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Wish he would stay away from the decisive issues

Revisado: 06-24-23

He’s a great writer but I believe like his mentor Robert Greene he has Trump derangement syndrome and I think it’s inappropriate that he used his platform to bully people about the COVID vaccine. That is a medical decision. Other than that I think he’s great.

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Simply awful-couldn't make it 5 min

Revisado: 08-16-21

What happened to Ernest Cline? Did he mix, stir, and drink his own 180-proof woke Kool-Aid. Good Lord. Returning to Audible. It is gross. I couldn't make it 5 minutes into the book. Awful. Horrible.
bsn

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Must read for all policy makers, & isolationists

Revisado: 03-17-20

This was the best book I've listened to this year.

I had so many insights in this read, as well as confirmations of some deep held beliefs it is a challenge to organize my thoughts.

First, about the book itself. This is the first book military memoir type book that captures both the Senior Officer's and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer's perspective--(think Sergeants and Generals to the civilians out there) and it was absolutely brilliant. In officer candidate school, one of my TACs said (24 years ago, so probably a bit more my language than his at this point), "Gentlemen, there is a difference between the Commander's and his Senior Non-Com's perspective. It might be summarized best as (Officer) Mission First, Men Always. The NCO's perspective is Men Always, Mission First."

My understanding now, after being an NCO and a Commander is what I would describe as the friction that creates the best Coarse of Action. There are times when my NCO and I would go to the mat about an idea I had--and from that respectful arm-wrestling/wrangling--everything is taken care of with aplomb. The O cannot see everything, nor understand what all his men are feeling (as much as he/she may try), but it is unlikely they have had their PT shorts stolen from the dryer while trying to race out to formation. The NCOs, suffer similar myopias. Just because the Commander isn't doing the actual PMCS on a vehicle, doesn't mean he is loafing. Orders production and MDMP are rigorous, painful planning processes which take as much energy as any physical demands the Soldier may experience.

This book captures some of that friction brilliantly. Wes's frustration and sometimes disdain for the senior officers' decisions are palpable, and understandable--and yet with MG Pittard's perspective one can truly appreciate the immense pressure command truly holds. It breaks many people.

One of the beliefs that was profoundly confirmed in this book is: Character = Leadership. It also confirms the selection of, and training/molding the US Army implements for USMA and promotion to General Officer. I have never met MG Pittard, but after listening to the book I'd follow him straight to hell if needed. It was his character that enabled the coalition (middle Eastern, not our NATO friends) to decide to fight, stop infighting with each other (Iraqi/Kurds for example) and turn the tide against ISIS. His character is also revealed in how he fought for his men in theater with senior officers and politicians to support the fight--and if the decision was still against what he wanted, he saluted and executed. That is Leadership. All good leaders are also able and willing followers.

Wes's (no offense, but I can never remember the AF ranks, and need to get this review done before I forget...) leadership style is indicative of the NCO style. It is more raw. Generally contains a few more f-bombs than the Commander's language--but it is the language of the Soldier. It is real. It is deeply, movingly dedicated to helping his brothers. He loses his shit when he sees his men in danger--to the point of nearly disobeying orders. Those feelings are real and justified.

Lastly, I want to tie this back to some insights this book gave me. Most of it is during the Obama administration, which, in from my perspective was an absolute TRAIN WRECK in foreign policy. To leave Iraq in 2011 was criminally negligent, and cost so many lives by enabling the genesis of ISIS. I felt this while in uniform, and believe it to this day.

HOWEVER, something that occurred to me as my self-righteous indignation began to surface again and again during this listen--I have to remember the economic disaster our country faced; the very, very heated disdain for the Iraq war, and the very real domestic issues our country faced. Wes does a very admirable job of pointing out how Trump's policies were just as inchoate. What occurred to me is the anger I felt towards the Obama Administration may be the same anger other constituencies who may feel unheard and unseen. Obama put those constituents before mine. Who is right? Who is wrong? Both of us.

Get's me back to the friction of a stellar command team, and maybe a thought about how we choose our political leaders. When we first elected the President and Vice President (I think..this is like 5th grade history), the losing candidate became the Vice. Maybe that is how we should choose our leaders.

One side/one man can be 100% wrong all by himself. Totally. However, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be 100% correct without having a respectful, sometimes fractious, friction-filled discussion/arguement about how to move forward. We cannot see/feel/understand everyone's perspective, and these blindspots are dangerous. People get hurt. People get left behind. We need the warrior/hunter to go outside the wire to protect the tribe. This guy isn't ever really thinking about how to equally distribute the spoils. Not that he's evil, he mind is simply focused elsewhere--protection, defense, food. Inside the wire, equally important problems are being solved. How to distribute the tribe's resources, the welfare of the sick or enfeebled. We need both.

