‘Be Useful’ a Good Read for All

“Be useful” is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s motto in his recently published book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life,” which dives deep into the journey of one of the most interesting men in Hollywood, and one of my heroes. 

And yeah, it’s kind of a self-help book, too.

Be Useful takes us from Arnie’s humble upbringing in post-World War II Austria to dreams of success and a meaningful, purpose-driven life in America. He became the biggest bodybuilder and action star on the planet, a husband, father, and a man who made and owned his choices.

Schwarzenegger has dedicated his life not only to his personal health but also to shaping it in a way that allows him to share his devotion with others around the world.

He dreamed of making bodybuilding and weightlifting serious sports, and strived to spread the Special Olympics and other athletic programs to help more disabled and neurodivergent children across the nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his connections were vital to handling the crisis and gathering needed supplies for the people of California. His efforts in ecological conservation and perseverance in promoting renewable resources for energy consumption set him apart from his political peers, but he doesn’t care about that – he always wants what is best for the people.

Schwarzenneger’s vision is for us, the readers, is to learn from his life experience, see ourselves in a new light of self-confidence, and take the knowledge bestowed upon us personally in our own lives as tools.

He urges us to incorporate seven tools into our lives: Have a clear vision; Never think small; Work your ass off; Sell-sell-sell, Shift gears, Shut your mouth – open your mind; and Break your mirrors. Each chapter introduces a new tool and details the circumstances that forged and tempered these tools, helping to enable us to build the life we envision.

From his teenage years, building a vision of becoming America’s premier bodybuilder, to rising to become the biggest and highest-paid action movie star and then a compassionate politician, these tools laid a structural foundation to realize the life he aspired to. I can already see these tools improving how I navigate my own life.

I really enjoyed Schwarzenegger’s book, finding it both easy to read and concise, making it appealing to casual readers. His non-polarizing persona, both as a politician and person, also adds to its universal appeal.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of his films or bodybuilding career, for anyone grappling with finding the purpose and meaning of their own work, and it also will inspire those in search of a role model or mentor to look up to.

Tony Acker

Hey I’m Tony! I am originally from Long Beach California, and have been an Oregon resident since 2003. I am a photographer with 15 years of experience and am excited to work with The Advocate News team to further my own journalism experience and contribute meaningful stories and photography to the community.