A Message To Garcia: A Summary in Nine Words

Bookey En(Book Review and Notes)

Chapter 1 What's A Message To Garcia

A Message to Garcia is an essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899 that highlights the importance of initiative, perseverance, and personal responsibility. The essay tells the story of a soldier named Andrew Summers Rowan who was tasked with delivering a message to General Calixto García during the Spanish-American War. Rowan successfully completed the mission by taking on the responsibility himself and not making excuses or waiting for someone else to do it.
The central message of the essay is that individuals who are willing to take on tasks without question or hesitation and see them through to completion are invaluable. They are the ones who make a difference, who get things done, and who are truly successful in life.
Hubbard's essay serves as a reminder that we must all strive to embody the spirit of Andrew Rowan and take on challenges with determination, courage, and a sense of personal responsibility. It encourages us to be proactive, resourceful, and willing to go the extra mile to achieve our goals.
In summary, A Message to Garcia is a call to action for individuals to embrace the virtues of initiative, perseverance, and responsibility in order to achieve success and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Chapter 2 The Background of A Message To Garcia

"A Message to Garcia" was written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899 and first appeared as a filler without a byline in the March 1899 issue of the magazine "Philistine". The essay quickly became extremely popular and was eventually reprinted in many American newspapers, earning Hubbard a reputation as a successful writer and entrepreneur.
The essay was originally written as a personal challenge to inspire readers to be more proactive, self-reliant, and to take initiative without making excuses or seeking unnecessary guidance. At the time, the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and Hubbard's message resonated with a society that valued individualism and perseverance.
Hubbard's intention was to emphasize the importance of taking initiative and getting things done, even in the face of challenges or adversity. The essay tells the story of a soldier named Andrew Summers Rowan who was tasked with delivering a message to a rebel leader named Garcia in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Rowan accepts the mission without questioning or seeking unnecessary instructions, demonstrating his willingness to take on responsibility and complete the task with determination and resourcefulness.
Overall, "A Message to Garcia" serves as a reminder of the value of hard work, determination, and self-reliance, reflecting the mindset of the time period in which it was written. Hubbard's message continues to resonate with readers today, serving as a timeless inspiration for those seeking to achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
Chapter 3 A Message To Garcia Summary

"A Message to Garcia" is an essay written by Fra Elbert Hubbard in 1899 that highlights the importance of taking initiative and being self-reliant. The essay tells the story of a soldier, Lieutenant Andrew Summers Rowan, who is trusted with delivering a message to General Calixto Garcia during the Spanish-American War. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Rowan successfully delivers the message to Garcia.
Hubbard uses Rowan's story to emphasize the value of determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take on challenges without needing constant supervision or guidance. He argues that individuals who possess these qualities are reliable and capable of accomplishing tasks efficiently and effectively.
Overall, "A Message to Garcia" serves as a motivational piece that encourages readers to embrace a proactive attitude and take responsibility for their actions. It emphasizes the importance of being self-reliant, resourceful, and determined in achieving one's goals.
Chapter 4 Meet the Writer of A Message To Garcia

A Message to Garcia was written by Elbert Hubbard, an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. The book was first published in 1899 as a filler piece in the March issue of The Philistine magazine, which Hubbard edited.
Apart from A Message to Garcia, Elbert Hubbard wrote numerous other books and essays on various topics such as philosophy, business, and art. Some of his other notable works include The Mintage, The Philistine: A Periodical of Protest, The City of David, and Love, Life & Work.
Among his works, A Message to Garcia is the most well-known and widely read. It has been reprinted and translated into multiple languages, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire readers around the world.
Chapter 5 A Message To Garcia Meaning & Theme

A Message To Garcia Meaning

"A Message to Garcia" is an essay written by Fra Elbert Hubbard that emphasizes the importance of taking initiative, being diligent, and showing a strong work ethic. The essay tells the story of a soldier, Andrew Summers Rowan, who is tasked with delivering a message to General Calixto García during the Spanish-American War. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faces, Rowan demonstrates exceptional determination and perseverance in completing his mission.
The essay serves as a tribute to individuals who show a proactive and resolute attitude in their work, highlighting the significance of taking responsibility and going above and beyond what is expected. It encourages readers to adopt a similar mindset of taking action and fulfilling their responsibilities with dedication and commitment. Ultimately, "A Message to Garcia" emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, initiative, and a strong work ethic in achieving success and making a meaningful impact.
A Message To Garcia Theme

