Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance
by Joseph M. Marshall III
4.29 · Rating details · 607 ratings · 85 reviews
Grandfather says this: “In life there is sadness as well as joy, losing as well as winning, falling as well as standing, hunger as well as plenty, bad as well as good. I do not say this to make you despair, but to teach you…that life is a journey sometimes walked in light and sometimes in shadow.”
Grandfather says this: “Keep going.”
These thought-provoking lessons, passed down by the author’s own Lakota grandfather, will inspire the hundreds of thousands who already know his work—and will tap into the market that has embraced such books as Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s The Invitation.
When a young man’s father dies, he turns to his sagacious grandfather for comfort. Together they sit underneath the family’s cottonwood tree, and the grandfather shares his perspective on life, the perseverance it requires, and the pleasure and pain of the journey. Filled with dialogue, stories, and recollections, each section focuses on a portion of the prose poem “Keep Going” and provides commentary on the text.
Readers will draw comfort, knowledge, and strength from the Grandfather’s wise words—just as Marshall himself did.
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From best-selling Native American writer Joseph M. Marshall III comes an inspirational guide deeply rooted in Lakota spirituality.
When a young man’s father dies, he turns to his sagacious grandfather for comfort. Together they sit underneath the family’s cottonwood tree, and the grandfather shares his perspective on life, the perseverance it requires, and the pleasure and pain of the journey. Filled with dialogues, stories, and recollections, each section focuses on a portion of the prose poem “Keep Going” and provides commentary on the text.
Readers will draw comfort, knowledge, and strength from the Grandfather’s wise words—just as Marshall himself did.
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Hardcover, 144 pages
Published October 15th 2006 by Sterling (first published January 1st 2006)
Original TitleKeep Going: The Art of Perseverance
ISBN140273607X (ISBN13: 9781402736070)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Amanda Kay
Jan 22, 2013Amanda Kay rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
This is, by far, the best book I've ever listened to. Hearing Joseph Marshall read his book was so incredibly comforting and touching that I can't possibly express my full gratitude. If you have children, read this to learn stories to tell them when they ask why life is so hard sometimes. If you miss your grandparents, read this to feel close to them. If you feel lost or ready to give up, read this to help you make the next step.
I've very rarely finished an audiobook thinking, 'I will listen to this again and again,' but here I am thinking just that. I hope you will share my enthusiasm. (less)
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Jennifer
Dec 29, 2008Jennifer rated it really liked it
This is a wonderful book to read, especially in today's tough times. The story is beautifully told and hopeful, which is what we all need at times -- hope. (less)
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Choonghwan
Dec 05, 2012Choonghwan rated it really liked it
"Life, we think, measures us by how well we've succeeded or how miserably we have failed. On the other hand, perhaps life doesn't measure us at all, at least not in the same ways we measure over-selves."
Life only can be learned not be taught.
...more
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Alix Judkins
Oct 30, 2020Alix Judkins rated it it was amazing
If only we all had an Old Hawk to sit under an ancient chestnut tree with and take advisements and learn of our family line. Life lessons galore, the most simple one being to keep going no matter the trials, is firm in it's roots and prevails most other lessons of life. Wise words I was blessed to have read, thank you Joseph for sharing. (less)
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Melinda Flaugher
Mar 14, 2018Melinda Flaugher rated it really liked it
A simple read with important truths regarding life.
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Mimi
Jan 17, 2020Mimi rated it it was amazing
Loved this book! "Keep Going" (less)
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Stacie Kenney
Sep 03, 2020Stacie Kenney rated it liked it
Shelves: bookshelf
This was a good book that I read with a bookclub through work. I enjoyed the stories told by Old Hawk throughout.
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Nicholas
Oct 30, 2014Nicholas rated it really liked it
Written very simply, the stories and lessons shared in this little volume are good reminders of things which should be obvious but somehow are not. There are points where the layers get lost, one in particular about a village facing a flood comes to mind. The focus on was on the the taking of each step to save the village, but glosses over was that some people there were too pessimistic to help. That seemed to cry out for more to be said, how did they react to the partial success: did they see the failure? did they see that with their help it would have been better? were they welcomed back when they returned? That one little tale was designed to tell one lesson, but could have contained so much more.
Interspersed among the stories and lessons being shared are little tidbits of the life of the two main characters, even the major parts being thrown in almost as afterthoughts, allowing the two to be anyone even after those details come out, adding an element of universality.
