General Jim Mattis: Reality is a Terrible Adversary

In 'One Bullet Away', Nathaniel C. Fick recounts his journey from Dartmouth College to the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq. The book offers a poignant and honest portrayal of modern warfare, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by young leaders in combat. Fick shares insights into the differences between military ideals and practice, providing a gripping account of his experiences as a Marine officer.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.