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Way of The Spartan: Life Lessons To Strengthen Your Character, Build Mental Toughness, Mindset, Self Discipline & A Healthy Body
Why Most People Will Never Be Great
The world we are living in today is a toxic place. Modern society is soft, unfit and mentally weak...And there is so much dissatisfaction with life.
If you're reading this I know you probably want more from life.
Save Yourself From Destruction - The Spartan WayThe Spartans will be forever known as strong warriors, with a simple philosophy of life. Their heroic legacies live on through films and stories. But modern society has fallen far from them.
We are now infected with worriers, wimps and whiners. Of course we no longer live in the days where our heads could be decapitated by an axe wielding enemy. But there are still wars to fight. Not wars against armies but wars against our demons and struggles.
There is a lot to learn from The Spartans They were born with nothing in a harsh world thousands of years ago. But that didn’t mean they would become no one. By building a better mind, body and living the Spartan way you'll become a stronger and a better person for this life.
Whether you're an executive seeking to climb the ladder or a student pushing towards better grades. You could even be a parent looking to guide their children.
This book will help to succeed, make you stronger and teach you much more. Inside you will discover
Spartan Mental Toughness - Lessons from The Legendary Warriors The Real History of The 300 SpartansHow to Build an Aesthetic & Lean Spartan Body! (no gym required) Warrior Secrets to Staying Motivated, Strong & Persistent Spartan Life Principles To Live By For A Successful & Happy LifeAnd much, much more...Now you could stay in bed all day watching TV and that's just fine. But that's a below average life and it's not going to make you happy....You have to dare to be great!
Live your legacy, the Spartan Way.
Let's begin now.
The world we are living in today is a toxic place. Modern society is soft, unfit and mentally weak...And there is so much dissatisfaction with life.
If you're reading this I know you probably want more from life.
Save Yourself From Destruction - The Spartan WayThe Spartans will be forever known as strong warriors, with a simple philosophy of life. Their heroic legacies live on through films and stories. But modern society has fallen far from them.
We are now infected with worriers, wimps and whiners. Of course we no longer live in the days where our heads could be decapitated by an axe wielding enemy. But there are still wars to fight. Not wars against armies but wars against our demons and struggles.
There is a lot to learn from The Spartans They were born with nothing in a harsh world thousands of years ago. But that didn’t mean they would become no one. By building a better mind, body and living the Spartan way you'll become a stronger and a better person for this life.
Whether you're an executive seeking to climb the ladder or a student pushing towards better grades. You could even be a parent looking to guide their children.
This book will help to succeed, make you stronger and teach you much more. Inside you will discover
Spartan Mental Toughness - Lessons from The Legendary Warriors The Real History of The 300 SpartansHow to Build an Aesthetic & Lean Spartan Body! (no gym required) Warrior Secrets to Staying Motivated, Strong & Persistent Spartan Life Principles To Live By For A Successful & Happy LifeAnd much, much more...Now you could stay in bed all day watching TV and that's just fine. But that's a below average life and it's not going to make you happy....You have to dare to be great!
Live your legacy, the Spartan Way.
Let's begin now.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 26, 2021
[I received a review copy of this from BookSirens and finished it a month ago but it wasn’t loaded on here yet]
Before anything “Sparta” is to be accepted as fact, “The only histories of Sparta are from the writings of Xenophon, Thucydides, Herodotus and Plutarch, none of whom were Spartans.” (Wikipedia), and Plutarch was writing 300 years after Sparta dissolved. This is a book inspired by a fictional movie (300) that was inspired by a comic book (300) that was inspired by a fictional movie (The 300 Spartans, 1962) … a rather politically colored story embellishing the existing myth. Why does this matter? You'll find quotes from the 2006 movie in here: "The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed.” This is like “quoting” Tolkien by reciting something from the satirical mockeries of Peter Jackson, or not unlike the Texas Alamo myths. Maybe 300 Spartans did stay behind but they also volun-told their several hundred slaves to stay, and missing in the myth are the actual 1,000 or so Greeks who also stayed. (The common perspective is that the Spartans had better PR.) But also left out of the myth is that at Sphacteria, the Spartans surrendered. AND, the Thebans kicked Spartan ass at least three times when the Spartans outnumbered them. But the myth is more epic, and sells better.
