Greatness Is a Choice

69 short chapters on purpose, risk, time, work and joy. Ethan Penner is a legendary figure in the US real estate and finance world. He taught at USC and Pepperdine, and wrote this first for his children.

“Some people will ask you to believe that greatness is a gift bestowed only upon a fortunate few. That is a lie, and you shouldn’t buy into it.”

Ethan Penner
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Foreword byJulius “Dr. J” Erving Published byWiley Audiobook read byEthan himself
The cover of Greatness Is a Choice by Ethan Penner, foreword by Julius Dr. J Erving, published by Wiley

The day he fell off his bike

Gold line drawing of a child's bicycle lying on a pavement
“When I was eight years old and fell off my first bike, and it was a quarter mile from my house, and I had to walk home with bloody legs and pain.”
Gold line drawing of a child's scraped knees
“There wasn’t anyone to feel sorry for me in that moment... and I felt fine.”
Gold line drawing of an open doorway on oxblood red
“My mother and grandmother saw this cute eight-year-old kid with blood pouring down his knees... And I immediately started crying hysterically because they weakened me.”

“I don’t wanna be that person who weakens them.”

Ethan Penner, on American Optimist with Joe Lonsdale

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What people who know him say

“Ethan’s book is full of lessons about being tenacious, about being humble, about paying it forward.”

Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets

“His book is a thoughtful guide that is sure to provoke readers to examine their core beliefs and give them a fresh outlook.”

Sharon Osbourne, music manager and author

“I know that you will all enjoy this book as I have.”

Julius “Dr. J” Erving, NBA legend, from the foreword
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What you get

  1. Short chapters69 of them. Read one in a few minutes, in any order.
  2. His own voiceAbout four hours of audio, read by Ethan himself. Put it on for a walk.
  3. A father’s adviceWritten first for his children, so it reads like a letter.
  4. You do the thinkingEach chapter asks you to look at one belief you hold, and decide for yourself.
  5. A foreword by Dr. JJulius Erving, the NBA legend, opens the book. 208 pages, from Wiley.

Hear it in Ethan’s voice

The Greatness Is a Choice audiobook is read by Ethan himself. Put it on for a walk.

Read by Ethan PennerLength about 4 hoursOn Audible

Listen on Audible
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The chapters

The book moves from you, to the people around you, to the world you live in.

The Greatness in You

Purpose, risk, time, your body and your work. Eight of the 22 chapters in this part:

  1. 1You Must Admire Yourself
  2. 2What Is Your Life’s Purpose?
  3. 5Risk Is Life
  4. 7Time Is Everything
  5. 13Work Is Not a Four-Letter Word
  6. 14Personal Responsibility
  7. 16The Bubble of Joy
  8. 22Finding Peace and Joy in Nature

Finding Your Greatness in the World

Who you share your life with, how you treat people, and what to do when you get it wrong. Eight of the 21 chapters in this part:

  1. 23Choosing With Whom to Share Your Life
  2. 24The Debilitating Effects of the Victim Mentality
  3. 26Honor Your Ancestors and Your Legacy
  4. 27Take Care of Each Other
  5. 31Life Is an Improv
  6. 33Mastery Is Simplicity
  7. 38We All Screw Up
  8. 40The Unique Love of a Parent

The Foundations of a Great Society

The world we share and how to live well in it. Eight of the 26 chapters in this part:

  1. 44The Importance of Timing
  2. 45Trusting Our Instincts
  3. 46Freedom
  4. 47Most of Us Never Notice
  5. 54Earth Is a Giant, Challenging, and Diverse School
  6. 60Teaching People to Fish
  7. 62The Truth About Money and Finance
  8. 69A Final Thought: The World Won’t End
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Written for his children

“The feeling of self-worth that I enjoy is the most valuable thing I possess. It brings me immense joy and I believe it is the foundation of a fulfilling life.”

Ethan Penner is a legendary figure in the US real estate and finance world. He taught at USC and Pepperdine, and also wrote Awareness in Prayer.

He wrote this book for his children and the generations after them, and kept it easy to read so young readers would pick it up.

Questions

Who is Ethan Penner?

A legendary figure in the US real estate and finance world, who also taught at USC and Pepperdine. He wrote Greatness Is a Choice first for his children.

What is Greatness Is a Choice about?

69 short chapters on purpose, risk, time, work, family and joy. Each one asks you to look at a belief you hold and decide for yourself.

What is the main idea of the book?

In Ethan’s words: “greatness is not a gift but an actual choice we can make throughout every single day.”

Is it a self-help book?

Not in the usual sense. There is no programme to follow and no guru. You read a short chapter, think about it, and make up your own mind.

How long is it, and who published it?

208 pages, published by Wiley in October 2023, with a foreword by Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

Is there an audiobook?

Yes. Ethan reads it himself, about four hours, on Audible.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Audible and Barnes & Noble. The buttons at the top of this page go straight to each.

Get Greatness Is a Choice

In print from Wiley. On Audible in Ethan’s own voice.

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