I dare you! By William H Danforth – Book Review

Title and author: I dare you! by William H. Danforth

Contents synopsis:

In this motivational classic from the mid-20th century, the author, a successful businessman and advocate for youth programs in St. Louis, Missouri, William Danforth challenges you and any other reader to do great things and be great. Originally published in 1953, it has been republished by various sources in recent years.

Although the book is aimed at youth and young adults who challenge them to become more than they initially think possible, it has motivational value for all ages. Danforth firmly believed that we limit ourselves and that by seizing the opportunity and believing in our virtually unlimited potential we could exceed all expectations, including our own, and dare to be great.

In addition to providing raw motivational material, the book looks at seven main areas, called “challenges,” where the author challenges the reader to dig deeper and live more in life. They include adventure, achievement, strength, creativity, magnetic personality, character, and the willingness to share what you have. These qualities will be recognized as common to most of the successful books and materials published over the past two centuries. What sets Danforth’s little book apart is that it frames its challenge as a challenge.

While the attributes that Danforth promotes are found in works by Marsden, Hill, and others, the daring approach used by this author is unique. He appealed to young people and young people, whether they are high school-age children who attended his summer camps or young people entering the business world.

Readability / Writing quality:

The Executive Books edition is only 144 pages long. It is easy to read, as it is aimed at young people. It may seem naive and simplistic by today’s standards. However, the motivational truths of this work are no less true today than they were more than 60 years ago.

Notes on the author:

William Danforth was the founder and long-time president of the Ralston Purina Company. He also served as president of the American Youth Foundation and was very active in the YMCA. During his summers, he spent his time training and helping less fortunate youth at summer camps in Michigan and elsewhere. He died in 1956.

Three great ideas you can use:

1. “Wealth, notoriety, place and power are not a measure of success. The only true measure of success is the relationship between what we could have done and what we could have been, on the one hand, and what we have done and what we have become crazy about each other ”.

2. Each of us has four giants or hidden resources that we must constantly develop to achieve greatness. These include the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects. To achieve a balanced and powerful life, you must fully nurture each of these aspects.

3. Continual learning and improvement are essential for achievement. The author recommends a reading program of no less than one book per month. It will pay you back many times.

Publication information:

I dare you! by William H. Danforth. Copyright 2009 by Executive Books as presented in its publication. Published by Executive Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Overall Book Rating: Fair