What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made
This instant New York Times bestseller is an “inspiring and useful” (The Washington Post) guide to the art of leadership from David Gergen—former White House adviser to four US presidents, CNN analyst, and founder of the Harvard Center for Public Leadership.As nations careen from one crisis to the next, there is a growing cry for fresh leadership. Those in charge have relatedly fallen short, and trust in institutions have plummeted. So, what does great leadership look like? And how are great leaders made? David Gergen, a leader in the public arena for more than half a century, draws from his experiences as a White House adviser to four presidents, his decades as a trusted voice on national issues, and years of teaching and mentoring young people to offer a stirring playbook for the next generation of change-makers. To uncover the fundamental elements of effective leadership, Gergen traves the journeys of iconic leaders past and present, from pathbreakers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Lewis, John McCain, and Harvey Milk to historic icons like Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, to contemporary game changers like Greta Thunberg, the Parkland students, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Leadership is a journey that starts from within, Gergen writes. A leader must become self-aware and then achieve self-mastery. You cannot lead others until you can lead yourself. As you start to leap into the world, you begin your outer journey, overcoming setbacks, persuading others, empowering them, and navigating crises—armed with a sense of history, humor, passion, and purpose. By linking lessons of the past with the ever-changing practice of leadership today, Gergen reveals the time-tested secrets of dynamic leadership. A “clarion call for lives dedicated to service and leadership” (Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Leadership), Hearts Touched with Fire distills experience and wisdom of the past into an invaluable guide for leaders of our future.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
221 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
David Gergen
11 books24 followersDavid Richmond Gergen was an American political commentator and longtime presidential adviser who served during the administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He was later a senior political analyst for CNN and a professor of public service and the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. Gergen was also the former editor at large of U.S. News & World Report and a contributor to CNN and Parade Magazine. He was twice a member of election coverage teams that won Peabody awards: in 1988 with MacNeil–Lehrer (now PBS News Hour), and in 2008 with CNN.
Gergen joined the Nixon White House in 1971, as a staff assistant on the speech-writing team, becoming director of speechwriting two years later. He served as director of communications for both Ford and Reagan, and as a senior adviser to Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher. He graduated with honors from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and was awarded 27 honorary degrees.
Gergen joined the Nixon White House in 1971, as a staff assistant on the speech-writing team, becoming director of speechwriting two years later. He served as director of communications for both Ford and Reagan, and as a senior adviser to Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher. He graduated with honors from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and was awarded 27 honorary degrees.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 13, 2022
I certainly did not need to add one more book on leadership to the dozens I’ve consumed over 40 years, but I’m so glad I did. David Gergen’s Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made is an authoritative, engaging treatise on both Gergen’s own leadership activity throughout his career, and his close, firsthand witnessing of raw leadership as practiced in four separate government administrations. That he was invited by four presidents to play various advisory and administrative roles is testimony to his knowledge, trustworthiness, and overall credentials for writing such a book.
Gergen takes the title of his book from words spoken by Oliver Wendell Holmes as he talked about “how military service inspired his generation.” Holmes said: “Through our great good fortune, in our youth, our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing.” In addition, Gergen structures his book according to the teachings of Joseph Campbell, “a prominent professor of comparative mythology and religion.”
Drawing from those teachings, Gergen’s particular concept is that great leaders are born from a two-part journey—an inner journey and an outer journey. The inner journey is all about building self-awareness and self-mastery and identifying one’s values. Vehicles critical to the inner journey come in the form of crucibles of experience, or life’s hardships and the lasting impact they create. “Crucibles,” says Gergen, “have the potential to instill in us great moral purpose and an opportunity to solidify our goals.” On the other hand, the external-facing outer journey relates to developing awareness of others and social skills such that one can build effective relationships. Thus, part one of the book covers the inner journey and incudes chapters such as “Becoming the Author of Your Own Life” and “Surviving the Flaming Crucible,” whereas chapters on the outer journey include “Leading Your Team” and The Art of Public Persuasion.”
Since Gergen has an enduring interest in history and is a founding director of the Center for Public Leadership, his book is replete with countless examples illustrating the experience of leaders in the making, from as early as Odysseus to leaders in recent wars, modern corporations, and current politics. Gergen also acknowledges emerging leaders in a new generation, such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. It is the fusion of inner and outer journeys that enables leaders to take action to fulfill the “ultimate goal…of getting big things done.” In addition, Gergen describes qualities that can differentiate first-class leaders from good leaders. The former have the ability to learn from history, use humor as a wavelength to connect with others, and live in an integrated fashion that aligns work life and personal life. Lastly, a thoughtful chapter towards the end of the book is an executive summary of “20 Key Takeaways.”
Hearts Touched With Fire guides readers “through the leadership landscape,” drawing from history already made and history in the making. Gergen’s prose is characterized by elegance and lucidity, his perspectives by simplicity and clarity. This book is required reading for students and scholars of leadership across all generations.
Gergen takes the title of his book from words spoken by Oliver Wendell Holmes as he talked about “how military service inspired his generation.” Holmes said: “Through our great good fortune, in our youth, our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing.” In addition, Gergen structures his book according to the teachings of Joseph Campbell, “a prominent professor of comparative mythology and religion.”
Drawing from those teachings, Gergen’s particular concept is that great leaders are born from a two-part journey—an inner journey and an outer journey. The inner journey is all about building self-awareness and self-mastery and identifying one’s values. Vehicles critical to the inner journey come in the form of crucibles of experience, or life’s hardships and the lasting impact they create. “Crucibles,” says Gergen, “have the potential to instill in us great moral purpose and an opportunity to solidify our goals.” On the other hand, the external-facing outer journey relates to developing awareness of others and social skills such that one can build effective relationships. Thus, part one of the book covers the inner journey and incudes chapters such as “Becoming the Author of Your Own Life” and “Surviving the Flaming Crucible,” whereas chapters on the outer journey include “Leading Your Team” and The Art of Public Persuasion.”
Since Gergen has an enduring interest in history and is a founding director of the Center for Public Leadership, his book is replete with countless examples illustrating the experience of leaders in the making, from as early as Odysseus to leaders in recent wars, modern corporations, and current politics. Gergen also acknowledges emerging leaders in a new generation, such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. It is the fusion of inner and outer journeys that enables leaders to take action to fulfill the “ultimate goal…of getting big things done.” In addition, Gergen describes qualities that can differentiate first-class leaders from good leaders. The former have the ability to learn from history, use humor as a wavelength to connect with others, and live in an integrated fashion that aligns work life and personal life. Lastly, a thoughtful chapter towards the end of the book is an executive summary of “20 Key Takeaways.”
Hearts Touched With Fire guides readers “through the leadership landscape,” drawing from history already made and history in the making. Gergen’s prose is characterized by elegance and lucidity, his perspectives by simplicity and clarity. This book is required reading for students and scholars of leadership across all generations.
May 24, 2022
This book had potential as the author raised many great leadership principles. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t take this book seriously with all the social justice, struggle session like nonsense contained in this book. Why am I reading about your obvious dislike of President Trump in a book about leadership? Why am I seeing white with a lower case W when you write black with a capital B? Either write the two colors consistently or don’t at all.
The author has a left wing liberal bias which was clear in the examples of leaders provided. AOC, Stacey Abrams, and Hillary Clinton? What? The constant snide remarks about Trump and other conservatives makes me believe you got rejected for a position in the administration. How petty.
The author has a left wing liberal bias which was clear in the examples of leaders provided. AOC, Stacey Abrams, and Hillary Clinton? What? The constant snide remarks about Trump and other conservatives makes me believe you got rejected for a position in the administration. How petty.
June 7, 2022
David Gergen has always been one of my favorite political analysts. Because he has served in both Republican and Democratic White Houses, he offers thoughtful, moderate insights in today's politically polarized environment.
Therefore, I was excited when I heard he wrote a book on leadership, which is the foundation of my consulting work. And, in general, Mr. Gergen's book didn't disappoint.
To be fair, there's probably some confirmation bias at play, given that Gergen's definitions and examples of what makes great leaders in modern public and private life is closely aligned to my own. Specifically, I wholeheartedly agree with the author on the following representative examples:
1. Leadership is about serving others.
2. Good leadership requires both an internal and external journey on the part of the leader.
3. "Not all readers are leaders. But all leaders are readers." (Harry Truman's famous quote)
4. Stoicism is a great foundation for modern leaders because character and virtue still matter.
5. Our Republic is in trouble if we don't once again view ourselves as Americans first, not Liberals or Conservatives first.
I could go on, but these are some of the more significant areas where my fellow David and I agree.
