BONUS: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Inspiring Lesson on Courage

In this book, Thomas E. Ricks offers a new take on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, emphasizing the unexpected use of military strategy and its lessons for nonviolent resistance. Ricks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning war reporter, draws on his deep knowledge of tactics and strategy to argue that the greatest victories for Black Americans were won not by idealism alone, but by attention to recruiting, training, discipline, and organization. The book follows key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and John Lewis, and highlights lesser-known activists such as James Lawson, James Bevel, Diane Nash, and Septima Clark. It demonstrates that Gandhian nonviolence was a philosophy of active, not passive, resistance and offers vital lessons for social change and confronting attacks on democracy today.

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.

The Children is a detailed narrative by David Halberstam that chronicles the 1959–1962 Nashville Student Movement. The book meticulously recreates the lives of eight young men and women who formed the core committee of the movement, including figures like James Lawson, James Bevel, Diane Nash, John Lewis, and others. It covers key events such as the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Riders, and the formation of SNCC, highlighting the courage and resilience of these young activists in the face of violent opposition and societal segregation. The book also explores how these individuals, despite coming from underprivileged backgrounds, went on to achieve significant careers and contribute to the broader civil rights movement.