Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Season of Life summary
Jeffrey Marx
Brief summary
Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx is a thought-provoking book that explores the true meaning of success and fulfillment. It follows the story of Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL player turned coach, and his powerful message about living a life of purpose and service.
Table of Contents
Season of Life
Summary of key ideas
The Meaning of True Manhood
In Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx, we delve into the life and teachings of Joe Ehrmann, a former professional football player turned minister and coach. We are introduced to Ehrmann's unique coaching philosophy, one that emphasizes the importance of love, service, and relationships over traditional notions of masculinity. Ehrmann believes that the true measure of a man is not his ability to dominate others, but rather his capacity to serve and build meaningful connections with those around him.
As a coach at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Ehrmann implements his philosophy through a program called 'Building Men for Others.' The program is designed to help his players understand and embrace their roles as responsible, compassionate, and empathetic individuals. Ehrmann's approach is unconventional, to say the least, in a world where sports are often associated with aggression, competition, and winning at all costs.
Challenging Traditional Masculinity
Throughout Season of Life, Marx shares several poignant anecdotes that illustrate Ehrmann's coaching style and its profound impact on the players. He describes how Ehrmann encourages his players to express their emotions openly, to be vulnerable, and to offer support to one another. In an environment where toxic masculinity often thrives, Ehrmann's approach challenges the conventional norms of manhood and masculinity.
One of the most striking examples of Ehrmann's coaching philosophy is his practice of having his players say 'I love you' to each other, an act that initially makes the boys uncomfortable but eventually leads to stronger bonds and a deeper sense of camaraderie. Ehrmann believes that expressing love and empathy is essential for personal growth and the development of healthy relationships, both on and off the field.
Impact of Ehrmann's Philosophy
As the season progresses, Marx observes the transformative effect of Ehrmann's teachings on the players. The boys begin to embody the principles of service, empathy, and love, both in their interactions with one another and in their community. They volunteer at homeless shelters, assist disabled individuals, and engage in other acts of kindness, demonstrating a newfound understanding of their roles as responsible and caring individuals.
Furthermore, Season of Life also explores the impact of Ehrmann's philosophy on Marx himself. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Marx initially approaches the story with skepticism, but he is gradually won over by Ehrmann's unconventional approach to coaching. He begins to reflect on his own beliefs about masculinity and the significance of love and service in defining one's manhood.
Reimagining Masculinity
In conclusion, Season of Life is not just a story about a football season, but a powerful exploration of masculinity, relationships, and personal growth. Through Ehrmann's coaching philosophy, Marx challenges us to reconsider the traditional, often toxic, notions of masculinity and instead embrace a more compassionate, empathetic, and service-oriented approach to being a man. The book serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in dominance or aggression, but in our capacity to love, serve, and connect with others.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Season of Life about?
Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx is an inspiring book that delves into the true meaning of masculinity and the power of mentorship. Through the lens of a high school football team and its coach, the author explores how we can redefine success and live a life of purpose and integrity. It challenges traditional notions of manhood and encourages readers to prioritize relationships and making a positive impact on others.
Season of Life Review
Season of Life (2004) portrays a poignant story of Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL player turned coach, emphasizing the values of compassion, empathy, and relational coaching. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It highlights the transformative power of empathy in sports and life, inspiring readers to cultivate deeper connections and foster positive change.
- The book challenges traditional views of masculinity with its emphasis on vulnerability and emotional growth, providing a refreshing perspective on personal development.
- Through Joe Ehrmann's journey and coaching philosophy, the book offers insightful lessons on leadership, relationships, and creating a more empathetic society.
Who should read Season of Life?
Anyone looking for inspiration and guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life
Individuals interested in personal growth, self-discovery, and building strong relationships
Sports fans who want to explore the deeper lessons and values that can be learned from athletics
Categories with Season of Life
Book summaries like Season of Life
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Season of Life FAQs
What is the main message of Season of Life?
The core message of Season of Life is about leading a purpose-driven and meaningful life through relationships and service.
How long does it take to read Season of Life?
Reading Season of Life takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Season of Life a good book? Is it worth reading?
Season of Life is a compelling read that emphasizes values, relationships, and personal growth, making it a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking inspiration.
Who is the author of Season of Life?
The author of Season of Life is Jeffrey Marx.
What to read after Season of Life?
If you're wondering what to read next after Season of Life, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz