“The Hero Code” by Admiral William H. McRaven
From the acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed — a short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes.
The Hero Code is Admiral McRaven’s ringing tribute to the real, everyday heroes he’s met over the years, from battlefields to hospitals to college campuses, who are doing their part to save the world.
When Bill McRaven was a young boy growing up in Texas, he dreamed of being a superhero. He longed to put on a cape and use his superpowers to save the earth from destruction. But as he grew older and traveled the world, he found real heroes everywhere he went — and none of them had superpowers. None of them wore capes or cowls. But they all possessed qualities that gave them the power to help others, to make a difference, to save the world: courage, both physical and moral; humility; a willingness to sacrifice; and a deep sense of integrity.
The Hero Code is not a cipher, a puzzle, or a secret message. It is a code of conduct; lessons in virtues that can become the foundations of our character as we build a life worthy of honor and respect.
The Hero Code: Lessons Learned by Lives Well Lived by Admiral William H. McRaven. It is a fabulous book. Inspiring quotations are woven throughout the text from Anne Frank, James Allen, Helen Keller, Mark Twain, and others—including an exhortation from the author, “I will use my unique talents to inspire others and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.”
This handy book is portable enough to carry to coffee shops, on hikes, or enjoy in the backyard at a family barbeque. Admiral William H. McRaven incorporates ten chapters on virtues such as perseverance, courage, humility, and forgiveness. Some people have an easier time learning and integrating these virtues into everyday life, but we all can know! More importantly, the author encourages us to start small: by completing one task at a time and taking one small step, like making your bed. At least when you come home after an awful day, your bed is made. Something positive!
