Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,000+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Sully summary
Chesley B. Sullenberger III & Jeffrey Zaslow
My Search for What Really Matters
18 mins
Brief summary
Sully is the memoir of Captain Chesley Sullenberger, who successfully executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River in 2009. The book explores the mindset, preparation, and teamwork that enabled him to save the lives of all onboard.
Table of Contents
Sully
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
An early lesson in self-reliance
Chesley B. Sullenberger’s father was a self-reliant individual, often taking on various tasks around the house from carpentry to wiring and roofing. This sense of self-sufficiency was imparted to his children, teaching them not just to be independent but also the value of precision and diligence. A particular lesson that left a mark was when Sullenberger mistakenly cut a piece of wood too short. His father's advice, “Measure twice, cut once,” highlighted the importance of thoroughness and the irreversible nature of certain actions.
From a young age, Sullenberger found satisfaction in seeing tangible results. Whether it was mowing the lawn or helping his father put shingles on the family home’s roof, the pleasure derived from accomplishing tasks and marking progress was evident. Half-mowed lawns acted as clear indicators of work done and the amount remaining. This appreciation for measurable outcomes and the joy of completion is reflective of a goal-oriented mindset.
Growing up in the 1960s, Sullenberger had clarity about his future aspirations. He envisioned a life in the military followed by a career as a commercial pilot. Even as an earnest and serious young boy, he exhibited a heightened sense of self-awareness, recognizing both his strengths and imperfections. His writings from eighth grade provide a glimpse into his character. He acknowledged his good habits, like politeness, which he credited to his upbringing, and was candid about his shortcomings, like impatience and perfectionism. The feedback from his teacher, a simple affirmation that he was “doing fine,” was reflective of an era where sparse words of encouragement were the norm. This formative feedback and the societal expectations of the time shaped his adult disposition – regimented, self-demanding, and perfectionist, attributes he believed contributed to his proficiency as a pilot.
Sullenberger's writings also shed light on his familial bonds. He expressed pride in his sister, despite occasional differences, and profound appreciation for his mother’s ceaseless care. His father stood as a beacon of wisdom, guiding him, imparting lessons, and enabling him to learn from his errors. These relationships laid the foundation for his values and principles.
Despite the imperfect nature of his home, with slanted floors and a lack of financial focus, Sullenberger cherished his upbringing. The house his grandfather built became more than just walls and roofs; it was a repository of memories, lessons, and familial love. He recognized the fortune of growing up in such an environment, nurtured by parents who, in their own unique ways, instilled invaluable life lessons.
Want to see all full key ideas from Sully?
Key ideas in Sully
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 Sully about?
Sully (2009) chronicles the remarkable life journey of the pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York's Hudson River, ensuring the safety of all on board. The memoir sheds light on his unwavering dedication, the significance of readiness, and the profound lessons from his military and aviation careers. Through his experiences, the book emphasizes the enduring values that can guide individuals through times of adversity and uncertainty.
Who should read Sully?
- Fans of aviation and heroic true stories
- Autobiography enthusiasts
- Readers seeking inspiration in challenging times
Categories with Sully
Book summaries like Sully
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
29 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth