Rascal: Making a Difference by Becoming an Original Character

by Chris Brady, Orrin Woodward (Foreword)

Some things are easier to demonstrate than they are to explain: easier caught than taught. The concept of a unique type of person affectionately called a Rascal in these pages, is a prime example. In this book, we will consider the characteristics of Rascals, noting their greatness and analyzing their behaviors. As we do so, it will be most illustrative to simply observe some representative individuals as a way to shine light on the whole concept.

What you may notice while reviewing this gallery of Rascals is the large range of background, circumstances, age, gender, and race they collectively represent. These things, being external, have nothing to do with the concept. Being a Rascal is an outpouring of who a person is on the inside. It is a spirit of willfulness and strength, a dynamic force that drives one forward toward a unique path and contribution. It is character in motion, originality in broad relief, uniqueness for the sake of being true to oneself and one's cause. It is authenticity in courageous display. It is life lived on purpose and for a purpose.

Genres: Self Help, Leadership, Nonfiction, Business, Personal Development, Psychology, Management

185 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Chris Brady is a NY Times best-selling author, speaker, humorist, and businessman. His books include The Bitcoin Bride, Launching a Leadership Revolution (co-authored with Orrin Woodward), PAiLS, Rascal, A Month of Italy, Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, and several other titles on leadership and success. Over 1 million of his books have been sold in six languages.

Chris is CEO and Creative Director of The Life Platform. He is also the executive publisher of Obstacles Press, and one of the founders of All Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Originally educated as an engineer, Mr. Brady received his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University as a General Motors Fellow, with Master’s Thesis work completed at Toyohashi University in Japan.

Chris is an avid motorized adventurer, world traveler, private pilot, community builder, soccer fan, Christian, and dad.

He also has one of the world's most unique resumes; including experience with a live bug in his ear, walking through a paned-glass window, chickening out from the high-dive in elementary school, destroying the class ant-farm in third grade, losing a spelling bee on the word "use," jack-hammering his foot, and more recently - sinking his snowmobile in a lake.

If you can’t find Chris speaking in front of a live audience, or in his office writing, or in a bookstore, or playing with his children, or on the sideline of a soccer pitch, or in the hills of Tuscany, or out on the lake, try looking in the following Online locations:

www.chrisbrady.com
www.christopherjamesbrady.com
www.twitter.com/rascaltweets
www.facebook.com/rascalnation
www.instagram.com/cbrascal
www.chrisbrady.typepad.com
www.chrisbradylife.com
www.medium.com/@rascaltweets
www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrady
www.amonthofitaly.com
www.launchingaleadershiprevolution.com

Chris has been recognized by INC. Magazine as among the Top 50 Leadership and Management experts. Richtopia listed Chris among the 200 Most Influential Authors in the world. Chris's blog has been included multiple times as a key resource on leadership for executives, managers and CEOs. In 2010 he was awarded the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.

Chris and his wife Terri have four children and live in North Carolina.

Reviews

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a scam.

Summary: If you want to be different and become a winner like Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Copernicus [... list continues over 200 pages] read this book. Don't forget to pay $21.95 before you do.

Rascal is a succession of historical references to great people without much meaning. Filling up a full book with such an obvious argument as "leaders are different" is no easy task.

Therefore the book reads like a bad schoolboy's copy. The author tries to fill up the emptiness of his message by padding with random examples from history. There are plenty of blank space and mediocre cartoons. On almost every page are inserted sidebars containing quotes from the very same page in big fonts. At the end of the book, copies of the same test grid has been printed over and over to fill up 20 pages! Apparently this visionary leader has not heard about copiers yet.

Despite all those tricks, the book reaches a mere 200 pages. That's just enough to give illiterate people the impression they have read something.

From the outset, the book is filled with religious mumbo-jumbo. Catholic dogmas are presented as unconditional truths that you must accept to be a leader. So much for Agnostics, atheists and people from other religions. They only represent more than 75% of humanity.

If you're wondering about the 5 stars (paid?) reviews on Amazon, frankly me too. The total absence of negative reviews and the fact that there was no option to preview a sample before buying was a big smell. Now I understand why: no one would buy this book if they knew upfront the kind of bullshit waiting for them inside.

