When Larry L. Mathis was selected CEO of The Methodist Healthcare System in Houston at age 39, he began keeping a journal of the truth as he saw it--in the form of maxims. Each is the product of excruciating experience and told with often hilarious details. The range of Mathis' experiences led him to understand that "Leadership in life and death situations is different than that described in the management books." While his maxims primarily deal with the challenges every leader faces, they also touch on life, love, wisdom and folly. These maxims are valuable and entertaining reading for both the beginning executive and the seasoned executive, especially those in health care leadership.