The Heart and the Fist

The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL

By: Eric Greitens

Narrated by: Eric Greitens

Like many young idealists, Eric Greitens wanted to make a difference. During college and afterward, he traveled to the world's trouble spots, working in refugee camps, serving the sick and the poor on four continents, from Gaza to Croatia to Mother Teresa's home in Calcutta, among others. Yet he could not prevent violence or save anyone from becoming a refugee; he could only step in afterward and try to ease the damage. So Eric joined the Navy SEALs and became an elite warrior.

In a moving and inspiring memoir, told with genuine humility, Eric offers something new in the history of military memoirs: a warrior who wanted to be strong to be good, only to discover that he had to be good to be strong. Throughout his SEAL training and deployments in Kenya, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the lessons of his humanitarian work bore fruit. The result is a lesson for us all: the heart and fist together are more powerful than either one alone.

©2011 Eric Greitens (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This tale of [Greitens's] dual military/humanitarian effort could be paired with Rye Barcott's It Happened on the Way to War." ( Library Journal)

A thought provoking and well written/read account

Have been listening to this book and am amazed by the great way it presents the story. The writer who also reads the book, is a natural to the audio book genre and delivers his story in a compelling and all emcompassing manner. Not an army story, but a life story and freedom, the value of it we in the west take for granted.

Governments don't make change, people do, from the spark in the heart of one man or women a whole political or social shift can taken place, as we have witnessed in the middle east recently.

Honest and engaging

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His honesty about his own personal failings with his grandfather while aiding refugees in Rwanda is character and humanity rarely written about outside of the most personal journals. I've had moments like that in my own life, but never had the courage to share it with anyone. Greitens' story is powerful and compelling.

Any additional comments?

If you read Sole Survivor and were a bit disappointed with the arrogance, religious overtones, and lack of believability, and were left longing for an honest accounting of what makes a true warrior, this book is not to be missed. Simply one of the most amazing soldier stories I've read (and I'm partial to the genre).

Terrific

Well told story of a purpose-filled life. Great insight into what it takes to be a Navy Seal.

A life's story and a perspective worth reading.

Mr. G, as his men referred to him, offers a very grounded perspective of real life experience and the lessons to be learned from serving your fellow man and the value of compassion. I would argue that this book should be on reading lists for high school students. Greitens' overseas experiences and training as a navy seal teaches all about challenge and how through challenging our character, we can learn about ourselves and by overcoming challenges, we can make ourselves a better person and live a fulfilling life in a modern world where a feeling of purpose may be hard to come by.

This might be the best book I had never heard of.

What made the experience of listening to The Heart and the Fist the most enjoyable?

Straightforward narration, amazing and well balanced. I laughed, got scared, got teary eyed. Seriously--never heard of this guy, but I think that will all change. He humbly inspires.

What did you like best about this story?

Here is a humble Rhode Scholar Navy Seal. Enough said.

What does Eric Greitens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His straightforward demeanor throughout the narration adds to the understanding of the book. He's real.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both. Hold tight!!! (no shit) got a laugh. Social work got some tears.

Any additional comments?

Thanks for writing this. My roommate served in Iraq, and he is as honorable as you can come. I don't have a lot of experience with US military, but as a woman I hear mostly bad stuff. This is the kind of thing that young recruits should read. And every other American.

Great Story

Single best book I have read in a long time. way to go Mark. AROO!

A very human memoir on service.

Eric Greitens memoir stands out as more than another account of the difficulty involved in joining one of America's elite special operations units. Although the author is a Rhodes Scholar, and highly articulate, he keeps his narrative accessible while remaining intelligent and thought provoking.

This book details the evolution of a man, during which he pauses to highlight key moments and lessons. Those impactful moments contain principles applicable to students, teachers, humanitarians, and military members, to name a few. Any person seeking to positively influence their surroundings would do well to get this book.

Good Story

I liked this good not my favorite Navy Seal book buy its a great read still for this man to have a degree at Oxford and still want to serve his country is a story everyone should hear

great read but not a combat story book

this book is about a man, a humanitarian, who became a Navy SEAL. it is a great read but not one if you want to hear about day-to-day combat as a Navy SEAL. I was very impressed with this book and how this man became a seal. he decided to do something about the issues that go along in this world. I was pleasantly surprised though even though I'm a fan of the mission-oriented books. very happy I read this book

I hope everyone will read this!

This is one of the best books I've read lately. It has inspired me to be better and do better. It tells of many things Eric Greitens has done in the private sector volunteering in remote corners of the world, his Navy Seal training and deployment. His views are uplifting and refreshing. You will not be disapointed, I couldn't turn this book on tape off until it was over and I wished there were 10 more hours to listen to. This is a great listen and I hope everyone decides to listen!