The book aptly explains the decisive virtues of courage and persistence, so deficient yet so vital for human fulfillment, with inspiration drawn chiefly not only from the authors' own experiences, but also from other people of renown. It explains the causes of their widespread prevalence and the possibility, within man's power, to develop and draw from them in combination with other virtues for accomplishment. Also, and as a way to make the point clear, it uses anecdotes and quotes to illustrate.