The Gift of Violence

Practical Knowledge for Surviving and Thriving in a Dangerous World

By: Matt Thornton, Peter Boghossian

Narrated by: Matt Thornton, Salome Thornton, Peter Boghossian

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

In today's modern world, we are largely isolated from the kind of savagery our ancestors faced on a daily basis. Although violence was as natural to our evolutionary development as sex and food, it has become foreign to most of us. At once demonized and glamorized, but almost always deeply misunderstood.

Our hard-earned and hard-wired instincts—our evolved and trained ability to survive and overcome violent encounters—have been compromised. Yet, as even a cursory look at news headlines or a police blotter will reveal the threat of violent crime is ever-present, and those we've entrusted to protect us cannot always be relied upon.

The Gift of Violence tells the story of this vulnerability, providing the average person with all the knowledge they need to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of violence and to increase their chances of surviving a violent encounter. Based both on the author's decades of experience teaching everyday people how to defend themselves and on a rational approach to the scientific data, The Gift of Violence offers clear, easy-to-remember lessons for people of all ages and abilities. It is designed to empower those who've been affected by violence or are concerned that they or their loved ones could be—in short, it was written to help good people become more dangerous to bad people.

Every listener will be armed with the necessary knowledge to harness the power of violence for themselves, and in the process, not just smarter and stronger, but also safer.

©2023 Matt Thornton (P)2023 Pitchstone Publishing

Great information

I very much appreciated the author’s candor in describing all the BS in the martial arts world. He did so respectfully while debunking the myths of magic techniques. Excellent book.

Great content

Honest and challenging truths about violence and about men.
A well researched book. Glad the author narrated the book.

Fundamental

This book is to be read or listened to by anyone interested in self and loved ones protection.
It gives a complete overview of all aspects related with violence and self-defense to take into account: common statistical dangers, reality grounded training practices and prevention tactics for your family and yourself.
Totally recommended, it was long since a so profoundly impacting listen.

Essential

Common sense on the preservation of what you love. Good listening as well. Looking into BJJ programs for myself.

Very insightful and useful!!!

The perfect intro and in-depth look into this crucial phenomenon! Every person should read and heed!

It's for everyone

This book is a difficult read, and everyone should read it. It is not difficult in the usual sense - it’s not long, or technical, or obtuse, or difficult to understand. In fact, it is simple, straightforward, and logical. At times, however, it is difficult to accept. It will make you feel things about yourself that you don't want to admit are there. It may bring up things from your past that you don't like to think about. It is not a particularly violent book. There are a few descriptions and examples of graphic violence to make important points, but the point of the examples isn't to shock you or make you cringe or to tell you brave stories of heroism.

The audiobook is narrated by the author. Matt Thornton's speech has likely been honed by his decades of teaching martial arts so he has an excellent narrating voice and it is always a treat to listen to a book narrated by such an author because their meaning and passion is completely unfiltered.

The Gift of Violence cites many classic works of logic, psychology, and evolution, but one book not cited that it reminds me of most is On Aggression, by Konrad Lorenz. While On Aggression is almost exclusively about the evolution of violence and aggression, TGoV is about rebuilding your relationship with violence. Does that mean making you a more violent and aggressive person? No, in fact the moral of the story is quite the opposite. In fact if you learn to embrace and come to terms with your inherently violent nature, you may end up leading a safer and less violent life than you currently do.

Inspiring

Great job, Started my journey to a better me. Gave me the confidence to show up at my first BJJ class at the young age of 44. Thank you!

Transformative

I didn’t know what to expect when I began this book, but found it to be deeply engaging and fascinating along with being well researched and informed.

After completing it, I have a deeper understanding about my personal psychology and how to continue progressing on my life’s path.

Best martial arts book there is.

This is the best book I have listened to in a long time. It is also the best martial arts book I have ever heard or read. I recommend it for anyone, beginner to advanced. The author explains concepts in a way that makes sense and is evidence based. Very clear and very practical.

Some good ideas

Several important concepts to martial arts, but perhaps an overemphasis on family dynamics/absent fathers. Overall a decent book on why live pressure and testability in martial arts is important.