The novel is narrated by Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enlists in the army along with his classmates. It vividly depicts the horrors of trench warfare, the disillusionment with patriotic ideals, and the psychological toll of war on the soldiers. The book follows Paul's experiences from the brutal training to the front lines, where he witnesses the death of his friends and grapples with the meaninglessness of war. The novel is a powerful anti-war statement, highlighting the futility and devastating consequences of war on individuals and society.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
With over 400 triathlons to her name, today's guest Lesley Paterson is a 3x XTERRA Triathlon World Champion and 2x World Triathlon Cross Champion.
But if you asked about her greatest test of endurance, it wouldn’t be a race. It would be chasing an Oscar.
For 16 years during her professional triathlon career, Lesley fought to secure and maintain the film rights to All Quiet on the Western Front out of her own pocket from race winnings. She wrote and rewrote the script, and despite the odds stacked heavily against her, never gave up on her dream of getting the movie made.
After many years of starts and stops the film was finally released and took home four Oscars and seven BAFTAs—including one for best-adapted screenplay (this was Lesley’s first screenplay might I add). All of which is a testament to her patience, discipline, and hard work.
Lesley’s relentless persistence is the focus of today’s conversation, along with the importance of self-belief, playing the long game, and the ‘never quit’ drive required to crush audacious goals.
Delightful, engaging, and strong, I adore Lesley. There’s a lot to learn from this fiery Scottish lassie.
Note: If you like this exchange, be sure to check out her book The Brave Athlete, which is packed with actionable practices to build an endurance mindset.
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