The Unexamined Life: Reflections of Lessons Learned (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781539177739)

Enthusiastic, gregarious, and energetic describes George Casey when I first met him a few years ago at a Toastmaster function. He had a smile that not only lighted his face, but everyone else around him. Once an active duty member of the United States Marine Corps (years ago I was corrected that there are no former Marines), he dressed himself with the confidence and determination one would expect from a Marine. As I read his story, I was shocked to find that there have been two George Caseys. The pre- Marine Corps George Casey was a juvenile delinquent basically who later became an adult delinquent. He and his two best friends made a life of everything that we consider inappropriate: partying to all hours, booze, drugs, no real purpose and more than one encounter with the law and a few days in court. Fortunately, through the faith of a family member, he had an epiphany. That epiphany marked the transition moment in his life and the United States Marine Corps provided the structure to start his transition process. His two best buddies were not so fortunate. They did not have their epiphany and continued their life style until their demise: one natural and one not natural. George Casey's life can be used as an example of two major points: without guidance and structure, young men will be tempted and many will succumb to the darker side of life. Anyone with will, determination, and a purpose can change his life one hundred eighty degrees. If you have any doubts, look at George Casey. Has he completed his journey? Hardly. He is still on a path of self-improvement and he is trying to get as many people as he can to join him. Once you have him on your side, you have an unstoppable train next to you. I hope each of you have the opportunity to meet George Casey in person. The experience will be awesome for you. If you cannot meet him in person, then meet him in his writings. Learn the lessons he learned without the experiences he had. Then, set yourself on a path to be that awesome person you can be. Lawrence W. Shivertaker MD