The one area where I disagreed with Mr. Gergen - and why I ultimately gave the book four, not five stars - was his glowing praise of the "leader-full" approach now popular with organizations such as Occupy Wall Street, BLM, and a number pro-gun control organizations. Driven largely by Millennials and Gen Zers, these organizations have indeed raised awareness and mobilized large protests supporting their various causes. What they have NOT succeeded in doing is passing sweeping legislation at the national level to turn their passion into law. And until that occurs, I'll continue to question the long-term viability of this new approach to leadership.
In the end, only time will tell if Mr. Gergen is correct and I am wrong. But his strong defense of this approach, along with an overly optimistic take on the two youngest U.S. generations IMO, kept me from loving the book. But I did like it a lot and will recommend it to my leadership coachees and participants in my leadership training sessions.
Therefore, I was excited when I heard he wrote a book on leadership, which is the foundation of my consulting work. And, in general, Mr. Gergen's book didn't disappoint.
To be fair, there's probably some confirmation bias at play, given that Gergen's definitions and examples of what makes great leaders in modern public and private life is closely aligned to my own. Specifically, I wholeheartedly agree with the author on the following representative examples:
1. Leadership is about serving others.
2. Good leadership requires both an internal and external journey on the part of the leader.
3. "Not all readers are leaders. But all leaders are readers." (Harry Truman's famous quote)
4. Stoicism is a great foundation for modern leaders because character and virtue still matter.
5. Our Republic is in trouble if we don't once again view ourselves as Americans first, not Liberals or Conservatives first.
I could go on, but these are some of the more significant areas where my fellow David and I agree.
The one area where I disagreed with Mr. Gergen - and why I ultimately gave the book four, not five stars - was his glowing praise of the "leader-full" approach now popular with organizations such as Occupy Wall Street, BLM, and a number pro-gun control organizations. Driven largely by Millennials and Gen Zers, these organizations have indeed raised awareness and mobilized large protests supporting their various causes. What they have NOT succeeded in doing is passing sweeping legislation at the national level to turn their passion into law. And until that occurs, I'll continue to question the long-term viability of this new approach to leadership.
In the end, only time will tell if Mr. Gergen is correct and I am wrong. But his strong defense of this approach, along with an overly optimistic take on the two youngest U.S. generations IMO, kept me from loving the book. But I did like it a lot and will recommend it to my leadership coachees and participants in my leadership training sessions.
June 13, 2022
When I started reading Hearts Touched With Fire, I realized I may be too old to learn how to be a great leader, but Gergen certainly helped me clarify what characteristics I want in leaders, especially political leaders. Gergen supports his ideas with anecdotes of strong leaders, many from his time serving as an advisor to four presidents.
Everyone can learn something from Hearts Touched with Fire.
Everyone can learn something from Hearts Touched with Fire.
July 25, 2022
A good look at how trials and tribulations can forge a leader and how they lead others. The old adage that people do not leave bad jobs just bad bosses is true. The leaders presented herein do not fall into this category but the examples presented are well versed leaders in most cases Dependent on your political affiliation you might take issues with some of the examples presented but remember to look at it with an open mind.
June 27, 2022
This is a must read not only for the leadership advice, but also the history that Gergen witnessed.
Quoting from the book, "The Washington Post kept a record of President Trump's lies and deceptions; over four years in office, he had been untruthful on 30,573 occasions...when lies become chronic, as they did with Nixon and Trump, nothing that a leader says can be accepted at face value."
Quoting from the book, "The Washington Post kept a record of President Trump's lies and deceptions; over four years in office, he had been untruthful on 30,573 occasions...when lies become chronic, as they did with Nixon and Trump, nothing that a leader says can be accepted at face value."
June 13, 2022
The stories from his time in various White House administrations were fascinating, and I actually wish he’d simply written a memoir. The leadership stuff is entirely anecdotal and feels like an attempt to make some coin selling a self help book.
Read
August 19, 2022I couldn't get interested in this but am glad I checked it out. (DNF)
January 29, 2025
A pragmatic, no-nonsense guide on how to be a more effective leader and how to live a purposeful life. It's an extremely valuable read. I can't recommend it enough!
July 12, 2022
Although he gets bogged down a little reviewing some more recent books on leadership, the trade off is more than fair when relating the lessons he’s learned after 50 years of public service. Gergen is definitely a voice of reason and this is an instructive book to add to the leadership library.
