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Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life Hardcover – April 13, 2004

by John McCain (Author), Marshall Salter (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 252 ratings
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this inspiring meditation on courage, Senator John McCain shares his most cherished stories of ordinary individuals who have risked everything to defend the people and principles they hold most dear.

“We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite our fears,” McCain reminds us, as a way of introducing the stories of figures both famous and obscure that he finds most compelling—from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to Sgt. Roy Benavidez, who ignored his own well-being to rescue eight of his men from an ambush in the Vietnam jungle; from 1960s civil rights leader John Lewis, who wrote, “When I care about something, I’m prepared to take the long, hard road,” to Hannah Senesh, who, in protecting her comrades in the Hungarian resistance against Hitler’s SS, chose a martyr’s death over a despot’s mercy.

These are some of the examples McCain turns to for inspiration and offers to others to help them summon the resolve to be both good and great. He explains the value of courage in both everyday actions and extraordinary feats. We learn why moral principles and physical courage are often not distinct quantities but two sides of the same coin. Most of all, readers discover how sometimes simply setting the right example can be the ultimate act of courage.

Written by one of our most respected public figures, Why Courage Matters is that rare book with a message both timely and timeless. This is a work for anyone seeking to understand how the mystery and gift of courage can empower us and change our lives.

Praise for Why Courage Matters

“[John] McCain the man remains one of the most inspiring public figures of his generation.”—The Washington Post Book World

“Thrilling . . . John McCain’s profiles in courage offer inspiration. . . . A marvelous collection of stories featuring honest-to-God heroes.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Extraordinary . . . McCain proves how courage can change lives and improve the world.”—New York Daily News

“[McCain] is open and candid, a refuge from spin and arrogance.”—The Washington Post

“Wise words from a man who personifies courage.”—The Sunday Oklahoman
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Random House
  4. Publication date
    April 13, 2004
  5. Dimensions
    5.14 x 0.77 x 8.17 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1400060303
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1400060306
  8. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
252 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing quality well-written and thought-out. They also appreciate the inspirational content, saying it's filled with excellent examples of people who responded to the call to serve. Readers describe the book as a great buy and worth the time. They describe the readability as compelling, refreshing, and valuable.

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Writing qualityInspirational contentValue for moneyReadability
11 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive2 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-thought-out and provocative. They also say the points are excellent and enrich the text.

"...As are all the books I have read by Senator McCain, this book is very well-written...." Read more

"...John McCain is a great writer and an American Hero and this book serves as a testament to that." Read more

"Well-written and provocative...it was a very good read, and I am glad to have the insight into McCain's feelings on this subject..." Read more

"A beautifully written book especially for those who love military history. John McCain is both a true hero and a statesman of the highest order...." Read more

10 customers mention "Inspirational content"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the content inspirational. They say it's well-written and filled with excellent examples of people who responded to the call to service.

"...He’s very humble & inspiring" Read more

"Good analysis of what courage means. Well written stories about individuals that showed their how they put aside fears and put their lives in danger..." Read more

"...The book is filled with excellent examples of people who responded to the call to be courageous." Read more

"...This book is a collection of stories about bravery and honesty." Read more

8 customers mention "Value for money"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great buy and worth the time. They mention it's too long and wordy for what it says.

"...Not always centered around war. Quick read and worth the time." Read more

"This book is ok, but it's too long and wordy for what it's saying. The message is great, but it could be presented on a 3x5 card instead...." Read more

"...If you long for the love of Freedom, this is a must read......" Read more

"...to rally these thoughts in a powerful conclusion and makes the book a worthy read." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compelling, refreshing, and provocative. They say it's well-written and provides valuable lessons.

"Well-written and provocative...it was a very good read, and I am glad to have the insight into McCain's feelings on this subject..." Read more

"...were excellent and enriched the text, making everything clear and compelling." Read more

"...His take on what courage is and who has it is very interesting." Read more

"Given the current climate in DC and the White House, this is a refreshing read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

ACB
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in every way.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
B great if this was a text book in every junior high…or nite time reading 2 that age group or younger. He’s very humble & inspiring
One person found this helpful
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Sharon
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone Should Read This Book
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2018
Verified Purchase
I will read this book many more times. As are all the books I have read by Senator McCain, this book is very well-written. His definition of courage had me re-examining my thoughts on courage. Senator McCain gets to the very essence of human nature, motivation, selflessness, and the impact of such qualities on human behavior. He paints an amazing picture of what it is to embody courage, even when you may not realize you are courageous. Many times this book brought me to tears, but that is a good thing! As I said, I will read this book many more times.
2 people found this helpful
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TJ Krile
4.0 out of 5 stars What is courage?
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
Good analysis of what courage means. Well written stories about individuals that showed their how they put aside fears and put their lives in danger to assist others.
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Sipaco
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, clearly written, valuable lessons
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
Who hasn’t been awed by the true stories of courageous actions performed by people? Or wondered if he/she would have what it takes if faced with a situation calling for courage? John McCain reveals the stories and character of a very diverse group of men and women as he discusses the essence of courage in several forms. I have recommended this book to each of my children because I am not able to teach them these valuable lessons more clearly.
One person found this helpful
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M. Green
5.0 out of 5 stars An important book we all should read and take note of
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
I'm a big fan of Sen. McCain for his courageous service to our country, he doesn't mention his bravery, even down plays it. Discusses others and there virtues and unselfishness to step up for a cause, at the risk of losing there own lives. I related it to 9/11, as did he. Those we wouldn't expect to be hero "material" can bee a surprise to us all. Not always centered around war. Quick read and worth the time.
5 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The book is filled with excellent examples of people who responded to the call to ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
Sen McCain clearly makes the case of why we all need to be courageous when the opportunity falls on us. He very well makes the argument that Courage is not an end goal, but rather the result of the way we lead our lives. To be Courageous, we need to morally clear in the daily choices we make that we put us in a position to show courage when the need arises. The book is filled with excellent examples of people who responded to the call to be courageous.
9 people found this helpful
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BRGG2050
5.0 out of 5 stars An Uplifting Read from an American Hero
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2008
Verified Purchase
This country owes John McCain a great deal of debt. Not only for his military service or his Senate work but also for the great and couragous books he writes.
"Why Courage Matters" is an example of his passion for helping others through tough times and instilling a greater understanding of the world in them. He tells a number of couragous stories of people throughout time who deserve respect and honor and even goes on to explain some of the situations he himself went through during his imprisoment in the Vietnam War and how he got through them. John McCain is a great writer and an American Hero and this book serves as a testament to that.
3 people found this helpful
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Jim Dulin
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary understanding.
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
We no longer teach civics in public high school. We don't study and honor those who possessed great courage. Immigrants prepping for naturalization learn more than the average student. If every public school student were required to read about heroes like John McCain, we would be a stronger nation. Without history and courage, Big Brother can make what we value thought crime.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Dilip Mehta
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing!
Reviewed in India on October 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Nothing but a collection of instances of American army in various wars faught by the US.
Not meaningful for our daily lives.
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Ralf Plitzkat
5.0 out of 5 stars Conservative, but convincing and true to his values
Reviewed in Germany on May 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
having read this book you will miss Sen. McCain dearly. Presenting examples on extraordinary courage, Mr. McCain presents his very special view on values, with courage being among the more important ones. He also describes what courage really is and separates real courage from "marketing" or pure chance.
You might not share his (a bit conservative) perspective, but you will acknowledge that this man lived true to his convictions. An inspirational book!
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Persephone
5.0 out of 5 stars John Mc Cain, Kriegsveteran
Reviewed in Germany on August 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
John Mc Cain stammt aus einer Familie von Generälen. In dieser Tradition ist er aufgewachsen und seine Berufsehre und Berufs-Ethos sind ihm sehr wichtig.
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J. E. Bond
2.0 out of 5 stars Very boooooooring
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
I don't recommend this book at all.
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