Review: Highest Duty
2021-Apr-29I have been recommending this book to everyone
I listened to Chesley B. Sullenberger's memoir "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters". It is a clearly written memoir, with both humour and heartbreak.
The good
Sullenberger recounts many of his experiences: learning to fly, his military career, significant events in his personal life, and the events of Flight 1549. It felt comprehensive but every detail also felt important.
Sullenberger's core principles seem to be preparedness and integrity. I feel strongly about these values too, though one can be "too prepared" (see also, most preppers.) His views on integrity are spot-on, he even gives a great definition: "Integrity means doing the right thing even when it's not convenient."
Many of Sullenberger's personal stories brought me to tears. I lost count of how often I cried. Other times I found it hard to stop laughing. I found myself wanting to have "just a little more time" doing my chores so I could listen more.
The bad
I feel some parts slightly glorify the military. I'm a pacifist, so I am very sensitive to this kind of thing.
Overall
I highly recommend this book.
It is well written, moving, and gives an important perspective on preparedness and integrity. The "drawback" of glorification of the military is small in comparison to the whole book.