title and author: I dare you! by William H. Danforth
Content Synopsis:
In this motivational mid-20th century classic, the author, a successful businessman and advocate for youth programs in St. Louis, Missouri, William Danforth challenges you and every 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 challenging 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 unlimited 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 sets Danforth’s little book apart 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 young people entering the business world.
Readability/Writing Quality:
The Executive Books edition is only 144 pages. It is easy to read, as it is aimed at young people. It may seem somewhat naive and simplistic by today’s standards. However, the motivational truths of this work are no less true today than they were more than 60 years ago.
Notes on the author:
William Danforth was the founder and long-time 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 devoted his time to training and helping less fortunate youth at summer camps in Michigan and elsewhere. He died in 1956.
Three great ideas that 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 gone crazy for on the other.”
2. Each of us has four giants or hidden resources that we must constantly develop in order 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 for achievement. The author recommends a reading schedule of no less than one book per month. He will return it to you 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