This book by Edward J. Larson explores the three-decade-long bond between Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, two vastly different men who were instrumental in American independence and the crafting of the United States Constitution. Larson details their contributions during the American Revolution, with Franklin leading diplomatic efforts in Europe and Washington commanding the Continental Army. The book also covers their work in the 1780s to strengthen the union, leading to the framing and ratification of the Constitution. It emphasizes their intimate working friendship and how it amplified their collective efforts for the American project.
This book tells the incredible story of Alistair Urquhart, a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders who was captured by the Japanese in Singapore. Urquhart survived 750 days in the jungle, including time working on the notorious Burma-Siam Railway. The book details his harrowing experiences and his journey to survival and eventual return home.
This book provides insights into Bill Walsh's philosophy of leadership, gleaned from his successful career as the head coach and general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. Walsh stresses the importance of creating a strong culture, setting high standards, and thorough preparation. He advocates for leaders to focus on the process rather than the outcome, emphasizing that 'the score takes care of itself' when the right principles are applied. The book also touches on Walsh's personal struggles and the toll of relentless pressure, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. It offers practical advice on leadership, applicable not only in sports but also in business and other fields[1][2][4].
Shantaram is a novel based on the life of the author, Gregory David Roberts. The story follows Lindsay 'Lin' Ford, an Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. In Bombay, Lin immerses himself in the city's underworld, befriending a local guide named Prabaker and becoming involved in various activities including setting up a free health clinic in the slums, working with the mafia, and experiencing the diverse and vibrant culture of India. The novel is a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the human condition, and is known for its vivid portrayal of life in Bombay in the 1980s.
What I learned from reading The Forgotten Highlander: An Incredible WWII Story of Survival in the Pacific by Alistair Urquhart.
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(4:00) I hope that this book will be inspirational and offer hope to those who suffer adversity in their daily lives.
(10:00) You might as well send a cow in pursuit of a rabbit. The Indians were accustomed to these woods. — Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership by Edward Larson. (Founders #251)
(13:30) When you reach a large goal or finally get to the top, the distractions and new assumptions can be dizzying. First comes heightened confidence, followed quickly by overconfidence, arrogance, and a sense that “we’ve mastered it; we’ve figured it out; we’re golden.” But the gold can tarnish quickly. Mastery requires endless remastery. In fact, I don’t believe there is ever true mastery. It is a process, not a destination. — The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership by Bill Walsh. (Founders #106)
(15:30) Invaders are always organized.
(23:00) Stay at the front and do not look back.
(29:00) Every morning I would tell myself over and over: Survive this day. Survive this day. Survive this day.
(32:00) On countless occasions I've seen two men with the same symptoms and same physical state and one will die and one will make it. I can only put that down to sheer willpower.
(35:00) Shantaram: A Novel by Gregory David Roberts
(41:00) Dan Carlin's Nightmares of Indianapolis podcast episode
(48:00) Alistair Urquhart was conscripted into the British military to fight during World War II. He was 19 years old.
He was sent to Singapore. The Japanese invaded and he was taken hostage.
He survived 750 days in the jungle working as a slave on The Death Railway and the bridge on the River Kwai.
Most of the time he worked completely naked.
He contracted dysentery, malaria, and tropical ulcers. A lot.
He was transferred to a Japanese hellship.
The ship was torpedoed.
Almost everyone on the ship died. He survived.
He spent 5 days adrift at sea until he was picked up by a Japanese whaling ship.
He was sent to Nagasaki and forced to work in a mine.
Two months later he was struck by the blast from the Atomic bomb.
He was freed by the US Marines shortly thereafter.
He returns home to Scotland and finds out his best friend died in the war and the girl he loved got married and moved to Canada.
At 90 years of age he wrote the book to inspire others to persevere when they are faced with hardships in their life.
I think it is a great book for entrepreneurs.
The story demonstrates the adaptability of humans, our fierce desire to survive, and puts the stress of building companies into the proper perspective.
The entire story only takes 3 hours and 14 minutes
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested, so my poor wallet suffers.” — Gareth
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
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