A Message to Garcia Report

The book “A Message to Garcia” was written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899, the book has been praised as a great source of inspiration and is perceived to be a guide for all men across the world. The book itself is centered on the universal themes of hard-work and determination. It is based on a true story of a fresh lieutenant during the Spanish-American War. It describes the journey of the young Lieutenant on his mission to deliver a message to the leader of Cuban insurgents, Garcia. Who was somewhere in the mountains of Cuba. Throughout the novel, the context of Rowan’s reason for delivering the message is unveiled.

At the time the book takes place president William McKinley needed someone to go on a seemingly impossible mission, someone who would not except failure and would complete the task at all costs. Rowan was selected based on recommendations to deliver the letter personally, this is due to his remarkable characteristics and drive. The only information about Garcia available at the time was that he was stationed in the Cuban mountains. His assistance in the war effort was vital so the message absolutely had to reach him, it was our nation’s only hope of gaining the insurgents help.

Once presented with the task and the little to no information about how to complete his task, Rowan accepted without hesitation. Eventually he finds Garcia’s hideout in the mountains and delivers the letter to him. It is Rowan’s unearthly drive and determination to get the letter to Garcia at all costs with no regard for anything other than the mission that makes the heart of the book. Throughout the book Rowan is depicted as a role model for all men, from all walks of life. It was his acceptance of the mission without rebuttal and his unwavering commitment to his duty that the author claims made him the image for all men to emulate.

Despite his young age and the terrifying unknown of traveling though remote areas in Cuba during war time, he knew that if he stayed true to his hard work ethic and did not succumb to the natural desire to avoid the unknown and dangerous, he could complete the mission. He had no doubts, from day one he had already made up his mind that he would be successful. The traits portrayed in this book explicitly are initiative, drive, responsible, resilience, and courage. The novel is littered with examples of all of these traits, Rowan expresses initiative by going out and hunting down Garcia against all odds.

Drive is demonstrated by his relentlessness in the face of failure and challenge, Rowan never gave up. Responsibility is shown by his overall completion of his mission, he made it his duty, took full responsibility and got the job done. Not accepting failure even when he had plenty of reasons to say it could not be done is a text book example of resiliency. Finally courage is shown by Rowan taking the mission head on, completely neglecting his fears and doubts and even in the face of failure choosing to push on and never giving up. These traits can be carried over from then to now, not only in war but in everyday life.

From work to school to personal goals and admirations, actively utilizing these traits will guide all persons to their success. Harboring these traits will turn irresponsible men into responsible ones, nuisances into valued members of society. Also these traits show an admirable approach to ones duties and how it can help oneself connect to a bigger picture. Not only that but also how a high level of self-discipline to having a fierce work ethic and initiative can turn someone into a shining example of self-worth, helping them to have a lasting effect on others and inspiring change in many. In all making their environment and selves better.