The main theme of "A Message to Garcia" is the value of initiative, resourcefulness, and dedication in carrying out tasks without unnecessary questions or excuses. The essay highlights the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's actions and not expecting to be spoon-fed information or guidance at every step.
The message is about the admiration for individuals who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, who are willing to take action and achieve their goals without needing constant supervision or instruction. It celebrates the rare qualities of self-motivation and tenacity in the face of challenges.
The theme underscores the idea that success comes to those who are willing to take risks, work hard, and show initiative in all aspects of their lives. It encourages readers to take control of their own destiny and not wait for others to pave the way for them. Ultimately, "A Message to Garcia" serves as a call to action for individuals to cultivate a strong sense of self-reliance, determination, and focus in order to achieve their goals.
Chapter 6 Various Alternate Resources

1. The full text of "A Message to Garcia" by Fra Elbert Hubbard can be found on Project Gutenberg's website for free.
2. The book "A Message to Garcia and Other Essential Writings on Success" by Elbert Hubbard is available for purchase on Amazon.
3. There are numerous articles and essays analyzing and discussing the themes and importance of "A Message to Garcia" on websites like Medium and ThoughtCo.
4. The audiobook version of "A Message to Garcia" is available for download on platforms like Audible and iTunes.
5. There are YouTube videos featuring dramatic readings or summaries of "A Message to Garcia" on channels like TED-Ed and SparkNotes.
6. The Wikipedia page for Fra Elbert Hubbard provides information on his life and works, including "A Message to Garcia."
7. Goodreads has reviews and ratings for "A Message to Garcia" where readers can discuss their thoughts on the text.
8. The New York Times archives may have historical articles discussing the impact and legacy of "A Message to Garcia" when it was first published in 1899.
9. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram may have hashtags and posts related to "A Message to Garcia" where users share quotes or thoughts on the text.
10. Online forums and discussion boards, such as Reddit or Quora, likely have threads dedicated to discussing "A Message to Garcia" and its relevance in today's society.
Chapter 7 Quotes of A Message To Garcia

A Message To Garcia quotes as follows:
1. "I have not heard what use you make of your information, but I do not need to. I am out of touch, and I shall die soon."
2. "He carried the answer himself, and it was nailed to Garcia's door."
3. "The world takes us at our own valuation. It believes in us if we believe in ourselves."
4. "Being the best is not so much about talent as it is about effort and dedication."
5. "In all this Cuban business there is one man that stands out on the horizon of my memory like Mars at perihelion. When war broke out between Spain and the United States, it was very necessary to communicate quickly with the leader of the insurgents. Garcia was somewhere in the mountain vastness of Cuba – no one knew where."
6. "Send me a man to do the job," he replied.
7. "In the warm rush of seconds he was running to the rear to keep his appointment with Garcia."
8. "The thing is to do it, and do it now."
9. "He was not asked to carry a message to Garcia, but it was implied that he should do so – implied with a gun."
10. "If you want to get anything done, you must do it yourself."
Chapter 8 Books with a Similar Theme as A Message To Garcia

1. "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield - This book explores the challenges of overcoming resistance and the importance of taking action without procrastination, much like the message in "A Message To Garcia."
2. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth - This book delves into the concept of grit and how passion and perseverance are essential qualities for achieving success, similar to the themes in "A Message To Garcia."
3. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck - This book explores the power of mindset and how having a growth mindset can lead to greater success and achievement, which ties into the idea of taking initiative and being proactive in "A Message To Garcia."
4. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink - This book delves into the science of motivation and what truly drives us to succeed, which is a key aspect of the message in "A Message To Garcia."
5. "Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers" by Tim Ferriss - This book explores the habits and strategies of successful individuals and provides valuable insights into how to achieve greatness, which aligns with the themes of self-reliance and initiative in "A Message To Garcia."