There are 33 flavors, but it's all made from milk. We need to get back to the milk.
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The answer to most of our ills & pain

Revisado: 02-22-20

I first learned of Lydia's book from a WSJ article called the 'Surprising Science of Friendship', and immediately bought the book. I absolutely loved this listen. I haven't been as emotionally moved in a book since, maybe, "Where the Red Fern Grows" as a child. I didn't weep to Friendship as more of walking around with misty-eyes, thinking of all the friends I've had in my life--and Lydia clearly explains why those friendships have stuck--and why they mean as much as they do.

One small personal anecdote that might summarize her book. I am a retired Soldier. Spent nearly 27 years in uniform, but it ended by getting 'passed over' for promotion. It hurt like hell. I was so angry, it was the first time I hadn't been 'picked' for the starting team. As my anger seethed, 2 weeks turned to 3, then 4--and I was spitting mad. "This dirt bag got promoted over me..." Think of all the victimhood tripe one can say to himself--that was me.

One day it occurred to me that I had spent my entire adult life in this vocation, and maybe, just maybe, I didn't want to hate it for the rest of my life. So I begrudgingly started a gratitude list:
o finished undergrad, o completed grad school, o met me wife o own a lovely home o school paid for o experienced combat o
blah blah blah

Until I thought of all the deep, meaningful relationships I had built over my career. My eyes immediately filled. Proverbial mic-drop. I was ok. I was wealthy beyond measure with deep, meaningful relationships. I need both hands and feet, plus another hand or two to count the number of people I can call for anything.

So, there have been times in my life when I felt (awkwardly) that maybe I made too much of my friendships. Was I weird?

Turns out no. Maybe I'm a bit on the right end of the bell-curve (which Lydia describes-we are genetically pre-disposed to our friendship style) but the reason is because MY LIFE DEPENDS UPON THEM.

Please read it. Then send it (Audible lets us give a freebie away to non-audible users) to your old high school/college friends, your military friends, your current friends. Remind them you love them, and to listen to this book.

This book inspired me to reach out to a number of my old buddies--and I am in the middle of 2-3 weeks of reminiscing, catching up, laughing at old memories, but more importantly--feeling that wonderful connection that is only with our great friends. We are making plans to reunite at an old summer camp many of us worked at this year. I'm as giddy with anticipation as I was to finally graduate high school.

If I were still in the Army, I would assign it to my mandatory reading list--and then I would lead a discussion about how blessed we are as Soldiers to be in an organization perfectly designed for making long lasting, deep friendships.

In fact, Lydia's efforts inspired an idea about the military/1st Responder's current struggle with suicide. Instead of playing Spades in our boxer shorts on a long deployment, I suspect everyone returns to their digital devices these days. We used to make the best of worst times by playing cards -- and the subsequent shit-talking, banter, laughing, and sharing were actually the best times of military service--just not what we think about as important. It is more than important. Our lives and our well-being is dependent upon it.

Lydia--so well done. So, so, so well done. Thank you.
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Delightful

Revisado: 12-18-19

Breakthrough is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. I like Scott Brick as a narrator, and have already downloaded book 2. Give it a shot.
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I can’t send to enough people

Revisado: 02-21-19

I had finally made the switch to index funds, but was still uncertain about should I play all markets, how much overweight US, etc. This book was outstanding, stunning in its simplicity which is key, covering so much it was astounding. The book I am recommending to everyone!

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Optimism at last

Revisado: 07-04-18

Michael Pollan does an incredible job of blending his rational skepticism with his new-found experiences to relate a terrific listen. Combined with “Chasing The Scream”, we may finally be approaching an adult understanding of drugs.
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a little outdated

Revisado: 04-02-18

But fun to see where science used to be.... I need at least 15 words

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Ken Follett enchants again

Revisado: 11-02-17

While this novel is much later than the earlier two in this series, Mr Follett cleverly ties a few of the characters to a familiar heritage. Some of the previous heroes work’s remain, and it adds to the sense of righteousness I felt after World Without End.

I will likely re-listen to this entire series again, then the Century Trilogy again.

I am always of mixed feeling when I finish these books. I cannot put them down, and am a bit saddened when the story finally ends.
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Comfort is killing us

Revisado: 02-06-17

Interesting listen, well read. I totally agree with the 'Whole Person' the authors assert. The discussion on Narcissism was both surprising and delightful. What captured me immediately, and I believe deserves further exploration--maybe even another book--was the topic of how comfort has totally influenced our culture. Defines our culture is probably more accurate, and the unintended consequences of heated seats, and perfectly designed coffee holders.
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esto le resultó útil a 32 personas