June 28, 2022
All millennials and Gen Zers need to read this clarion call for leadership. Gergen calls for the Boomer such as myself to hand over the reigns of leadership. He gives guidelines and advice on how to take the leadership mantle. He speaks with great respect for the new generation of leaders.
March 2, 2023
I’ve been a big fan of David Gergen for a long time. His political commentary is always measured, analytical and spot on. This book is a captivating as he explores the qualities that make great leaders. Gergen, a renowned journalist, and political analyst draws on his extensive experience as an advisor to several US presidents and his interviews with successful leaders from various fields to offer a comprehensive understanding of leadership.
The book is divided into three sections, each exploring a critical aspect of leadership. The first section examines the inner qualities of a leader, such as their character, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The second section focuses on the leader's ability to create and communicate a compelling vision, inspire others, and lead with integrity. The third section delves into the leader's capacity to navigate complex challenges, build effective teams, and make sound decisions.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to provide practical insights into leadership through real-life examples. The author draws from a diverse range of leaders, from Abraham Lincoln to Nelson Mandela, to illustrate how they navigated challenges and achieved great success. Gergen also shares his personal experiences working with several presidents, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, providing readers with unique behind-the-scenes insights into presidential leadership.
I particularly enjoyed the focus on the human side of leadership. Gergen emphasizes the importance of empathy, humility, and the ability to connect with people as critical qualities of great leaders. He argues that successful leaders are not just exceptional strategists or decision-makers but also possess a deep understanding of human behavior and motivation.
Overall, Hearts Touched with Fire is an excellent book for anyone interested in understanding leadership. Gergen's insights, drawn from his extensive experience working with leaders across different fields, offer valuable lessons. In addition, aside from the leadership focus there is a great deal of what I would call sound career advice. I plan on giving this book to each of our 4 sons.
Quotes
“Writing is not the simple transfer of fully formed intellectual inventory from brain to paper… Writing is discovery. It is, as Dylan Thomas said, ‘the blank page on which I read my mind.”
"The best leaders are those who understand their own humanity and recognize the humanity in others. They are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities or to acknowledge their mistakes."
"Great leaders have a vision of what could be and are able to inspire others to join them in pursuit of that vision. They are not content with the status quo and are always striving to make things better."
"Character is the foundation of leadership. Without a strong moral compass, a leader will falter when faced with difficult decisions."
The book is divided into three sections, each exploring a critical aspect of leadership. The first section examines the inner qualities of a leader, such as their character, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The second section focuses on the leader's ability to create and communicate a compelling vision, inspire others, and lead with integrity. The third section delves into the leader's capacity to navigate complex challenges, build effective teams, and make sound decisions.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to provide practical insights into leadership through real-life examples. The author draws from a diverse range of leaders, from Abraham Lincoln to Nelson Mandela, to illustrate how they navigated challenges and achieved great success. Gergen also shares his personal experiences working with several presidents, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, providing readers with unique behind-the-scenes insights into presidential leadership.
I particularly enjoyed the focus on the human side of leadership. Gergen emphasizes the importance of empathy, humility, and the ability to connect with people as critical qualities of great leaders. He argues that successful leaders are not just exceptional strategists or decision-makers but also possess a deep understanding of human behavior and motivation.
Overall, Hearts Touched with Fire is an excellent book for anyone interested in understanding leadership. Gergen's insights, drawn from his extensive experience working with leaders across different fields, offer valuable lessons. In addition, aside from the leadership focus there is a great deal of what I would call sound career advice. I plan on giving this book to each of our 4 sons.
Quotes
“Writing is not the simple transfer of fully formed intellectual inventory from brain to paper… Writing is discovery. It is, as Dylan Thomas said, ‘the blank page on which I read my mind.”
"The best leaders are those who understand their own humanity and recognize the humanity in others. They are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities or to acknowledge their mistakes."
"Great leaders have a vision of what could be and are able to inspire others to join them in pursuit of that vision. They are not content with the status quo and are always striving to make things better."
"Character is the foundation of leadership. Without a strong moral compass, a leader will falter when faced with difficult decisions."
July 2, 2023
Call to leadership by a person who served 4 different presidents of the US across both parties, mainly in the American context. A thoughtful reflection of what leadership is about and why it is so important.
There is a neat executive summary of 20 key takeaways at the end of the book to review its contents.