You've been warned!

[Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This is a MUST read for anyone who is willing to lead by principle not by popularity or circumstance. This book resonated with my purpose and soul. Chris Brady, the #11 Leadership expert in the world, has done a masterful job of explaining what it takes to be an original character who wants to make a positive difference. I recommend it to anyone who wants to part of the the book Freedom Shift described by Oliver DeMille.

This is not for sheeple or those who want to be mere observers. Dig IN!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspiring read! For me, a recovering perfectionist with low self-worth, this book was a great reminder of the reasons why it is necessary to mess up on the way to success. It challenged me to become bold in my convictions; to pursue my passions, and strengthen my courage. "I was born free and I intend to live like it. This means that I will live my life while I'm alive...I will make a difference. I'm a Rascal!"

[Greg Frucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Passion produces the Habit which creates the Mastery of Your innate Talent...and all of us have an inate Talent", is one of many takeaways from a single page of Rascal.

Have you ever done a thing because you listened to your Inner Voice, no matter what the masses say to you? "You are stupid for even thinking doing so and so!" Yet, you did it anyway and were successful. If so, you are a Rascal...and that is a wonderful thing.

Reading Rascal brought a smile to my Soul as I remember questioning so many things others told me was the only way to be or go...because those others will run with the masses no matter where their path leads them, even if it is over a cliff to their ends. Rascal will empower you if you are one of those who is Passionate about fulfilling your Dreams no matter what they are. I still listen to others, yet I do not let them control what I do or think...my Inner Voice has the final say on the Path to creating the Life I wish to Live. Negativity will always try and obstruct the paths we all wish to follow, Chris Brady's character Obstacles is the manifestation of that destructive force within all of us. When we use of innate Strengths to overcome those destructive thoughts and words from others, we can all achieve greatness and conquer whatever is blocking us.

I am a Rascal.

On page 81, Chris Brady quotes Confucius; "To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice". Truth.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am amazing book that made me think about my level of character. This is where your rasculinity is hidden really. If you want to grow in confidence, courage, boldness, you need to read this book! There are not many rascals in this world. And the real ones that are out there live lives of daring purpose, and know how to do this.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on heading in the opposite direction.. a must for those of us determined to make a difference for others!

[Brianna Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ for those wanting to make a difference in this life!!

[Martin Montin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some takeaways:
The words Obstacles and Rascals are used in just about every sentence throughout the book. "In fact..." is the start of far too many opinion based sentences. If you are not a devoted believer in the christian God you can never be a rascal. To be a rascal you have to behave and believe in the authors 300 detailed character traits, leaving no room for personal expression or individuality. Oh, and you have to be pro-life.

Also, rascals are not to be confused with the word rascal, which bears no similarity to the character of the same name. From reading between the lines I get the impression that the author has a very limited humanistic view of women. To be good you apparently have to be christian, and while the christian God isn't terribly kind to women to begin with he further exacerbates the issue through pro-life discussions and quotes from such renowned men as Bill Cosby. The quote by the way is quite fitting: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody". Though, I do find it hard to believe he was sincerely trying to "please" all those victims.

One point I do agree with in the book is that cowardice leads to malice. However, he goes on to give historic examples of people leaving in the midst of battle and talking about their cowardice. Yet the author was never there. He has no idea why someone would leave a city under siege. Maybe they wanted to be in the front of battle but found it more important to escort their loved ones out of harms way than to die for someone else's honor.

This book is filled from cover to cover with snippets of known people in history with the author's self injected personalities attached. There is no neutrality in the book, everything is opinion based yet presented as fact.

I don't understand how this book was recommended to me by Goodreads, and I certainly don't understand the overwhelming positive reviews. It seems the author tried to mimic the format of "How to win friends and influence people", but being a self righteous know-it-all he fell quite short of that target.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a strongly held belief that every person has a Divinely assigned mission when they are sent to earth. This book does more to teach you how to figure out what yours might be, inspires you to it's greatness, prepares you for it's extreme hardships, excites you to achieve it, and more importantly teaches you why it is so vitally important that you "be crazy in a sacred sort of way" than anything I've ever been exposed to yet!....And that is A LOT.
Read this book! Believe it's message! Take its challenge! Go and get others! Join the pack- become a Rascal!!

[Bob Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book. Chris Brady shows how going against the grain can make you stronger and a leader for good in society. Make sure you take the Rascal test when you read the book.

Sometimes a book comes along because it's a game changer. This one is it!

I don't know if it's available in stores, but if it's not, you can find it at the link below:

www.lifeleadership.com/61276714

Follow the link to shopping and search the books.

Finally,

Enjoy!

[Richard Monyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, listened to the audio book and loved it. I need to listen to it again or read the hard copy I received in my Mental Fitness Challenge pack and highlight and make notes, because this book resonates everything I am and who I want to strive harder to become more like. An original character making a difference everywhere I go.

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love going through this book and re-taking the test to see the Rascal areas I'm improving in. Great book on what he truly means to be a leader and an individual with a purpose to fight for the greater good.

[Taianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

You lot are saying you like the book but it's not letting me read it

[Peter Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Chris can teach with humor and stories like no one else can!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for the entrepreneur or anybody that has a dream. It gives great inspirational examples of practical knowledge outlining what it takes to stand out from the crowd. Great book.

[Johan Båth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. OK book overall. Too much writing around ‘God’ for my taste though.

[JR Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have marked the book down to 4 stars instead of 5 stars because I think it was a mistake to make the definition of Rascal focus on the author’s particular adoption of beliefs and ideals, rather than being about the Rascal’s own personal ideals and beliefs they are fighting for, which could even be opposite of those the author has adopted, as well as the methods they choose to drive that change based on different personality types. In the end, if you can apply the overall principles to your personal beliefs, convictions, ideals and personality, you can get a lot out of this book.

In the general context of this book, a Rascal is referring to a person who doesn’t just accept convention, the status quo, and live in mediocrity and conformity. Rascals are a type of explorer, seeking to be a catalyst for change and freedom, often on a large scale, ignoring the path of the masses and nay-sayers, or even standing against them. Rascals are a sort of principled rebels with a cause.

The author includes many examples of Rascals throughout history, including the Founding Fathers of the United States, Copernicus, Crazy Horse, Mother Theresa, John Wycliffe, etc. Basically, it is about people who stand up for what they believe in, take action and keep a long-term vision, with dedication.

The purpose of the book is to be very motivational in inspiring the reader to do more than live a life of the 95 percenters of mediocrity and convention, and instead to really live a life of purpose.

You will notice that most of the reviews of this book are polarized between either 5 star or 1 star ratings, with few in between. It should be noted that the reading of this book will offend some people (1-stars). It is very opinionated and indicates that in order to be a true Rascal one must be a devoted Christian with many specific conservative type of values (and religion and political ideals frequently incur high offense taking). Also, I felt that the included Rascal test seems to be very much slanted toward one having what are referred to as Red or Choleric personality traits, though any personality or founding belief could be a catalyst for great positive change. Despite the numerous Bible references and specific political ideals mentioned throughout that are indicated as a necessary part of a rascal, it would be a mistake for a person who disagrees with these to throw away all the information in the book for the few parts they disagree with or which strike a nerve with them. Certainly there are true “Rascals” who have ideals not in conformity with the author’s definition, including those of other beliefs, political ideals, or personalities. The author does even include examples of some Rascals who were not Christian. As the books itself states: “Rascals need to interpret any information and indoctrination critically (including this book).” (p.147-148, Chapter 5) If certain of the authors opinions are counter to yours, simply disagree with them while taking what benefit and good you can out of the book. If the author’s beliefs and ideals do already match yours, you will likely really enjoy the book.

[The Librarian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Entry level self help authored by the founder of an MLM.

It's been a long time since since I read such a basic self help book for, I guess, rookie salespeople such as real estate agents, insurance brokers, cars salespeople and MLM representatives. Funny, because this book is part of the Leadership MLM founded by the author.

It borrows concepts from Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie, Wallace Wattles, Earl Nightingale, Zig Ziglar, etc etc to motivate new salespeople to succeed in their new career. Like any proper MLM that targets Christians, it sprinkles Bible quotes. It upsells saying that rascals "They read good books, listen to audio recordings, attend events where they can associate with great teachers, and learn from others who are more advanced along the relevant success pathway." Sound like a network marketing conference to me. However, "Rascals never succumb to the lures of ease, and they never give in to the temptation to think they have arrived. They force themselves to stay hungry, set higher goals, and move ahead even further, all the while taking stock of great examples of overcoming." Keep buying from us, make us millionaires.

