The Heart and the Fist by Eric Greitens........the education of a humanitarian, the making of a Navy Seal

I try and not post to many books which are not relevant to the outdoors seeing that this is a canoeing and outdoor enthusiast gathering place. I make exceptions for books that are potentially revelatory in passing on understanding (Panzer leader) or are inspiring (Bonhoeffer). Eric Greitens book is both.

As a young man he seeks to be of service to his fellow and goes to some of the most tragic places on the planet. Ruwanda and Croatia after the ethnic cleansing, India with Mother Teresea etc. Then is accepted in Oxford where he becomes a Rhodes Scholar. Faced with the choice of economic prosperity or continued service he chooses to become a Navy Seal after coming to the understanding that without the wise use of force the humanitarian cannot accomplish their ambitions (having witnessed it first hand).

An amazing and inspiring story........very descriptive with keen insight into the foibles and miscues that well meaning governments make when attempting to help. He is also somewhat critical of being heavy handed with local populations who are involved in the war zones. All in all informative and fascinating.....at least from my perspective.