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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Courage to Be Free summary
Ron DeSantis
Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival
16 mins
Brief summary
'The Courage to Be Free' by Ron DeSantis is a guide that inspires individuals to overcome adversity and embrace freedom. DeSantis shares stories and insights that encourage a mindset shift towards positivity and personal responsibility.
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The Courage to Be Free
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Key idea 1 of 5
Governing Florida: defense through offense
In November 2018, Ron DeSantis was elected governor of Florida and his life changed overnight.
The morning after the election, he went for his usual jog around the neighborhood. Only this time, he was followed by a group of security agents. This was the moment when it started to sink in. He had a new role, new powers, and responsibilities to match. Previously, DeSantis had spent five years representing Florida in Congress where he was just one of many politicians on a legislative body. Now, as governor, he was one man leading a state of 20 million people.
He knew it’d be hard work. But the new governor had the support not just of the people, but of the president. In a tweet, President Trump described DeSantis as “a brilliant young leader.” “He loves our country,” said Trump, “and he’s a true fighter.”
DeSantis had started out as an underdog. Just a few years before, he was virtually unknown. In order to get enough votes to be elected to Congress, he’d had to embark on a relentless door-knocking campaign. But his hard work paid off. By 2018, he was ready for the next stage of the fight and looking forward to being able to make some real changes.
This was the way to do it, DeSantis thought. Not as a congressman, struggling to accomplish substantial policy. As governor, he’d finally be able to lead and make a difference. So, it was time to get to work. DeSantis was aware that at best, he had two four-year terms to get it all done. He had a bold agenda. It included healthcare reforms, tackling illegal immigration, and prioritizing law and order.
But having clearly defined goals was just the beginning. DeSantis knew he needed to take action, and that strong, even aggressive leadership was essential. “The best defense is a good offense.” That was his leadership philosophy. He was determined to make a stand, tackling key issues aggressively.
In particular, DeSantis says he has no time or patience for so-called “progressives,” or the “woke indoctrination.” As governor, he’s actively fought against it. For example, he views Critical Race Theory as left-wing propaganda. In his opinion, schools shouldn’t be teaching kids that America was founded on white supremacy. As a deterrent, he signed a new piece of legislation – the “Stop Wrongs against Our Kids and Employees Act,” also known as the “Stop WOKE Act.” And he’s taken a similar stance on other issues, fighting against “wokeness.” The way he sees it, he’s standing up for freedom and common sense.
Not everyone appreciates DeSantis’s approach. He’s often vilified by the left and by the legacy media. But among the people of Florida, DeSantis has been hugely popular.
In the next sections, we’ll look at some examples of DeSantis’s most noteworthy decisions as governor. These incidents will give you a good idea of what kind of leader he is. And they’ll help you to understand why, according to him, Florida is the future.
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What is The Courage to Be Free about?
The Courage to Be Free (2023) is an account of Ron DeSantis’s career so far, focusing on his work as governor of Florida. He reflects on his approach to leadership and outlines his vision for America.
The Courage to Be Free Review
The Courage to Be Free (2021) by Ron DeSantis is a book that dives deep into the concept of freedom and why it is worth fighting for. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It explores the philosophical foundations of freedom, providing readers with a thought-provoking perspective on the importance of individual liberty in society.
- With its compelling examples from history, the book illustrates the enduring struggle for freedom, showcasing the courage and determination of those who fought for it.
- Through its practical insights and actionable advice, the book empowers readers to embrace freedom in their own lives and make a positive impact on the world.
Who should read The Courage to Be Free?
- Republicans and anyone who has right-wing political views
- People interested in US politics
- Anyone who wants to know more about a potential future president
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The Courage to Be Free FAQs
What is the main message of The Courage to Be Free?
The main message of The Courage to Be Free is about embracing courage to live a liberated life.
How long does it take to read The Courage to Be Free?
The reading time for The Courage to Be Free varies by reader, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Courage to Be Free a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Courage to Be Free is a valuable read for anyone seeking inner freedom. It offers insightful guidance and practical tools for personal growth.
Who is the author of The Courage to Be Free?
The author of The Courage to Be Free is Ron DeSantis.
What to read after The Courage to Be Free?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Courage to Be Free, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking by Michael D. Watkins
- Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
- The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
- Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner
- Building a Non-Anxious Life by John Delony
- Bedtime Biography: An Autobiography by M.K. Gandhi
- Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven