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Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won't: Wisdom from Momma and 35 Years at NASA
Manners matter. But what are they, exactly? With Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t , Donald James goes beyond handshakes and thank-you notes to explain how the true definition of manners is the authentic and genuine way we show up in the world. With inspiring and thought-provoking stories from his 35 years in public affairs and education at NASA, and guided by the lessons his mother taught him, Donald explains how having good manners is a key ingredient to finding purpose, fulfillment, and meaning in business and in life. With an engaging foreword by Congressman Eric Swalwell, Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t represents a call to dignity and etiquette at a time in our history when those qualities matter more than ever. The book is an essential guide for recent graduates, young professionals, mentors, human resource managers, and anyone who wants to build fulfilling and meaningful relationships at work and elsewhere.
283 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2021
27 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 25, 2022
I picked this up simply because it had NASA in the title and the tile overall sounded very intriguing. I wasn't prepared to be as intrigued by the learning experience. I've thought for a long time that any time of "self help/self learning" kind of book wasn't for me but this definitely was for me. Manners has always been something I've found interesting and been wanting to get better at and this was a perfect start. Gives a lot of tips and wasn't boring or "to much". Need to see if I can find more books taking this kind of route as I found it very interesting to learn and listen to
February 18, 2021
The best gift for your graduate. The best gift for yourself.
I’ve read many books about personal development and leadership, but there’s something that only now I realize was missing. Manners. Really. The author, Donald James, who had a distinguished career at NASA, also had a wonderful and wise Momma who helped him understand himself, the world, and how to treat people. Momma’s 8 Rules are timeless, and her son provides a pathway for us to navigate Momma’s Rules in many different modern settings and contexts.
This is not a book about which fork to use! James says manners are “a way of being rooted in your essence.” It is about showing up as genuine and authentic. Yes and yes! But that small voice in my head is also saying - I’m not naturally good at this like you are! Thankfully, James, who has spent a lifetime practicing good manners, has the humility to admit to his occasional missteps, and demonstrate what he learned from them. He also shows up as a kind of coach, rooting for the reader! That sure helped me feel more comfortable trying the challenges James suggested, and practicing what good manners require - to be present and, gulp, be vulnerable.
Despite my initial cynicism, I soon found myself unable to put the book down. The content, woven together with uplifting, funny, and sometimes heart wrenching personal stories was refreshing, engaging, and helped me gain a new perspective. The “Committee in your head,” “Giving versus Paying Attention,” “Authentic Presence,” and of course, the “Pink Suit” gave me plenty of aha moments! “The Success Illusion” was perhaps the biggest revelation and the greatest comfort. After all the books I’ve read about “success” I’m still shaking my head!
Who is this book for? First off, this should be required reading for graduates. I’m sending my son a copy, who will soon finish college. There’s a fair amount of coverage on interviewing and first jobs, and even how to gracefully handle the handshake question in the age of COVID. Also, since James was in a position of leadership and management, how he handled interviews with candidates and difficult conversations with staff would be instructive for an entrepreneur, business owner, or manager. Since many of us are still struggling with how to navigate this new and isolating COVID world, we could benefit from Momma’s Rules right now! Finally, if you seek more meaning and fulfillment, this book is for you.
NASA values excellence, integrity, and curiosity, qualities that require the removal of your ego. James, who rose through the ranks of NASA, is a masterful and gentle guide into the sometimes scary territory of personal growth. Eric Swalwell calls James a “quiet hero,” and this is coming from the Congressman who once upon a time knocked on the author’s door to ask for his vote. We need more of that today, and this book is a good place to start growing more young leaders, and refining the minds and hearts of those of us who have been around the block, but are still willing to learn.
I’ve read many books about personal development and leadership, but there’s something that only now I realize was missing. Manners. Really. The author, Donald James, who had a distinguished career at NASA, also had a wonderful and wise Momma who helped him understand himself, the world, and how to treat people. Momma’s 8 Rules are timeless, and her son provides a pathway for us to navigate Momma’s Rules in many different modern settings and contexts.
This is not a book about which fork to use! James says manners are “a way of being rooted in your essence.” It is about showing up as genuine and authentic. Yes and yes! But that small voice in my head is also saying - I’m not naturally good at this like you are! Thankfully, James, who has spent a lifetime practicing good manners, has the humility to admit to his occasional missteps, and demonstrate what he learned from them. He also shows up as a kind of coach, rooting for the reader! That sure helped me feel more comfortable trying the challenges James suggested, and practicing what good manners require - to be present and, gulp, be vulnerable.
Despite my initial cynicism, I soon found myself unable to put the book down. The content, woven together with uplifting, funny, and sometimes heart wrenching personal stories was refreshing, engaging, and helped me gain a new perspective. The “Committee in your head,” “Giving versus Paying Attention,” “Authentic Presence,” and of course, the “Pink Suit” gave me plenty of aha moments! “The Success Illusion” was perhaps the biggest revelation and the greatest comfort. After all the books I’ve read about “success” I’m still shaking my head!
Who is this book for? First off, this should be required reading for graduates. I’m sending my son a copy, who will soon finish college. There’s a fair amount of coverage on interviewing and first jobs, and even how to gracefully handle the handshake question in the age of COVID. Also, since James was in a position of leadership and management, how he handled interviews with candidates and difficult conversations with staff would be instructive for an entrepreneur, business owner, or manager. Since many of us are still struggling with how to navigate this new and isolating COVID world, we could benefit from Momma’s Rules right now! Finally, if you seek more meaning and fulfillment, this book is for you.
NASA values excellence, integrity, and curiosity, qualities that require the removal of your ego. James, who rose through the ranks of NASA, is a masterful and gentle guide into the sometimes scary territory of personal growth. Eric Swalwell calls James a “quiet hero,” and this is coming from the Congressman who once upon a time knocked on the author’s door to ask for his vote. We need more of that today, and this book is a good place to start growing more young leaders, and refining the minds and hearts of those of us who have been around the block, but are still willing to learn.
February 25, 2021
This is a terrific book for anyone starting in the workforce or looking to change jobs. It’s also a primer for young people starting the interview process for a job or college.
Mr. James has used his Momma’s wisdom as a guide to the manners we all need to get through life successfully. His anecdotes are perfect examples and he has the humility to share the times that he himself has erred.
This book offers us the opportunity to recognize some of the bad habits that we are letting slip into our lives with so much dependence on digital devices. The author reminds us of the importance of engaging others in conversation through truly listening and he gives us tool for doing that.
I liked the real life examples from his years working at NASA but also found the references to other sources for further skill development, helpful.
This would also be a great book for a parent and a high school junior or senior to both read. I realize that it’s a bit unrealistic to ask but maybe even just a few chapters would allow them to have a conversation, not focused on parental expectations and examples of work life, but on Mr. James’s successes and his errors.
Overall, I found this to be a very readable book with excellent advice offered gently and supportively. And, as a plus, the NASA stories are very entertaining!
Mr. James has used his Momma’s wisdom as a guide to the manners we all need to get through life successfully. His anecdotes are perfect examples and he has the humility to share the times that he himself has erred.
This book offers us the opportunity to recognize some of the bad habits that we are letting slip into our lives with so much dependence on digital devices. The author reminds us of the importance of engaging others in conversation through truly listening and he gives us tool for doing that.
I liked the real life examples from his years working at NASA but also found the references to other sources for further skill development, helpful.
This would also be a great book for a parent and a high school junior or senior to both read. I realize that it’s a bit unrealistic to ask but maybe even just a few chapters would allow them to have a conversation, not focused on parental expectations and examples of work life, but on Mr. James’s successes and his errors.
Overall, I found this to be a very readable book with excellent advice offered gently and supportively. And, as a plus, the NASA stories are very entertaining!
August 24, 2021
What the modern world needs. This is handbook to replace Carnegie's How to Win Friends ans Influence People. Manners is authentic, from the heart writing and wisdom to be absorbed. Will get a copy for each of my kids.
March 31, 2025
I picked up the book #Manners after attending a speech by Mr. Donald G. James where he eloquently shared his life experiences and lessons from his 35-year professional career. In '#Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t', he presents these insights in a structured and engaging manner, centering them around the eight cardinal rules of his mother, which he calls "#Momma’s #Rules."
Throughout the book, he weaves personal anecdotes with these timeless principles, the importance of #respect, #integrity, and #kindness. One of the most impactful quotes that stayed with me was:
"Manners are the invisible currency that can open doors you never even knew existed."
The book serves as a powerful reminder that #intelligence and #wealth alone are not enough—how we treat others defines our true success. Another lesson that resonated deeply was:
"#Listening is not just about #hearing words; it's about making the other person feel #valued."
Reading this book felt like having a heartfelt conversation with the author. Many of his experiences mirrored my own, making the lessons even more relatable. Overall, this is a must-read for people of all ages and walks of life, offering practical wisdom on the power of good manners in shaping both personal and professional success.
https://amzn.to/4jeQg0Y
Throughout the book, he weaves personal anecdotes with these timeless principles, the importance of #respect, #integrity, and #kindness. One of the most impactful quotes that stayed with me was:
"Manners are the invisible currency that can open doors you never even knew existed."
The book serves as a powerful reminder that #intelligence and #wealth alone are not enough—how we treat others defines our true success. Another lesson that resonated deeply was:
"#Listening is not just about #hearing words; it's about making the other person feel #valued."
Reading this book felt like having a heartfelt conversation with the author. Many of his experiences mirrored my own, making the lessons even more relatable. Overall, this is a must-read for people of all ages and walks of life, offering practical wisdom on the power of good manners in shaping both personal and professional success.
https://amzn.to/4jeQg0Y
March 29, 2022
This was an amazing book. Plainspoken advice from the author's momma and personal anecdotes illustrating the points. He is insightful with just the right amount of self-deprecation to know he isn't prideful. Recommended for everyone. This world could really use some of momma's advice.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews