This superb memoir provides a unique perspective on many of the defining and often perplexing moments of recent decades, as Jim Mattis describes what went into leading Marines in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and back to Iraq under the command of several presidents. "Reading," he says, "is an honor and a gift from a warrior or historian who—a decade or a thousand years ago—set aside time to write." Throughout his recollections, Mattis offers samples of the various writers he studied, and often emulates his favorite, Marcus Aurelius, in memorable didactic passages. His main theme is the book's subtitle: "learning to lead." How does one lead effectively? Aside from studying those who have fought "on this planet for ten thousand years," he stresses again and again the role of the leader to set a clear objective or intent for his or her subordinates, and to enable and trust them to execute more or less autonomously. Not establishing a clear goal, or issuing conflicting orders, is a surefire path to defeat. Indeed, he does not mince words when describing his frustrations dealing with unclear and conflicting orders from various administrations, where political expedience regularly won out over strategy. Future civilian leaders would do well to take his advice to read; otherwise they will be "incompetent", as their "personal experiences alone aren't broad enough to sustain" them. With great power comes great responsibility, and being ignorant is irresponsible.

Maps of the major military operations enhance the text, along with several pages of color plates of Mattis and his colleagues and troops overseas, and some interesting material such as contemporaneous letters, memos, and articles in the appendices. One of those has a lengthy list of books—another exhortation by the General to read.