1. There’s an increased sense of urgency for leadership today
2. Fortunately there are willing hearts who are ready to keep the flames going evident in the various movements led by the younger generations
3. Leadership is not an easy journey. Most leaders are shaped in their own crucible moments. The strongest steel comes from the hottest fire
4. First steps to leadership are always self awareness and self mastery. Without which, the core is weak and unable to lead others
5. Start the above as early as possible to build the foundation for leadership
6. Find your true north. When you are leading or speaking in line with your purpose, it resonates with others
7. Focus on your strengths. Spend resources on moving from good to great at something rather than moving from mediocre to average. Know your weaknesses and learn when to leverage on others when needed
8. It’s hard to know exactly the thing that you want to do in life, but it’s easy to know what you don’t want to do in life
9. Try the hard things, fail, and move on. Greatness can only be found at the end of doing the hard things
10. You’re never too young to lead
11. Devote time to national service
12. Secure your finances. With that, one can be assured to pursue one’s passions. Also important to know when is enough
13. Embrace the tough times. Crucible moments are not fun but they are highly formative
14. Learn to manage your boss. Ability to manage upwards can make the leadership journey a significantly different one
15. Sharpen your oratory skills. A leader needs to influence and persuade. A good orator is not born but bred
16. The greatest enemy is you. One’s heart is filled with both virtues and vices. Leadership amplifies them and if one lack self awareness and self mastery, they will start to destroy you eventually
17. Learn from the young people. Young leaders are deploying new tools and styles to reach their followers and it’s important to keep abreast
18. Learn from the past. Have a natural curiosity toward history because they tend to rhyme. Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers - Harry Truman
19. Form network of friends and trusted allies. Also have an integrated life beyond the immediate circle to provide a broader perspective
20. Maintain a good conscience and also remember to have fun
There is a neat executive summary of 20 key takeaways at the end of the book to review its contents.
1. There’s an increased sense of urgency for leadership today
2. Fortunately there are willing hearts who are ready to keep the flames going evident in the various movements led by the younger generations
3. Leadership is not an easy journey. Most leaders are shaped in their own crucible moments. The strongest steel comes from the hottest fire
4. First steps to leadership are always self awareness and self mastery. Without which, the core is weak and unable to lead others
5. Start the above as early as possible to build the foundation for leadership
6. Find your true north. When you are leading or speaking in line with your purpose, it resonates with others
7. Focus on your strengths. Spend resources on moving from good to great at something rather than moving from mediocre to average. Know your weaknesses and learn when to leverage on others when needed
8. It’s hard to know exactly the thing that you want to do in life, but it’s easy to know what you don’t want to do in life
9. Try the hard things, fail, and move on. Greatness can only be found at the end of doing the hard things
10. You’re never too young to lead
11. Devote time to national service
12. Secure your finances. With that, one can be assured to pursue one’s passions. Also important to know when is enough
13. Embrace the tough times. Crucible moments are not fun but they are highly formative
14. Learn to manage your boss. Ability to manage upwards can make the leadership journey a significantly different one
15. Sharpen your oratory skills. A leader needs to influence and persuade. A good orator is not born but bred
16. The greatest enemy is you. One’s heart is filled with both virtues and vices. Leadership amplifies them and if one lack self awareness and self mastery, they will start to destroy you eventually
17. Learn from the young people. Young leaders are deploying new tools and styles to reach their followers and it’s important to keep abreast
18. Learn from the past. Have a natural curiosity toward history because they tend to rhyme. Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers - Harry Truman
19. Form network of friends and trusted allies. Also have an integrated life beyond the immediate circle to provide a broader perspective
20. Maintain a good conscience and also remember to have fun
November 23, 2022
I had the good fortune to meet David Gergen while a graduate student at Harvard 15 years ago while doing a special project at the Center for Public Leadership he founded there. I was impressed with his leadership then and am doubly so now. Having served 4 presidents and later becoming a CNN analyst, he has credible first-hand experiences worthy of our attention about leading and leadership. From stories about how those four presidents conducted their professional and personal lives, how they made decisions and how they energized their capable staffs, Gergen’s inspirational prose has readers riveted and inspired. Deep dive looks at the lives of John McCain, Abraham Lincoln, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harvey Milk, Frederick Douglas, JFK, Winston Churchill, Eleanor and FDR, Great Thunberg, Black Lives Matter movement are among those highlighted for their courage and leadership—standing tall and courageous among their peers and followers. This is a book we desperately need during times in which courageous moral leadership seems lacking. The title is drawn from a Memorial Day speech given by Civil War veteran and future Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., on May 30th, 1884: “Through our great good fortune, in our youth our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing.”
