Areté

In Areté, Brian Johnson integrates ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools to, as per the sub-title of the book, help you activate your Heroic potential and fulfill your destiny.

If you asked the ancient stoic philosophers how to live a good life, they’d answer you in a single word: Areté. We translate Areté as “virtue” or “excellence” but the word has a deeper meaning—something closer to being your best self moment to moment to moment.

Phil Stutz, MD, the author of The Tools, who was featured in the Netflix documentary called Stutz, wrote the foreword to the book.

He says: “What Brian has developed is much more than a bunch of coping mechanisms for the over-stressed modern person; although that would be an improvement for most of us. He’s developed a training program for the soul.

Commit to this training and you will gain the ability to transmute your biggest problems, your darkest days, into unstoppable courage, endless enthusiasm, and an unshakable faith in the future.

This book will change your life. And, if enough of us commit, it will change the world.”

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.

Book club questions for Areté by Brian Johnson

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The first objective of the book is about “knowing the ultimate game” of expressing the best version of yourself. When was the last time you felt like you were doing that most fully?

The second objective is about “forging antifragile confidence.” What experiences in your life have given you the most confidence? Why?

The “Big 3” in Areté refers to Energy, Work, and Love. Which area do you feel strongest in? Which area has the book helped you the most with?

Are you a morning or a night person? What’s one thing you do to make your morning/night as awesome as possible?

Areté explores the eight universal virtues of ancient wisdom and modern science: wisdom, discipline, love, courage, gratitude, hope, curiosity, and zest. Which of these comes most naturally to you? Which is the least natural? Which one would you most benefit by focusing on more consistently?

What behaviors do you typically engage in when you feel most radiantly alive, vibrant, and in a state of flow? Alternatively, what behaviors are you not engaged in during these moments?

What’s the #1 activity you’re not currently participating in that would have the most significant positive effect on your life if you started doing it consistently? Alternatively, can you identify a habit you currently have that would bring about substantial positive change if you stopped doing it?

For whom do you feel inspired to live Heroically?

Which of the Areté +1 degrees is your favorite? Which did you find most surprising?

Who else in your life do you think would most enjoy reading Areté? Why?

Areté Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Areté discussion questions