It was two years back that I received a unique chance to read "The Courageous Living" by Michael Catt, and I must say that it transformed my life. Being a man, I always lost energy because of the loads of issues that have had to be tackled by the modern society and felt useless and irrelevant in the lives of people around me. But having read this book thoroughly, I feel empowered and made strong to withstand all those problems which I dreaded before.
The message of Catt is simple yet extremely blunt: men must man up and claim their position within the society. We cannot merely sit idly by and view the world, satisfied with middlingness and ineffectualness. We must be brave, we must stand up to what is ethical, we must be the leader and the luminaries that generations to come deserves.
Catt provides stories and anecdotes that attest to the value of courage in day-to-day life. In the book, from the first page to the last, there are tips one can apply in real life, and interesting stories of men who have braved their fears and have emerged victorious in the battles of life. He forces us to consciously question our own values, to focus on the priorities, and live with a sense of purpose. He teaches us that it is okay to be weak and seek help when you need it and real strength comes from humility and the ability to serve others.
What I found most striking in the book is the stress that Catt lays on the importance of family and relationships. He warned that we should never forget that the core of life is the family, and therefore the family should be given priority over everything else. He also stresses on the importance of being there for our family members and loved ones, listening to them, caring for them, and being good husbands, father's and friends.
Yet another key theme in the book is that men should be involved and participating in society. Catt is calling on us to join up with a cause in the neighborhood and engage, to use our time and ability, and be a source of good for the world. He also makes the point to recall to our memories our calling as good steward over our resources and talents whereby we should serve and make good something in someone's life.
In addition, the book also helps to emphasize the value of friendship and men uniting in strength to encourage and support each other. Catt emphasize that the value of men forming genuine relationships with other men and building a support group of passionate friends who will stand by us and enable us to remain on track and be who we are. This is something I strongly believe every man needs in today's world.
The book also addresses the significance of moral responsibility towards what we do and how it affects other people. Catt reminds us that we are accountable for the lives we live and for the expectations we set for others and we have to be prepared to take responsibility for our flaws and make things right when the need arises. This is a powerful message that makes us reflect more upon our behavior and actions and work hard to be good men each day.
Based on the impact that the book has had on my life since two years ago when I read it for the first time, I strongly suggest that every man who would want to transform the world positively reads the book, "The Courageous Living" with an open mind. Where ever you are in life, a stay-at-home father, the business owner or a regular joe that wants something better, this book has got something for everyone. Pick a copy, locate a quiet space where you could sit and read, take your notes, and prepare to be inspired to live the best you.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that you enjoy my book recommendation.