Every so often a book comes along that strives for the extraordinary and actually achieves it … one that far exceeds its already ambitious reach. That book is Life Lessons of a Harvard Reject by Peter Bennett. It starts with a story about the Statue of 3 Lies, which sits in Harvard Yard. Though the name "John Harvard" and founding date of the institution are carved in stone, neither is accurate. Harvard didn't even found America's oldest university. The bronze figure itself might as well be Peter Pan because no one knows what Harvard looked like. No records existed when Daniel French, sculptor of the Lincoln Monument, started his "Harvard" commission. Only such a story could be told by a Harvard Reject who, like Warren Buffett, Tom Brokaw and a host of others, was denied admission as is the case with about 94% of all applicants. But Harvard Reject is not a book about sour grapes. Rather, every compelling chapter and sub-chapter motivates and inspires readers to be more than they ever thought they could be. Indeed, while it serves as a self-improvement guide and playbook loaded with advice and supported by hundreds of fascinating facts, anecdotes, and sayings -- all put into historical context -- it counsels readers to always seek and verify their own truth (nullius in verba), even when the supposed truth is etched in stone. Any reader that has enjoyed the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Road less Traveled, The Power of Positive Thinking, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and other self-improvement classics will absolutely admire and adore Life Lessons of a Harvard Reject. Moreover, the teachers in the book include everyone from Jesus Christ to J.C. Penney and from Socrates to The Simpsons.
If you at all aspire to be a little better tomorrow than you are today, Life Lessons will show you how to:
• React quicker
• Change faster
• Dream bigger
• Focus better
• Get healthier
• Sell sooner
• See farther
• Work smarter
• Think deeper
• Give and risk more
The above are just a few of the lessons, but the real value of the book is the enthusiasm for life it generates. It's edgy, humorous, hysterical, historical, angry at times, reverential and always respectful. Parents, students, teachers, business leaders, coaches, players and anyone else who wants to make an impact in this world will find Life Lessons a constant and abundant source of motivation, inspiration, and wonder. It will help you tear down every wall holding back your success and bash every barrier that has kept you from achieving what you most want from life. Don't judge Life Lessons by its title or its cover; trust its contents. Inside, you'll find your truth. Let the lessons begin!