"It is true that wealth buys power and influence, but it does not buy morality, or kindness, or compassion. The pursuit of wealth can blind us to the fact that all of us, rich or poor, can be generous with our time, love, kindness, and compassion. Those virtues, and many more, we can all have in unlimited supply... Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone has blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it. That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It ravages the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves."
"But the most important word is *can*. Whatever doesn't kill you *can* make you stronger."
"In truth, we begin dying the day we are born."
"If you visit just about any cemetery in this country, you see that this society denies death." (less)
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Kris
Oct 19, 2012Kris rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A friend gave me this book and then gently kept harping at me until I read it. After a particularly difficult day, I grabbed the book in a bit of huff and read it in two sittings.
The book consists of a conversation between a native american man and his grandfather. It is actually true stories compiled into one running conversation.
The crux of the matter is that without pain and sorrow, there cannot be happiness. The only way to proceed in life is to keep going - which is the central message of the book. Sometimes you go alone and sometimes with others but you always keep going.
There is something for everyone to relate to but the words that resonated with me were the following:
" A river begins its journey quietly as a small stream, usually in some obscure place. But it is a seeker determined to find its way. It does not know how to yield to obstacles, which can deter it for a time but cannot stop it. In a good season, a river grows and gathers strength from melting snows. Spring and summer rains also send down their encouragement. However, a bad season with less snow and rain may slow its flow to a mere trickle at times.
Nevertheless, the river inexorably follows the path it has made for itself, or it carves a new course if necessary. It is unstoppable.
A river can be wide or narrow, shallow or deep, swift or slow. But of all its characteristics, two are most distinctive: It creates its own path and it flows relentlessly. So long as there is winter snow in the mountains, spring rains and gravity, rivers will flow, they will persevere."
I am in the process of carving a new path, and I have slowed to a mere trickle, and I am alone but I am a seeker. And still I flow.
Lesson learned. Thanks for making me read the book. (less)
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Dave
Sep 13, 2016Dave rated it it was amazing
Shelves: values-cultivation
I love this author and especially audiobooks--he narrates his books himself and has such a voice that is so rich and sounds so authentic. Listening to native American stories abroad--living in the UAE, away from the US--has been comforting. Listening to native American stories in the US could also be comforting and enlightening. Such grounded, timeless wisdom for individuals, for society. Collections of human lessons are beautiful and useful both.
Now as I confront brain cancer, I looked for a book I could read before bed to wind down, stop my gears from turning, quiet my anxiety and desire to furiously read and learn more about what I can do to get rid of this cancer and never let it return. I picked up a few books by Paolo Coelho I hadn't read yet, and I remembered Joseph Marshall and found this book. What a great book. Easy to rjust open up and let Marshall tell you stories and deep lessons for dealing with hardship and even making sense of it, taking pride in it, learning from it and pushing through it to gain all the positive that comes from it. Things have been going very well for me through treatment after surgery, which I'm grateful for, but they won't always be. When times are hard, I will keep going and this book will be a big, strong foundation for me to rely on for strength for hope, for standing and facing the storm, and for taking one more step. Always one more step. (less)
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Shaunesay
Jan 27, 2014Shaunesay rated it really liked it
I discovered this little book in our collection the other day as I was poking through our basement books as I often do, just to remind myself of what is there. I didn't remember buying it, or even seeing it there before, but as my family is going through some difficulties right now it seemed that it may have appeared in front of me for a reason. I chose to honor the sign, if that's what it was, and give it a read.
This is a gentle, down to earth book of encouragement. It does not sugar coat reality but instead emphasizes the duality of all aspects of life and the importance of taking another step, no matter how weary you are, or how small that step is. Life is difficult, and those steps will be hard, but you must keep going, and in facing down those storms, you will gain strength. (less)
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Amanda
Jun 10, 2020Amanda rated it really liked it
Shelves: philosophy, grief, native-american
Keep Going. A simple message, a simple book.
"If knowledge is strength of mind, then wisdom is the strength of the soul."
Native American wisdom is, to me, some of the greatest there is. I read this twice, skimmed it once more, and appreciated it more each time. I think anyone who reads this can find some wisdom that resonates in these pages. These are some of the things that I appreciated.
The understanding of reality and balance:
"There is love to overcome hate; generosity can diminish greed; truthfulness can reveal lies in the same way the wind dries the flood and rains end the drought."
