Way of the Peaceful Warrior Book Analysis Essay

The Way of the Warrior is an amazing story recalling the transformation of Dan Millman who traverses various realms (spiritual, emotional, and physical), with the able guidance of a spiritual teacher called Socrates, to become a ‘peaceful warrior.’  This text will analyze/critique the ideas presented in the book.  In addition to outlining how Socrates changes Dan, the text will define the approaches leaders, coaches, as well as mentors use to change people and how those approaches compare to Dan’s initiation and mentorship.

In the beginning, Dan seems to have it all.  He seems to have what most of us would call tools of a happy life.  In addition to doing well in gymnastics, Dan’s studies are proceeding well and he is in a reasonably happy relationship.  Further, his family is reasonably well-off and Dan, therefore, needs not be troubled by some of the financial worries that distress young people of his age.  An outsider would say that Dan is living an accomplished life.  However, in reality, Dan feels miserable.  He is tormented by his own inner self – with recurrent nightmares weighing him down.  The nightmares are markedly pointed at his mortality and at a time he experiences himself in an unlit lane with Death, which is intent in taking away his life.  It is at this stage that he meets an old white-haired man – the very same man he has encountered in his dreams confronting his tormentor (Death).  Dan names this old man Socrates and becomes his protégé.

Most people attempt to find happiness in worldly possessions and accomplishments.  To their dismay, this becomes an exercise in futility and is akin to a dog chasing its own tail.  Despite being an accomplished athlete and doing reasonably well in his schoolwork, Dan does not feel fulfilled.  Socrates demonstrates to Dan that mere accomplishments are really worth nothing in the long-run, and cannot bring lasting happiness.  Socrates further teaches that life should be lived in the present and that all persons ought to come to the realization that they are one with all the other living organisms.  The challenges presented to Dan by Socrates also shape him to become an all-round better person.  These include, but they are not limited to, breathing control and meditation.  It is through Dan’s internalization of these teachings that he finds inner peace.  He learns to keep his ego in check and becomes more self-aware.  Further, he comes to the realization that he had essentially been sleepwalking through life – whereby achievements appeared to be the sole path to contentment and happiness.  The last lesson is served in the final vision that takes place in a cave Dan is taken to by Socrates.  Here, Dan beholds his own demise and from this experience, he comes to the realization that death is not to be feared and that he should be happy in all circumstances as nothing lasts forever.

Mentors change people via the application of a wide range of approaches and strategies.  One of these involves taking students through a journey into their life and pointing out flaws that ought to be addressed.  In the words of Bailey and Burch, “the mentor has to be a great behavior analyst…” (329).  Dan’s initiation commences with Socrates displaying to him his entire life’s visions.  To be able to do this, Socrates ought to have had some innate skill (mystical or professional) in the analysis of the behavior of his protégés.      

Mentors also help their students determine their life’s purpose.  This, according to Berry and Fehrmann could be done by ensuring students are able to recognize not only their strengths but also their weaknesses (5).  During the commencement of Dan’s initiation, Socrates unveils to Dan his purpose in life via an identification of, amongst other things, issues that could be denying him inner peace. It should also be noted that mentors reveal to their students the tested principles and rules of that which they seek to accomplish, i.e. a happy life.  Socrates does not shy away from sharing with Dan the elements of peaceful existence.  Some of the concepts he alludes to on this front include, but they are not limited to, living in the present and getting rid of attachments.  

Mentors do not also shy away from preparing their students mentally and psychologically as to the true nature of change.  Change is not easy, and in some cases, it comes across as being unpleasant.  However, nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without true commitment to the change process.  From the onset, Socrates warns Dan that the journey ahead is likely to be quite painful.  This serves as an early enough warning so that Dan does not expect easy sailing.  

Mentors and coaches also keep motivating their students and encouraging them through every step of the way.  They know that “the difficult part is not changing the behavior; the difficult part is changing the behavior for good” (Lopper 67).  This is clear throughout Dan’s engagement with Socrates.  Six years after their paring ways (presumably so that Dan may find his own path), Dan find his way back to Berkeley where he and Socrates meet-up again.  Despite Dan presenting a dejected self, Socrates does not give up on him, but rather encourages him and advises that he is even nearer to his goal.