The author says "The Spartans became strong and powerful due to their harsh and extreme training methods which would turn boys into soldiers." This is misleading, implying that boys had military training. Dr. Roel Konijnendijk says "Everyday Spartan training, as we know from several surviving detailed accounts, amounted to nothing more than athletic exercise under the supervision of older citizens. Boys were underfed and harshly treated, encouraged to sneak and steal, and taught to endure all hardship in strict obedience to their superiors – but they were not, at any point, taught to fight.[…] There is also zero evidence that boys, who were not yet of age to be liable for military service, were taught formation drill. What we do have is evidence that citizen boys would be taught to read, write, dance, and recite poetry. Even when they grew up, they would not be soldiers; Sparta had no military, and fighting was a civic duty, not a profession.” Konijnendijk also notes that "Stephen Hodkinson refers to the stereotypical image of Sparta as the “theme park version” and has completely debunked the myths that we find in old scholarship and modern pop culture." Dr. K also says "And the most incredible tales of Spartan ruthlessness and single-minded obsession with warfare were actually written in the days of the Roman Empire – centuries after Sparta was beaten in war by the city-state of Thebes and reduced to the status of second-rate power."
But, this review should be about the book and the theme of the book, however mythologized, is only inspiration, right? Well, due to the nature of that theme, caution is dictated, but not by the author. Not once is any mentioned. "Try intermittent fasting which involves fasting for sixteen to eighteen hours each day." Yet no “seek medical advice first”. Of something a mixed martial artist used: "Later he asked his brother to roll him up in a carpet for over ten minutes in the summer heat. He was essentially being suffocated in extreme heat. This act helped him to get comfortable with his fear." It shouldn't have to be said, but really, do not try this at home.
On some exercises: "Perform a downward facing dog pose. Hold it and flex side to side. ● Perform a child pose. Move around your shoulders. ● Perform a warrior one and warrior two pose. Hold it for four breaths." No explanation, description or anything about those terms so the reader has to go look them up.
Another unqualified recommendation has to do with a diet, paleo-ish: "Low sugars, low carbs and high protein." Harvard anthropologist Dr. Christina Warinner says there are "No known anatomical, physiological, or genetic adaptations to meat consumption - Human adaptation has been toward plant eating."
You'll find unsourced claims ("They loved their wives, families and comrades with an open heart", "Spartans focused only on conversations that nourished the soul and strengthened their spirit.") that fit the narrative. And other debunked claims in his Spartan Life Principles section, "Spartan armies were famous for overpowering much larger ones." (And they lost to Thebans who had smaller armies.), "The Spartans were famous for never surrendering." And yet… Sphacteria.
So… take with a healthy handful of salt grains, pick and choose the things that make sense to you, research any of these (and really, any program like this) recommendations, and above all exercise care in attempting anything extreme.
Before anything “Sparta” is to be accepted as fact, “The only histories of Sparta are from the writings of Xenophon, Thucydides, Herodotus and Plutarch, none of whom were Spartans.” (Wikipedia), and Plutarch was writing 300 years after Sparta dissolved. This is a book inspired by a fictional movie (300) that was inspired by a comic book (300) that was inspired by a fictional movie (The 300 Spartans, 1962) … a rather politically colored story embellishing the existing myth. Why does this matter? You'll find quotes from the 2006 movie in here: "The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed.” This is like “quoting” Tolkien by reciting something from the satirical mockeries of Peter Jackson, or not unlike the Texas Alamo myths. Maybe 300 Spartans did stay behind but they also volun-told their several hundred slaves to stay, and missing in the myth are the actual 1,000 or so Greeks who also stayed. (The common perspective is that the Spartans had better PR.) But also left out of the myth is that at Sphacteria, the Spartans surrendered. AND, the Thebans kicked Spartan ass at least three times when the Spartans outnumbered them. But the myth is more epic, and sells better.
The author says "The Spartans became strong and powerful due to their harsh and extreme training methods which would turn boys into soldiers." This is misleading, implying that boys had military training. Dr. Roel Konijnendijk says "Everyday Spartan training, as we know from several surviving detailed accounts, amounted to nothing more than athletic exercise under the supervision of older citizens. Boys were underfed and harshly treated, encouraged to sneak and steal, and taught to endure all hardship in strict obedience to their superiors – but they were not, at any point, taught to fight.[…] There is also zero evidence that boys, who were not yet of age to be liable for military service, were taught formation drill. What we do have is evidence that citizen boys would be taught to read, write, dance, and recite poetry. Even when they grew up, they would not be soldiers; Sparta had no military, and fighting was a civic duty, not a profession.” Konijnendijk also notes that "Stephen Hodkinson refers to the stereotypical image of Sparta as the “theme park version” and has completely debunked the myths that we find in old scholarship and modern pop culture." Dr. K also says "And the most incredible tales of Spartan ruthlessness and single-minded obsession with warfare were actually written in the days of the Roman Empire – centuries after Sparta was beaten in war by the city-state of Thebes and reduced to the status of second-rate power."
But, this review should be about the book and the theme of the book, however mythologized, is only inspiration, right? Well, due to the nature of that theme, caution is dictated, but not by the author. Not once is any mentioned. "Try intermittent fasting which involves fasting for sixteen to eighteen hours each day." Yet no “seek medical advice first”. Of something a mixed martial artist used: "Later he asked his brother to roll him up in a carpet for over ten minutes in the summer heat. He was essentially being suffocated in extreme heat. This act helped him to get comfortable with his fear." It shouldn't have to be said, but really, do not try this at home.
On some exercises: "Perform a downward facing dog pose. Hold it and flex side to side. ● Perform a child pose. Move around your shoulders. ● Perform a warrior one and warrior two pose. Hold it for four breaths." No explanation, description or anything about those terms so the reader has to go look them up.
Another unqualified recommendation has to do with a diet, paleo-ish: "Low sugars, low carbs and high protein." Harvard anthropologist Dr. Christina Warinner says there are "No known anatomical, physiological, or genetic adaptations to meat consumption - Human adaptation has been toward plant eating."
You'll find unsourced claims ("They loved their wives, families and comrades with an open heart", "Spartans focused only on conversations that nourished the soul and strengthened their spirit.") that fit the narrative. And other debunked claims in his Spartan Life Principles section, "Spartan armies were famous for overpowering much larger ones." (And they lost to Thebans who had smaller armies.), "The Spartans were famous for never surrendering." And yet… Sphacteria.
So… take with a healthy handful of salt grains, pick and choose the things that make sense to you, research any of these (and really, any program like this) recommendations, and above all exercise care in attempting anything extreme.
November 20, 2021
Way of the Spartan delves deep into how the Spartans lived and how they trained themselves to become strong in mind and body. Of course, the author does not advocate that we use the exact approach. But he encourages us to make use of the principles that governed the lives of the Spartans.
He makes an interesting point that the conveniences of modern life are making humans lazy and weak. He says we need to break free of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves so that we can grow and live more fulfilling lives.
Full of practical advice, the book is easy to read and understand. It's the execution that isn't going to be easy because you need discipline and willpower to make it work. The author gives us some tips to develop a structure for our days, too.
I think the author leaves the best for the last. In the end, he gives us a few bodyweight workout routines to work every muscle group in the body.
I left the book feeling motivated and upbeat. But as the author says, motivation comes and goes. What matters is how you execute what you learn.
It's a short book with good advice that you can implement little by little to improve your life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
He makes an interesting point that the conveniences of modern life are making humans lazy and weak. He says we need to break free of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves so that we can grow and live more fulfilling lives.
Full of practical advice, the book is easy to read and understand. It's the execution that isn't going to be easy because you need discipline and willpower to make it work. The author gives us some tips to develop a structure for our days, too.
I think the author leaves the best for the last. In the end, he gives us a few bodyweight workout routines to work every muscle group in the body.
I left the book feeling motivated and upbeat. But as the author says, motivation comes and goes. What matters is how you execute what you learn.
It's a short book with good advice that you can implement little by little to improve your life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2022
Having learned a bit about modern stoicism, the information in Way of the Spartan felt like a review of many of the beliefs and principles found in stoicism. That being said, this book had some good tips and information in it, but it seemed very brief and simplistic. I think the book could better connect with readers if it shared personal stories of how the author or others overcame various barriers and bad habits in their lives by following the beliefs and practices outlined in the book. That would help folks who maybe aren’t as regimented or naturally adept at setting goals and leading more structured, healthier lives as they try to overcome situations in which they may be in poor health and/or trying to overcome years or even decades of unhealthy habits.
I genuinely would like to thank the author and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read an advance review for free. This is my voluntary, honest review.
I genuinely would like to thank the author and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read an advance review for free. This is my voluntary, honest review.
December 1, 2021
This was an interesting approach to the usual motivational books.
I did enjoy the easy tips on staying motivated and focused.
-Making a plan of tasks through the day, week, month, etc.
-setting aside phones, social media, and tv
-exercising regularly
-eating well
My issue was some of the more specific tips; especially those for exercise and eating. The author makes some comments that I feel are contradictory and potentially dangerous if one doesn’t speak to a doctor first.
This book is a good starting point, I feel, but it should definitely not be the only book for staying positive and healthy that one should read.
I enjoyed the history that was integrated into the novel as well. The tales of the Spartans were well used to drive points home and to get the readers attention.
I did enjoy the easy tips on staying motivated and focused.
-Making a plan of tasks through the day, week, month, etc.
-setting aside phones, social media, and tv
-exercising regularly
-eating well
My issue was some of the more specific tips; especially those for exercise and eating. The author makes some comments that I feel are contradictory and potentially dangerous if one doesn’t speak to a doctor first.
This book is a good starting point, I feel, but it should definitely not be the only book for staying positive and healthy that one should read.
I enjoyed the history that was integrated into the novel as well. The tales of the Spartans were well used to drive points home and to get the readers attention.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews