Title and author: I dare you! by William H. Danforth
Content Synopsis:
In this mid-20th century motivational classic, author, successful businessman, and advocate for youth programs in St. Louis, Missouri, William Danforth challenges you and any other reader to do great things and be great. Originally published in 1953, it has been republished by various sources in recent years.
Although the book is aimed at youth and young adults who challenge them to become more than they initially thought possible, it has motivational value for all ages. Danforth firmly believed that we limit ourselves and that by seizing opportunity and believing in our virtually limitless potential we could exceed all expectations, including our own, and dare to be great.
In addition to providing raw motivational material, the book discusses seven main areas, called “challenges,” where the author challenges the reader to dig deeper and try harder in life. They include adventure, achievement, strength, creativity, magnetic personality, character, and the willingness to share what you have. These qualities will be recognized as common to most of the successful books and materials published in the last two centuries. What distinguishes Danforth’s little book is that it frames his challenge as a challenge.
While the attributes Danforth promotes are found in the works of Marsden, Hill, and others, the bold approach used by this author is unique. He appealed to the young and young, whether it was the high school age kids attending his summer camps or the youngsters entering the business world.
Readability/Write Quality:
The Executive Books edition is only 144 pages long. It is easy to read, being aimed at young people. It may seem somewhat naive and simplistic by today’s standards. Yet the motivational truths of this work are no less true today than they were more than 60 years ago.
Author’s Notes:
William Danforth was the founder and longtime president of the Ralston Purina Company. He also served as president of the American Youth Foundation and was very active in the YMCA. During his summers he dedicated his time to coaching and helping less fortunate youth at summer camps in Michigan and elsewhere. He died in 1956.
Three great ideas you can use:
1. “Wealth, notoriety, place and power are not measures of success at all. The only true measure of success is the ratio between what we could have done and what we could have been on the one hand, and what we have done”. and what we have crazy about ourselves for the other”.
2. Each of us has four giants or hidden resources that we must constantly develop to achieve greatness. These include the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects. To achieve a balanced and powerful life you must nurture each of these aspects completely.
3. Continuous learning and improvement are essential to achievement. The author recommends a reading program of no less than one book per month. He will pay you back many times.
Disclosure Information:
I dare you! by William H. Danforth. Copyright 2009 by Executive Books in the form presented in its publication. Published by Executive Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.
Overall Book Rating: Fair