“Areté” by Brian Johnson

The author 🖋

Brian Johnson is a philosopher, entrepreneur and bestselling author with over 25 years of experience in personal development.

He’s also the founder of 3 social platforms - eteamz, Zaadz and Heroic - as well as the host of the Heroic podcast that’s got over 14 million downloads.

Key takeaways 🎓

1. Striving for excellence 

Areté, the ancient Greek concept of excellence, is not a fixed trait but a conscious choice which involves striving to be our best self in every aspect of life - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

True excellence requires constant effort, self-discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement.

It’s not about being perfect but about continually improving and growing, rather than settling for mediocrity.

2. A life well-lived

Eudaimonia or "human flourishing" in Greek suggests that a good life isn't just about being happy in the moment but rather long-term fulfillment through meaningful action and living in alignment with your values.

It is closely tied to Areté because, based on Johnson, the pursuit of excellence naturally leads to deeper satisfaction in life.

3. Strength through good habits

Johnson highlights the importance of daily habits and routines in embodying Areté.

He encourages us to focus on mastering the fundamentals - good sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and self-discipline - to create a strong foundation for a life of excellence.

Consistent, daily practice of small virtuous actions builds momentum towards achieving our full potential.

Closing thoughts 🧠

The book is a comprehensive guide to personal growth that blends ancient wisdom with modern insights.

Through 451 short chapters, Brian Johnson offers a systematic approach to self-improvement and a daily source of inspiration with the aim to encourage us to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.