past the exaggerated portrayals of Sparta in popular culture, lifting the veil on this mysterious city-state to uncover the real details of how its warriors grew up, trained, fought, and lived out lives of friendship, martial glory, and even humor, music, and manners. The nature of the famousagoge, the importance of the men’s nightly dinners, and the secrets to how the Spartans became such effective warriors are all explained, with an eye towards inspiring the men of modernity to live with greater fierceness, fraternity, and honor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, History, Philosophy, Personal Development

22 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2019

Reviews

[Abdul Raheem · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPARTAN RULES THAT WE CAN USE

Rule #1 – Do What You Say

To build trust your words need to remain congruent to your actions. When you say you’re going to do something you MUST do it. You’ll build self-respect within yourself and with others.

By committing to keeping your word you will begin to think more carefully before accepting a task, instead of saying ‘yes’ but default and then realizing what you’ve agreed to before attempting to squirm out of your newly acquired responsibility.

Rule #2 – Don’t Be Deceptive

An honest life is an easy life to live. Should you choose to manipulate the truth, withhold information, or straight out lie to others you’re essentially creating a false reality in which you have to be very careful to maintain the balance. Can you remember what is real and what is fabricated?

Don’t put yourself through that. Show others respect and be honest.

Rule #3 – Show Up Early

You could be meeting the queen, a new business partner, or even just meeting a friend at the gym, regardless of the circumstances make sure you arrive 5 minutes early. It shows respect and is a basic courtesy.

Let’s look at it this way and see just how big of a deal 10 minutes can be… You’re an interviewer for an internship at a prestigious company

Candidate A shows up 5 minutes early, politely greeting you

Candidate B casually strolls in 5 minutes late

Before you even get to look at their resumes you’re already going to be leaning towards candidate A simply because he was punctual which displayed respect, courtesy, and interest in your time. Candidate B would be considered unorganized.

Rule #4 – Outwork The Competition

Average people will tell you life is about maintaining that perfect balance amongst all aspects of your life. The real winners know that that is merely used as s an excuse by the lazy not to put in the hard yards. If you haven’t reached your goals yet you should be working your ass off to get what you want. You may be accused of being a workaholic now, and be told to ‘lighten up but winners are planning, they’re willing to sacrifice today for tomorrow's betterment. Once you’ve reached your goals you can spend your time however you want. Until then…

Rule #5 – Act With Integrity

Do the right thing. I am a strong believer in karma – what goes around comes around. Humans have morals, there’s no doubt about it. But as soon as an opportunity for personal gain arises our morals can quite often go out the window. Act with integrity and do the right thing every single time. When you do a good deed or make the correct decision for the good of others you will be repaid tenfold later down the road.


Rule #6 – Absorb Information Daily

There are only 24 hours in the day so why waste so many of them on mindless, zombie-like activities? Turn off the TV, log off Facebook, turn off your phone. Absorb some real information – pick up a book and read, write a book, begin to learn a new language, learn how to play an instrument. Do something that stimulates your brain, every single day. Stagnation is death.

Rule #7 – No Cash, no Purchase

This is by far the most basic rule on this list in my eyes. However, it’s the one rule that very few people have under control. You should avoid debt at all costs. Would you rather have that shiny new car and the big house you’re struggling to pay off or the peace of mind knowing you don’t owe anyone a cent? I chose the latter and could not be happier. Live below your means, if you can’t buy it with cash don’t buy it at all, no exceptions.


Rule #8 – Talk Less, Achieve More

Let your success speak for itself. Follow the above rules, work hard and do what you say – don’t waste your time gossiping about others or bragging about your latest achievement or success. When you are truly successful others will tell you – there is no need to cheapen the accomplishment with your own words.

[Kamal · Rating 2 out of 5]

"الجَلدُ أساسُ القوة"
لازم تنشف عشان الحياة ما بتسمّيش على طري.

[رِينْ · Rating 3 out of 5]

أسهم الفرس تحجب الشمس
-وقتها سنقاتل بالظل
كتاب يتخلله الأخطاء ومُشبع بالترفيع للأسبرطيين، و وجدت من المعلومات الجيدة والغير مُفيدة، أرى أن الكتاب يحاول أن يرسخ معلومة "الأسبرطيين مولعين بالثقافة والعلم والفلسفة"

[Zachariah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short but serves as a great overview of what can be gained from aspects of Spartan Culture.