July 15, 2022
David Gergen made a career in the White House, working for four different US presidents. He is also the founder of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. In this book, he shares his vast knowledge about leadership, character, courage, and determination.
I greatly enjoyed the book. Gergen has a smooth, conversational writing style that makes the important concepts he shares easier to read and retain. He breaks down complex topics into bullet points and numbered lists. He shares his own experiences, as well as advice from other well-respected leaders.
I highly recommend this book, as well as any other opportunity to learn from David Gergen. He is an accomplished mentor and educator who believes in empowering others and has dedicated his life to bettering our society. Learning from him is a privilege.
This book was released last month and should be available at your local bookstore. Give it a read. Let it speak to you. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks to David Gergen, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
I greatly enjoyed the book. Gergen has a smooth, conversational writing style that makes the important concepts he shares easier to read and retain. He breaks down complex topics into bullet points and numbered lists. He shares his own experiences, as well as advice from other well-respected leaders.
I highly recommend this book, as well as any other opportunity to learn from David Gergen. He is an accomplished mentor and educator who believes in empowering others and has dedicated his life to bettering our society. Learning from him is a privilege.
This book was released last month and should be available at your local bookstore. Give it a read. Let it speak to you. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks to David Gergen, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
August 11, 2022
Great pep talk from a guy who has advised 5 Presidents - for anyone tiring along the tough path of leadership, where lighting a path for people to change course remains manicured, and for anyone who is "actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat".
The quoted part was part of a speech by Theodore Roosevelt, from the Epilogue of the book, and perfectly captured the essence of Gergen's message.
The quoted part was part of a speech by Theodore Roosevelt, from the Epilogue of the book, and perfectly captured the essence of Gergen's message.
August 30, 2022
This book is quite enjoyable to read, and the author definitely demonstrated a wealth of knowledge and you can get he's connected and read a lot. I wish though that this book would have more depth to it. Any depth. It feels like a million somewhat-related tweets with random facts about leaders (often just famous) people. I'm surprised, and also happy, that author didn't mention figures like Kim Kardashian or Justin Beaber or some other youtuber-type-influencers/leaders. I'd give it less than 3-stars, but this book contains some good bibliography and can be a good reference for someone who hasn't read much. Very light read that doesn't explain "How leaders are made" other than "read a lot" - really? 🙄..
January 17, 2023
I learned a few things while reading this, none of them related to the content within the book, and all to do with the self help genre in general:
- Just because something is cliche doesn’t mean it doesn’t have tremendous value when applied properly
- I should not read these books to find new things, but to have an opportunity to apply timeless wisdom in a targeted way
- I need to buy the paperback version, not listen to an audiobook
- reading one of these books should take months in order to read something, have a chance to apply it, adjust, try again, fail, try again, and then move on to the next principle
- every possible combination of words that need to be written to help someone have already been written, the issue is with the readers not taking enough time for action
- Just because something is cliche doesn’t mean it doesn’t have tremendous value when applied properly
- I should not read these books to find new things, but to have an opportunity to apply timeless wisdom in a targeted way
- I need to buy the paperback version, not listen to an audiobook
- reading one of these books should take months in order to read something, have a chance to apply it, adjust, try again, fail, try again, and then move on to the next principle
- every possible combination of words that need to be written to help someone have already been written, the issue is with the readers not taking enough time for action
March 12, 2025
Part of this is my own fault… I just don’t like self help or leadership books. But I want to be open and this book was recommended by a few people I trust. Still didn’t like it. Here are my issues:
- It zagged between a self help book on leadership style and anecdotes on historical leaders. The resulting mishmash didn’t flow clearly.
- The book’s point of view that the progressive styles and leaders highlighted are universally acknowledged as superior. I agree, but given the events in our country since the 2024 election it sure feels like that playbook “lost.” That assumption makes it dated; similar to reading a book lauding the I-Formation as the best football offensive system.
I pushed through, but often found myself just skipping paragraphs or entire pages.
- It zagged between a self help book on leadership style and anecdotes on historical leaders. The resulting mishmash didn’t flow clearly.
- The book’s point of view that the progressive styles and leaders highlighted are universally acknowledged as superior. I agree, but given the events in our country since the 2024 election it sure feels like that playbook “lost.” That assumption makes it dated; similar to reading a book lauding the I-Formation as the best football offensive system.
