LCPL Vincent, Kevin
22 April 15
USMC BOOK REPORT
THE WARRIOR ETHOS
Steven Pressfield
I. Recommentations
I. Yes, I would recommend this book because I believe this book is what mine and every other Marines experience during Recruit Training was about. I would encourage Marines strait out of recruit training to read this book to enlighten them on all the lessons they might have missed during some of the Stupid “stuff” in train. Ever since from boot camp the word “I” is struck out of our vocabulary we share the same, head, and slept in the same common area. All these three things didn’t have a meaning while we were there. But little did we know that the DI’s were trying to engrave that weren’t individuals anymore we were a group/family instead.
II. Summary
I. The Warrior Ethos is a book that analyses warrior cultures from the past and present. From Adam and Eve to the Spartans and U.S Marines, Steven Pressfield expresses the “Warrior Ethos” in so many different ways because there is no exact answer. The dictionary defines “Ethos” as “The moral character, nature, disposition and customs of a people or culture.” The warrior ethos mandates respect for your enemy. It’s the code of honor. Selfless this is important to the warrior’s ethos because selflessness produces courage because it binds men together and proves to each individual that he is not alone.
III. Three passages
1. “It was not unheard of, for a boy to get beating to death without murmuring a single word.”(PG 28) As Marines we are supposed to be the most discipline warriors on and off the battle field. Our discipline makes us stand out amongst our peers and sets us apart as a whole.
2. “Throughout time wars change but warriors don’t.” ( PG 87) The same principals use many years ago are still taught and used today. Even I as a Junior Marine was intruded to these same principles. I use these same principals in mostly all aspects of daily life.
3. “They brought him back a helmet full of water and without touching a single drop he thanked his men and poured the water to ground.” (PG 42) As a good leader you must put the needs of you followers before yourself. This is a good example of selflessness.
IV. Analysis and Quality of the Book
Growing up, we turn to our mother for nurture, or support. Without realizing it we become dependent to them. From the best and worst times we always seem to turn to them. This book taught me that to become proficient at what I do I need to become more independent. There isn’t always going to be someone there to hold my hand. I would rate this book as a very inspirational book and suggest it be read by anyone attempting to have a good morale code and ethics.