I couldn't help thinking throughout that this would have been a great book for supporters of a recent U.S. President or antivaxxers in times of pandemics "Rascals don’t believe everything they hear on the news. They don’t buy into everything they read on the Internet. Rascals maintain a healthy dose of protective skepticism, insulating them against the failures of naivete."

It's safe to say that many of the 5 star reviews are from members of this MLM. Unless you have never read a sales motivation book, don't waste your time reading basic (classic) advice.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is possibly the worst book I've ever read. From the title, summary, and (now highly suspect) reviews, I thought it was going to be in the vein of Adam Grant's "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" but I couldn't have been more mistaken.

It's essentially 217 puffed up pages of (poorly) disguised bible thumping. The first 21 pages included things like the interior title page, the last 16 are 16 copies of the test scoring sheet. Another few for a second copy of the manifesto, 17 pages of Ch 6 are a test more suited to an appendix, and this is on top of the double space print, cartoons, excess white space, and quote boxes which quote passages from the exact same page, means this book probably could have been 80 pages or so. Ironically that's the one redeeming feature since it means you can finish it in only a couple hours.

A great premise, and a few interesting anecdotes and stories which is why I gave it the 2nd star, but quotes along the lines of "No one owns me except my creator", "God made me great, if I thought less I'd be insulting my Creator" populate every other page, which is funny because the author leans so heavy on the US founding fathers for many examples of rascal-ity, yet much evidence points to them being not that religious, which according to the author is one of the prerequisites.

I want my 2 hours back.

[Tiffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited to say that I finished the book "Rascal" by Chris Brady and I loved it! He gives historical analogys and insightful advice on how to be a true "Rascal" in life. I highly recommend this book and know that it will leave you feeling inspired and determined to live your life with character and purpose! "Many people will not understand your JOURNEY or your VISION.." Don't let that stop you from becoming the person God knows you to be! ♡

[Iliiaz Akhmedov · Rating 2 out of 5]

For an early reader, this may be a motivational read.

Some critique: what a horrible way of making a manifestation of "Rascals" or heroes. I don't think its definition is meant to have a moto, test to identify if you are one of them, or simply bucket/categorize them. I sort of felt like reading an amateur piece of diary.

[Kristo · Rating 1 out of 5]

An absolutely unreadable book (for me) with rampant argumentation errors, poor factuality, and needless and extreme opinions. The current star rating of this book is a suspect issue. The book is probably almost unreadable to any thinking adult.

[Ludmila Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitivamente todos deberían de leer este libro. Altamente contagioso de la buena actitud y te explica por qué tu vida va a cambiar si te atreves a ser un travieso. Incluye un test para saber qué nivel de travieso eres.

[Esther May · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book. This is a life forming, changing, thinking book. I enjoyed reading it and have thought a bunch about it since I finished. Totally glad that I read this book.

[Chuck Cova · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and insightful read. Very inspirational. True Chris Brady.

[ERIK COTERA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro para entender la personalidad de hacer la diferencia y con ello ser un agente de cambio

[Jeff Hodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about preserving freedom and having the character to become an original character. I especially enjoyed the case studies presented throughout.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much conservative politics in his book. Would be the same complaint if it was liberal politics. I don't want any hidden politics in a book.

[Sergio Alonso De Leon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea of the book is appealing. Its execution, terrible. The book intends to describe original personalities and eventually provide advice for those seeking to have one. In my opinion, it is rather a manual on how to be conventional and pretend not to be. People willing to be a character a part should read this book only to realise what not to do. The categorisation of different types of people there exist is precisely contrary to the aim of a book on original personalities. If not enough, the book then uses religion and nationalism to underpin its advice on how to be a "Rascal", resulting in absurd arguments. I am amazad that this book has such ratings.

Some nice quotes, taken from somewhere else, but clever,


"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat. "I don't much care where—" said Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go,"

“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.”

“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”