I pushed through, but often found myself just skipping paragraphs or entire pages.
December 28, 2022
I’ve given this book two stars, because Gergen is a gifted writer, and it’s very readable. I admit that I skimmed most of it though. It is not a book for someone at my stage of life and my stage of her career. It is a book that is best read by someone who is young and starting out or someone in the mid or later stages of a career who can adopt some of these lessons or mentor others on them.
He has drawn many valuable insights from a rich career. I truly enjoyed reading his descriptions of his experiences in the Bush 41, and Clinton White Houses, as well as at the Post and other journalistic jobs. We’ll worth a closer look by those who want to burnish their leadership chops.
He has drawn many valuable insights from a rich career. I truly enjoyed reading his descriptions of his experiences in the Bush 41, and Clinton White Houses, as well as at the Post and other journalistic jobs. We’ll worth a closer look by those who want to burnish their leadership chops.
August 21, 2022
As a US civil servant, David Gergen’s thoughts and views resonated with me. He provides insights into the US federal government and US military culture on how to be a successful leader and a change agent. Before reading this book, I used techniques that Gergen suggests and recommends. I also learned new things, when practiced right, should help leaders to deliver and succeed in the public sector.
I highly recommend this book to civil servants or anyone who works with the federal government. The book is about leadership.
I highly recommend this book to civil servants or anyone who works with the federal government. The book is about leadership.
January 29, 2023
This is not so much about leadership skills as it is a sycophantic praise of left-wing politics. Heralding AOC's exploitation of social media for extremist propaganda as "leadership" and condemning DT's exploitation of social media for extremist propaganda as one of the "crises" young people have had to endure is at best off-balance. Sprinkling in a few progressively-tolerable Republican examples doesn't come close to masking the obvious bias. Hey- the author is free to write from whatever slant he wants, but be authentic and own the perspective.
Maybe it gets better; I gave up on it.
Maybe it gets better; I gave up on it.
April 7, 2024
Reflections on leadership qualities based upon personal experience as a CNN analyst, White House advisor to four presidents, and teacher/mentor, coupled with lessons from history and frequently quoted platitudes, this book affirms long-standing principles, and issues invitation for new leaders with new ideas to lead in new ways. Lists, summaries, and other structural elements support easy access and reference back to the compilation of ideas and strategies shared.
June 21, 2022
Lots of interesting and inspiring anecdotes and advice, so definitely worth reading and applying some of his leadership lessons. Would have given it 5 stars, but considering his privileged background and experiences, his guidance is not universal, especially for those in less supportive life situations... economic, racial, social, etc.
June 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. The author provides a thoughtful reflection of his privileged life with humility. It's a great book for young 20 somethings to read. It's a great history account of great leaders and also defines characteristics of what being a leader means.
The book has led me read some biographies of known leaders.
The book has led me read some biographies of known leaders.
October 26, 2022
Very entertaining stories to support his ideals about how great leaders are made. I enjoyed the history lesson, dotted with anecdotes.
I think the editor came along and said "David, you need to add some examples of young leaders and leaders of color", so he added a foreword and a postscript with a few examples from those realms.
I think the editor came along and said "David, you need to add some examples of young leaders and leaders of color", so he added a foreword and a postscript with a few examples from those realms.
December 20, 2022
Hearts Touched With Fire has some good stories but also doesnt entirely seem too sure who the audience is. At times it seems to be for leaders in middle management and other times heavily leans into being a book for someone in their 20's. It did not keep a strong focus throughout and so I did not know whether it was for me.
July 11, 2023
I was so disappointed with this book. 90% of it was just telling the bios of people who did extraordinary things with their lives. The rest were some platitudes about going out and achieving something on your own. Gergen usually does much better than this. He is also the narrator of the e-book and his reading is monotonous. What a shame.
January 1, 2024
A good, inspiring book for young professionals starting out in their career. Wonderful real world stories about John FE Rogers (former head of Goldman), Admiral Stockdale, Rajat Gupta (McKinsey Managing Partner), etc. about what to do and not to do (see Gupta). Bottom line, if you want to lead others you first have to learn how to lead yourself.
June 14, 2022
I definitely underlined some good snippets and quotes Gergen included. I wish he would have included more about his own experiences instead of mostly case studies of famous leaders and leadership theory.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews