Summary
Dan Millman is excelling in his college classes, a victorious gymnast and has a girlfriend. Everything in his life is going flawlessly until he begins to have a reoccurring nightmare, making his existence feel invisible. The only thing saving him is a white-haired elderly man, his piercing eyes hide behind the hood that is draped over his face. Soon what is only seen as a dream, becomes reality. Dan stops at a station one evening for a soda pop he meets the man in his dream. Socrates, quickly strikes Dan with curiosity, claiming he is a "warrior", his movements are the opposite of any other human that walks the Earth. With questions that Dan must ask Socrates develops into Dan's mentor.
Days, weeks, months, and years pass with hard training, strict diets, failure and the greatest achievements. Dan is still not satisfied. As Socrates uses his 'powers' from being a warrior, Dan is thrown through his greatest challenge yet. After purchasing a motor cycle, Dan crashes, breaking his leg to the point where gymnastics looks unachievable. With the new mindset Socrates has helped Dan develop. Surprisingly his recovery was unusually fast.
It is now obvious to Dan that happiness does not come from achievements but the journey that brings the goal into sight. With a new perspective, Dan quits gymnastics, finishes school and feels a discomfort in his life. He removes himself from the world and moves to the mountains after selling all of his possessions. Dan was joyful to see Socrates as he arrives in the mountains, taking him into a cave to reveal one last vision. Seeing his own decomposition, Dan is removed from his natural man, realizing he has become one with the things that are surrounding him.
Days, weeks, months, and years pass with hard training, strict diets, failure and the greatest achievements. Dan is still not satisfied. As Socrates uses his 'powers' from being a warrior, Dan is thrown through his greatest challenge yet. After purchasing a motor cycle, Dan crashes, breaking his leg to the point where gymnastics looks unachievable. With the new mindset Socrates has helped Dan develop. Surprisingly his recovery was unusually fast.
It is now obvious to Dan that happiness does not come from achievements but the journey that brings the goal into sight. With a new perspective, Dan quits gymnastics, finishes school and feels a discomfort in his life. He removes himself from the world and moves to the mountains after selling all of his possessions. Dan was joyful to see Socrates as he arrives in the mountains, taking him into a cave to reveal one last vision. Seeing his own decomposition, Dan is removed from his natural man, realizing he has become one with the things that are surrounding him.
Themes
Happiness
Happiness is the key to success. Helping to improving ones performance, health and helping society as a whole. Being happy will improve the satisfaction in our lives.
Dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction will make one crave the feeling to be satisfied. This feeling leads to growth, fueling action into each and every day.
Perseverance
Perseverance is an action we take when facing setbacks or difficult failures when trying to achieve a goal. These achievements are a result in the desire to push and hard work.
Favorite Quote
"Better to live until you die"
Live life to it's fullest potential, focusing on what is important. Never wasting a moment on the time you have here, and being grateful for every day given.