Areté : Activate Your Heroic Potential

“Optimization for the sake of optimization is ultimately shallow. Brian Johnson draws from profound ancient wisdom, activated with powerful modern science, to provide a deeper alternative: the cultivation of heroism. This book provides the answer for those who are asking that most basic of questions: What should I do with my life?” Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work

“From the beginning of this book Brian Johnson sets up incredibly high expectations, promising us the best, most heroic version of ourselves. And then, with each word, metaphor, story, and research, Brian proceeds to overdeliver on his promise. You have in your hands a life-changing masterpiece.” Tal Ben-Shahar, New York Times bestselling author of Happier

“In [Areté], Brian Johnson masterfully integrates time-honored wisdom with contemporary science, creating a road map for increased well-being. This will sound cheesy but it’s more than just a book—it’s a call for all of us to unearth our untapped potential. Brian offers practical, tangible tools for turning our greatest challenges into fuel for resilience and personal transformation. His new book is essential reading for anyone seeking to harness their heroic potential and influence the world in a positive way.” Sonja Lyubomirsky, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and author of The How of Happiness

“Brian Johnson is a Stoic reincarnate. [Areté] is your next read AND your training template for a life well-lived.”  Mark Divine, New York Times bestselling author of Unbeatable Mind and The Way of the SEAL

“Brian is the most Stoic guy I know. When I’m in a jam, when the universe is turning my life upside down, Brian is the man I call. Every Spartan in the world should read [Areté].” Joe De Sena, CEO and Founder of Spartan

“This book threatens to be one of the all-time best and most timeless masterpieces of personal productivity and self-development. From ancient wisdom to modern science, training the body to training the mind and soul, optimizing energy, love, sleep, work, and beyond, it is a profoundly thorough treatise on everything you need to live as a full and complete human. Shove aside any books you’ve been planning to read, and move [Areté] to the front of the line. You’ll thank yourself forever if you do.”  Ben Greenfield, founder of Kion and bestselling author of Boundless

“Brian Johnson’s virtues of Zest, Service, and Optimism are only matched by his Kindness, Generosity, and Love. These virtues were embodied in Brian making Heroic available to the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. These future Army Officers now have access to tools to assist them in leader development, self-mastery, and antifragility. The beauty of this is not just the self-development aspect of Cadets using [Areté], but that upon graduation and commissioning, they will take these virtues and skills as Second Lieutenants to their platoon of America’s finest young women and men. This book gives heroic leaders from all walks of life access to Brian’s wisdom. I highly recommend it.” Scott Parsons, Character Development Integrator, United States Military Academy at West Point

“[Areté] will unlock the recesses of your true capabilities. Brian Johnson shows even the most successful leaders that there is more in the fuel tank to reach even greater heights. An absolute ‘must-read’ for those who want to reach the Mount Olympus of leading superstar-performing teams.” Mike Manazir, Retired US Navy Admiral and Top Gun Pilot, bestselling author of Learn How to Lead to Win

“Mark my words: Brian Johnson is going to change the world, and this book is his ultimate manifesto. I’ve seen it over and over—when people connect up with the Heroic movement, they flourish. And flourishing is contagious. One purpose-driven hero impacts many others, and within just a few iterations no doubt 51% of the world will be flourishing by 2051. The science is solid; the history goes deep. [Areté] will elevate us all.” Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD, Professor of brain and cognitive sciences and author of the New York Times bestseller Bright Line Eating

“Most of us have read our share of ‘self-improvement’ books. What Brian has written here is something else entirely—a self-illumination book. Each page, each perspective sheds light on the undiscovered capacities that have been too-long hidden away within each of us. Brian’s genius lies in holding out these golden finds for us to recognize as our own, while simultaneously unleashing the untapped stores of purpose-driven energy we need to wield them well. This book will serve as a daily devotional for many. For those willing to dig deeper, it will serve as a treasure map, dog-eared pages and highlighted passages marking a clear trail back to our own best gifts.” Pilar Gerasimo, award-winning health journalist, podcaster, and author of The Healthy Deviant

“The author of this expansive audiobook is the founder of a personal growth platform that integrates a broad array of wisdom about developing one’s potential. After celebrity psychiatrist Phil Stutz delivers a believable endorsement of the audiobook, the author performs with energy that infuses his ideas with passion from start to finish. He organizes his growth protocol around seven objectives, each elucidated in short chapters, most only 2 or 3 minutes each—a format that works well with Johnson’s compact writing and brisk narrating pace. From Aristotle to modern psychologists, he’s curated the best advice from anyone who’s had anything to say about living in accordance with our highest ideals. This exceptional personal development guide is full of thoughtful suggestions and powerful optimism.” AudioFile