Just like the Spartans and Navy SEALs, little warrior Kimi Schroder (featured in our July Profiles in Resilience blog) hasn’t stopped using the power of humor since being diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2010. It was a first step in helping them avoid katalepsis – the Greek word for “possession” – by fear or rage, either of which would hinder their performance in battle. For instance, if insulted in the mess hall by a senior peer, trainees learned to laugh. One of these tools and techniques was humor. In the end, their ability to overcome was the result of a few key tools and techniques that were introduced and reinforced through a training regimen (agoge) required of all young Spartan men. It provides exceptional insight into what made the Spartans such feared and effective fighters in a life filled with mental and physical challenges.

Gates of Fire is quite pertinent to resilience. “Read the book, watch the movie,” he said. My son Nate recommended the book when he sent me a DVD of the movie 300, with Gerard Butler as Spartan King Leonidas. It describes the ancient Spartans and their heroic stand against the vast Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE. SEALs do, however, read widely for inspiration, and one of their favorites is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. One exception is Fearless, featured in our June Resources in Resilience blog. Most Navy SEALs avoid books about Navy SEALs. He and his wife Donna live in Durham, NH. Steve serves on One Summit's Board of Directors.

Gates of fire spartan