The Courage to Be Free Book Summary - The Courage to Be Free Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

The Courage to Be Free summary

Ron DeSantis

Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival

3.5 (80 ratings)
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.

Table of Contents

    The Courage to Be Free
    Summary of 5 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    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.

    Want to see all full key ideas from The Courage to Be Free?

    Key ideas in The Courage to Be Free

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    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

    About the Author

    Ron DeSantis is a US politician and a member of the Republican Party. Prior to his career in politics, he studied at Yale and Harvard Law School and served in the military. DeSantis has been governor of Florida since 2019 and is expected to run for president.

    Categories with The Courage to Be Free

    Book summaries like The Courage to Be Free

    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
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    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.

    Start your free trial

    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:
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
    • Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
    • Psychological Types by Carl Jung
    • Built to Last by Jim Collins
    • Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
    • The Joy of Connections by Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
    • Hardcore Self Help by Robert Duff
    • For a New Liberty by Murray N. Rothbard
    • The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr