A Message to Garcia: Summary and Insights

“A Message to Garcia” is an essay by Elbert Hubbard from 1899. It tells the story of a guy named Rowan who shows a lot of determination, initiative, and a strong work ethic. The story happens during the Spanish-American War. President William McKinley needs to send an important message to General Garcia, who’s hiding somewhere in the Cuban mountains. Rowan is given this tough job. Without asking any questions, he takes on the mission and gets it done efficiently and discreetly.

So, President McKinley has this urgent message for General Garcia, but no one knows exactly where Garcia is. McKinley asks Colonel Arthur Wagner, who suggests Rowan for the job. Rowan takes the letter, puts it in a waterproof pouch, and sets off to find Garcia. The essay doesn’t go into much detail about how Rowan finds Garcia, but it focuses on his strong commitment to getting the job done. Rowan’s trip is tough. He travels by land and sea, facing many obstacles and dangers. But he keeps going and finally delivers the message.

Hubbard uses Rowan’s story to show the importance of taking initiative, being responsible, and having a determined attitude. He criticizes people who avoid responsibility, ask unnecessary questions, and don’t take initiative. Hubbard thinks the world needs more people like Rowan, who can be trusted to finish tasks without needing constant supervision. He talks about the importance of being self-reliant, working hard, and having a strong work ethic. The essay ends by encouraging readers to be like Rowan in their own lives, whether it’s in personal or professional situations.

“A Message to Garcia” became really popular and has been reprinted and shared a lot over the years. It’s been translated into many languages and used as a motivational piece in different places like military training, business management, and education. The essay’s timeless message about the value of initiative and responsibility keeps it relevant. In today’s world, where people often look for shortcuts and avoid tough tasks, Hubbard’s call for individuals to take charge and complete tasks with determination and integrity is still very important. By highlighting Rowan’s example, Hubbard inspires readers to develop these qualities and aim for excellence in all parts of their lives. The essay is a reminder that true success and fulfillment come from facing challenges, taking initiative, and not giving up when things get tough.

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