The book delivers what it promises (teaching what Modern Men can learn from Ancient Warriors) in the same style and excellent quality you can expect from the AOM team.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Quick and focused read packed full of great information! Highly recommend giving this one a read of you are looking to improve as a man.

[Amuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was it informative? Absolutely. Interesting? Of course. But it definitely wasn't as thoughtfull and profound as I expected from the authour of such a great blog.

[Tim Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The courage of the Spartans was not born of feeling, but discipline.
It was not an emotion, but a habit."

[حسام · Rating 2 out of 5]

بعيداً عن التلميع والتجميل والاعجاب لاسلوب حياة الاسبارطيين فهم شعب وجد للحرب ويتنفس الحرب وعاش للحرب ولاجل الحرب هي حرفته وصنعته ومجده ...

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely short book that made me want read more about the Spartans!

A mysterious and hardy group, yet so much for moderns (especially men) to learn from in the areas of discipline & virtue

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Read, But Good Read

For a quick over view of what made the society of Ancient Sparta tick, this book is a good, quick read.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Superstition born out of frustration and based on shallow knowledge.

[Nicolas Carreño · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable primer on Sparta. It reads easily and the colorful descriptions and references give you a brief glance into the important aspects of Spartan culture and motivate you to read further.

[Franco Buhay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read detailing life in ancient Sparta and how we as modern men can benefit from emulating their values.

[Mandino Tan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read on the philosophy on Spartans. Their way of living and virtues they hold on to. The culture they create to create a brotherhood and disciplines instilled to cut out distractions.

They mastered being a warrior, not farming or pottery.

That was their identity.

They were trained since young in other areas in life as well, such as in reading, writing, dancing, singing, rhetoric, as well as in manners and virtues.

Virtues such as courage, toughness and discipline.

Find this quite insightful and can see many areas of my life where I can implement my own habits and culture.

Click here for the entire summary: https://www.notion.so/mandino/The-Spa...

[Tapani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too small, not enough value for money

For such a small book it offers little knowledge that you can't just use Google for and find for free. In fact, it spends more time referencing other books than offering anything valuable.

Spoiler: Spartans are gritty, silent professionals, master warriors, witty and courageous.

It's not a one star because I can't remember how much I paid for it. It's worth 4 dollars in my opinion and I think I might have paid that much for it.

[Jesse N · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting facts and descriptions concerning the Spartan way of life, I suppose I'm glad that the author avoided any "board room battle" talk or tips about "saving your pithy remarks for the water cooler", but the book really doesn't offer any modern lessons...

I don't know why I read this.

thanks

[Kent R. Spillner · Rating 1 out of 5]

A 22 page “CliffNotes” summary of other books isn’t very manly

There’s nothing manly about this brochure. It’s just a 22 page summary of other books, but mostly Paul Rahe’s “The Spartan Regime”. Modern men wishing to actually learn about the Spartan way of life should read that book instead.

[Estifanos · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯 ’𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬; 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦: “𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. ” 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵.

[Waldir F. Reccanello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apesar de bastante superficial (o autor poderia ter aprofundado bem mais alguns pontos importantes de sua obra), o livro trouxe algumas informações que me eram desconhecidas acerca dos espartanos e de Esparta. Então, e só por isso, valeu a leitura.

[Gerald · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is more like a magazine article then a book. Only 3 short chapters.

[Dylan Hobrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great book. A lot of fun. Short, and really epic. It shows all the qualities of a great hero. And it makes me feel like a hero myself

[Rodolfo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough, to the point, overview into the lifestyle of one of the most remarkable societies to ever exist. Absolutely recommend it, it can be read in one sitting and very informative!

[Tim Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read. Learned a ton about the Spartans I never knew. Fascinating group and country.

[Piotr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short booklet on Spartans. Easy to read and based on great sources. A good starting point to explore the topic.

[Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cultivate discipline.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️

[Conner Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short and interesting investigation in to the Spartan mindset and culture. However, it doesn’t really give any true details. It serves as a good introduction to Spartan Philosophy

[Dax Silliker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but short read.

