The Hero Code

Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived

By: William H. McRaven

Narrated by: William H. McRaven

From the acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed—a short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes.

THE HERO CODE is Admiral McRaven's ringing tribute to the real, everyday heroes he's met over the years, from battlefields to hospitals to college campuses, who are doing their part to save the world.

When Bill McRaven was a young boy growing up in Texas, he dreamed of being a superhero. He longed to put on a cape and use his superpowers to save the earth from destruction. But as he grew older and traveled the world, he found real heroes everywhere he went -- and none of them had superpowers. None of them wore capes or cowls. But they all possessed qualities that gave them the power to help others, to make a difference, to save the world: courage, both physical and moral; humility; a willingness to sacrifice; and a deep sense of integrity.

THE HERO CODE is not a cypher, a puzzle, or a secret message. It is a code of conduct; lessons in virtues that can become the foundations of our character as we build a life worthy of honor and respect.

Critic reviews

PREVIOUS PRAISE FOR ADMIRAL McRAVEN, SEA STORIES, and MAKE YOUR BED:
"Fascinating...McRaven's war stories deliver remarkable insight into the life of a wartime leader."—Publishers Weekly

"Engaging...Sea Stories is more than an autobiography, more than a narrative of recent military history, and more than the sum of one remarkable man's experiences. In his excellently flowing prose...McRaven not only allows readers the opportunity to vicariously experience daring adventures and the command of elite warriors heading into harm's way, he also shares practical everyday wisdom."—Booklist (Starred Review)

"Sea Stories, a well-written book that reads like a thriller, covers some of the most important historical actions taken by Navy SEALs and other special operators."—The Washington Times

"Should be read by every leader in America... [MAKE YOUR BED] is a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can. It is a book to discuss with your executive leadership team as a spur to meeting shared goals. Most of all, it is a book that will leave you with tears in your eyes."—Wall Street Journal

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault...McRaven's lessons, like his commencement speech, extend far beyond his bed-making. He devotes the 10-chapter book to lessons about moving beyond failure, standing up to bullies and giving others hope."—Washington Post

"McRaven...has taken the genesis of what he learned during SEAL training and his nearly four decades in Navy Special Operations into a thin, powerful book."—USA Today

"Exquisitely simple...superb, smart, and succinct."—Forbes

"Readers interested in the essential work of military special forces will be inspired by McRaven's adventures."—Kirkus

"Spellbinding."—Texas Monthly

Best Read of 2021!!!

Great read by Admiral MCCraven!!! This book definitely adds value to anyone’s life!

I 1000% recommend this shirt read to anyone!

Short & Powerful

Admiral synthesizes & explains ideas like any first class commencement speaker should. It doesn’t hurt that he has so many stories to draw on.

Outstanding

What a wonderful listen. Narration, content, integrity absolutely superb. I am so thankful I chose this book.

Perfectly Read.

The Admiral’s inflection in his voice proves the connection he has to his memories! Awesome read

inspiring 🙂

loved it, listened all the way through on my long drive.over too soon.would recommend this book.