About the Author

Brian Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation. He's 50% philosopher, 50% CEO, and 101% committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. As a Founder/CEO he's raised $25M+, made crowdfunding history, and built and sold two social platforms. As a philosopher/teacher, he's helped millions of people from around the world, trained 10,000+ Heroic Coaches from 100+ countries and created a protocol that science says changes lives. He lives in the country outside Austin, Texas, with his wife, Alexandra, and their two kids, Emerson and Eleanor.

Phil Stutz graduated from City College in New York and received his MD from New York University. He worked as a prison psychiatrist on Rikers Island and then in private practice in New York before moving his practice to Los Angeles in 1982.

Reviews

"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"

"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"

"This book will change your life. And, if enough of us commit, it will change the world." -- "Phil Stutz, MD, bestselling author of The Tools, featured in the Netflix documentary Stutz"

"[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"

"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"

"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 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"

"I have followed Brian Johnson's work for over a decade. He is the coach of coaches. The impact he's had on me and, as a result, those I coach, is immeasurable. If you're looking to level up every aspect of your personal and professional life, [Areté] is a must-read."-- "Brian Cain, Mental Performance Coach for MLB, UFC, NFL, PGA, and NCAA Champions"

"I wish this book was available fifty years ago when I was just starting out on my own life journey. I wholeheartedly recommend it."-- "John Mackey, cofounder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market"

"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"

"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"

"Prepare to have your mind expanded and your heart opened by Brian Johnson's remarkable new book. [Areté] is a masterpiece that is certain to be read and revered by millions, and passed down from generation to generation. In a world where shallow superficiality seems supreme, Brian's book is a beacon of deep truth, wisdom, and inspiration--a call to arms for anyone with the courage to pursue their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem. Put every other book away and dive headfirst into the pages of [Areté]. You'll emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of yourself, and the tools you need to make a lasting impact on the world."-- "Jim Huling, former Global Managing Consultant for Franklin Covey and bestselling author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution"

"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"

"Brian has alchemized the wisdom and teachings from the greatest thinkers on the planet, past and present. His teachings have created a framework for my own personal peak performance and leadership." -- "John Herdman, Olympic Medal-Winning Head Coach of the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team"

"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"