[Mohammed · Rating 4 out of 5]

وَيَنشَأُ ناشِئُ الفِتيانِ مِنّا عَلى ما كانَ عَوَّدَهُ أَبوهُ
"عد حاملاً درعك أو محمولاً عليه"

فهم يأتون كالقدر، بلا سبب ولا علة، ولا حيثية ولا حجة، يحضرون بسرعة كالبرق، بكل هولهم وفجائيتهم وإقتناعهم، هؤلاء المنظمون بالفطرة لا يعرفون ما هو الغلط ولا ما هي المسؤولية والمراعاة.... "افضل تعريف للإنسان الحديث"
نيتشه

في ظل الميوعه الحديثة كتاب مثل هذا يعتبر من الخيال، إسبرطة مدينة عُرفت بقدراتها الحربية والإنظباط، الكاتب يعرض لنا صورة بهتت وفقدت بريقها في أذهاننا حتى لا نتصور وجودها.

إسبرطة أُعتبرت ان الرجولة تربية تمر عبر مراحل تبدأ من سن الثالثة عشرة يتم تنشئة الطفل على كل الظروف القاسية ولا يصل لمرحلة الأكفاء او الأنداد إلا بمشقة، ولتكون من الأنداد فهذه درجة عليك ان تستحقها ولا تأتي فقط بمجرد حادثة الولادة.
هكذا عكست لنا إسبرطة هذا التنوع والخصوبة الموجودة في العالم، فها هم خُدم آريس -إله الحرب- ينتصبون مشدودي العضلات على أهبة الاستعداد، بالقسوة لا غير يمكن شحذ كل الأحاسيس المرهفة والملكات الحيوية ولا نبعتد عن تراجيديا الحياة فنفتقد ملكة تحمل المعاناة.
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"الجَلَدُ أساس القوة"
"إبق الرجال مشغولين. إذا لم يكن هناك شغل، أوجده. حين يحظي الجنود بوقت للكلام يتحول كلامهم إلى خوف. الفعل، في الطرف المقابل، يولّد رغبة فعل المزيد"
"لم يكنوا أي احترام للجندي الذي يقاتل في سورة غضب لإعتقادهم أن الاستعراض الحربي والصخب يضمران خوف المحارب وفقدانه رباطة جأشه وتشتت سجيته"
"لا تفرن يوم الزحف أبداً، ومهما كانت جموع العدو فاثبت في الصفوف، انتصر أو مت"
"تتساءلون "ما هو حَسن؟" أن تكون باسلاً فذلك حَسن." نيتشه
"عليكم أن تحبوا السلم كوسيلة لحروب جديدة، والقصيرة من تلك السلم أكثر من الطويلة." نيتشه
لعلّ نيتشه في كتاباته كان واضعا إسبرطة كنموذج له للرجولة
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مجرد اسقاطات مني على قراءتي لهذا الكتاب، ليس بالضرورة تكون أحكامي صحيحة، فقط في ليلة أرق هبطت على من السماء هذه الإسقاطات لا تأخذها على محمل الجد.

[Eman⚝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

مِن الرِّجال من جَسروا على الوُقوف بجانب بعض والمضي إلى وطيس المعركة؛ يَموت بَعضهم ويحمي البقية الحَشد من خلفهم. لكن مِن الرجال الرعادي الذين خسروا كل الفضائل. لا يمكن للأمر وَصف حالهم بالكلمات فقط ولا إحصاء الشرور المُتهاطلة عَلى رجلٍ منهم حين يُقاسي العار، فَلو أن هَذا المَبدأ عُمل فيه لكلٍ منّا لإبعاد الخِزي والعَار عَن نَفسه لنَمت المَواهب ولتفتَّحت الأفق، ولَبات الانضباط أساس كل فرد.

«كان الإسبرطيون خَدم إله الحَرب لا الثَّروة، وكَانوا أهل الحرب وسَادتها لا صَانعوا فخَّار ولَهم هَمٌ وَاحد في الحَياة وهو أنْ يجنو سُمعةَ البَسالة.»

كانوا الرجال الوَحيدين في العَالم التي تَجلب لهم الحَرب وقت رَاحة للتدرب عَلى الحَرب، وكَانت الشجاعة عند الإسبرطي وَليدة الانضباط لا الشَّعور، أي هي ليست عَاطفة بل عَادة.