Becoming a Barbarian Paperback – March 15, 2016

Perimeters for your group and defending it. This is The whole theme of this excellent book. Not for effeminate men. I loved this book, really makes you think and life and structure.! Be the kind of man that other men will respect.

Becoming a Barbarian was eye opening, but more so, it brought things into focus. It’s one of those situations where you know something is off about the world/society but can’t quite narrow it down. Jack sheds a bright light on it and writes an unapologetic book about the importance of tribalism. Tribalism is a pretty common theme when you think about it. Tribalism is commonly presented as, “birds of a feather…” or “show me your friends and I’ll show you..” But Jack goes beyond ideas and examines implications of the default program. Providing clear evidence about the dangers of aimlessly going through life, isolation, and not being held to accountable by a tribe.I was surprised about how big of a role consumerism plays in the attempts to stifle individualism and free thought. Also surprising was the not-so-obvious-obvious dangers of Universal morality, and I can attest to them; by the time you’re finished fighting for the world, you barely have anything left for yourself.Again, a must read, front of the line type of book. It’s an easy read that questions, ‘is the allegiance you’ve pledged, really in YOUR best interest…?’ And that’s a question you cannot un-ask yourself (rabbit-holing as we speak 🐇 🕳). Good work Jack, definitely will be reading more of your books and essays. Loved the “I Don’t Care” essay as well. We don’t realize how we’re subtly acquiesced into continuous one-sided caring. But I’ll save that for another post.🐺

Great book, relevant, and a compelling read, but needed more on how to thrive as a barbarian in current times, not just deciding to break away.Jack talks about emotionally and spiritually separating from the Empire (of nothing), which I agree with, and goes on about using the Empire rather than running away to a dream of isolation, which is a very good message, but I think he needed another chapter on how to thrive without getting stomped.Rome was not always at war with its barbaric neighbors. They traded, allied, got along much of the time while keeping their respective distinctions; a bit like wildlife does - which is a useful model: mingle in ways peaceful or not, possibly co-dependent, but still separate.Perhaps Jack will take that on in his next book.

Life being what it is today the information inside these pages caused me to stop and take stock in myself. My approach, ethics and priorities don’t align with the masses of soulless Lemmings that seem to comprise the movers and shakers of today. Donovan inspires readers to proudly walk the road less traveled. At the final page I was sad there were no more!. I hope for a “part two”.

Donovan's earlier book, "The Way of Men," laid out an overarching philosophy on masculine life. Of particular use in that book were the explanations of the four masculine virtues of strength, courage, mastery and honor, as guidelines for a man's life. "Becoming a Barbarian" begins to translate those virtues into practical, actionable daily advice, and this is the best aspect of the book. Donovan's concepts of loyalty to our own tribe are almost revolutionary in today's world, where we're supposed to equally (and impossibly) love the starving Somali kid we've never met as much as our own nieces and nephews.I'll be frank: this book really made me reconsider many of my long-held beliefs about individualism versus tribalism. I grew up reading things like Ayn Rand and some of that stuck with me well into my adult life. I'm glad to say that Donovan's work - particularly in this book - and that of others has made me see a multitude of flaws in the philosophies of radical individualism. I'm not quite a barbarian yet, but I'm definitely moving that way, and fast.This is a great, challenging read for those of us who grew up in America, or any country that promotes radical individualism at the expense of the tribe. I recommend it strongly, but prepare to be shocked out of your complacency.

Normally, I read quickly. It isn't uncommon for me to go through two books per week, and few subjects are off limits. I'm often a main idea guy. I'm a skimmer. Just get to the good parts. So it's a rare occurrence when I take my time and slowly digest a book, line per line, and focus on what the author intends to communicate. It takes a strong message and near savant-grade writing ability to slow me down enough to care about the details. So when I say I took three weeks to read a 160-page book, understand the importance I give to the author's work and thought processes.Becoming a Barbarian, by Jack Donovan, may be the best book I've ever read. The ideas presented and the skill with which they are communicated set it apart from my collection of non-fiction that includes many heavy names and acclaimed authors. Read carefully and with a searching mind, this book will change your world view. I have therefore added it to my 'graduation bundle' that I gift to graduating seniors.Just remember: once a thing is seen it cannot be unseen.Caput Gerat Lupinum

After reading 3 books of Jack Donovan's collection it's hard to argue this guy's better than Stephen King!

Buena impresión

Jack Donovan debate sobre inúmeros assuntos importantes para a sociedade moderna, sem se preocupar com o politicamente correto. Faz uma crítica ao homem branco moderno ocidental e seu estilo de vida e tenta resgatar o comportamento tribal que acompanhou o homem em tempos remotos.

This book follows « the way of man ». If you have not read this last book, begin with it. In this book, Jack Donovan explain mainly what differs a man of a tribe from a man of the « Empire of Nothing ». What differs the Barbarian from the « Universalist Man ». Very nice book to understand clearly what means to you and who you want to be for your family and your tribe.

I expected this book to be more like a rara book that will make men feel good when they read it and fill up something that they are lacking in their lifes. But it wasn't. Jack Donovan writes in a very clear and easy understandable way. He is to the point and when your read it, and it was an eye opener for me. For many, but especially 'the white western male' something is wrong in our modern world. But it is difficult to point out correctly what it is. It just doesn't feel right. This books explains very clear what is wrong, and why you feel like that. If you wonder where masculinity has gone to and why that is and what you can do about it to gain it back, this is the book for you. I would recommend every young man to read this. I read a lot of books but this is becoming one of my favorites.