"Without sadness we would not yearn for joy, and strive to find it, and treasure it when it comes. It is also a fact that neither sadness or joy is with us constantly. And how often one or the other is part of our journey is not always within our control."
Both good times and bad are part of the reality.
"Difficult experiences, whether they are sadness, loss, hunger, poverty, illness, or death, rarely occur because you invited them into your life. But when life does place hardship in your path it always offers a chance to learn strength."
"Life is a journey sometimes walked in light, sometimes in shadow."
"Remember that anything that causes the shadow is smaller than the source of the light."
Keep going.
Compassion:
"Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone has blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it.
That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It avenges the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves.
"Those who suffer from the smallness of arrogance think that ill fortune is the fault of those who suffer it; that good fortune is a privilege that belongs to them. Whatever path you take, Grandson, do not succumb to arrogance and endanger your soul. "
The tempering process:
"sometimes we are suddenly immersed in a crisis, or an event that- if we use it- can make us stronger. But that tempering process means that it is necessary to deal with the hard facts of disappointment, sadness, and grief. Part of that process is not to deny those feelings. No one embraces disappointment, sadness, or grief, but neither should we deny ourselves the necessity of experiencing the entire array of human emotions. When our spirit tells us it is time to weep, we should weep."
"Grieving is part of the tempering process."
Endurance. Adversity.
"Rising to face the storm once again may seem foolish, perhaps even self-destructive. But I like to think that in some corner of our spirit there is a spark of defiance. That may be how storms teach us to be strong, by awakening that spark of defiance.
"Standing up to the storm, no matter how many times it blows us down, should teach us that we don't need to be as powerful as the storm to defy it. We only need to be strong enough to stand. Whether we stand shaking in fear or shaking our fist, as long as we stand, we are strong enough."
I liked some of the stories more than others. My favorite is the Three Suitors, about finding the strength and spirit to try one more time, even though all you can do is fall on your face.
"We will always serve ourselves best to take one more step.."
"Every step is a spark that defies the darkness of despair."
"Defy the darkness."
On the great strength in the ability to laugh: "Laughing and weeping should both have a place in our lives."
The NEXT step.
"The most important step isn't the first step or last step, but the steps inbetween... the "next step." Keep going.
Not the length of your stride or the number of steps, only that you take the steps, one after another."
Perseverance in the form of hope:
"Hope is always one more step. There will always be those of us who will succumb to hopelessness, and those who act on hope. I like to believe that most of the time hope will make a difference. "
Keeping hope alive is to know how to keep going. (less)
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Eva Tipps
Dec 19, 2020Eva Tipps rated it really liked it · review of another edition
So much of Grandfather's advice is obvious, but being human, sometimes a gentle reminder can help us back onto the path of a well-lived life. I liked the layout... the advice, often followed by a short, simple story that helps me remember the advice. A couple of stories that really made an impression on me were the following: the one of the women decorating their grey blankets to answer their own questions about the direction their life took, and the one about the women who led the village into protecting the town from severe flooding leading by example with a single rock.
There were several quotes that I want to share. The first is this:
"It is true that wealth buys power and influence, but it does not buy morality, or kindness, or compassion.... Anyone who does not exercise compassion is ignorant of the reality that everyone needs it at some time in life; or we forget that someone blessed us with compassion at a time when we needed it. That is the smallness of arrogance. It is a disease of the soul. It can be highly contagious. Ignorance is its carrier. It ravages the souls of those who think there is no reality beyond themselves. Those who suffer from the smallness of arrogance think that ill fortune is the fault of those who suffer it; that good fortune is a privilege that belongs to them."
Another talked about leadership and how we the people should choose a leader based on his past deeds, not upon his promises. Also, the more one promises, often the less able he or she is likely to deliver on that promise!
A third quote I liked was this: "If knowledge is strength of mind, then wisdom is the strength of the soul."
I am giving this book to my friend to read so that we may discuss it. That is one reason it gets four stars. I would have given it five but sometimes it seemed depressingly repetitive as Grandfather reiterates over and over again how we have to suffer to appreciate joy. (less)
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John McAndrew
Jun 10, 2018John McAndrew rated it really liked it
A contrast to many self-help or inspirational books, this one lands, not as a revelation, but as a challenge that is also somehow comforting. A wise little book. Marshall recreates a long conversation with his grandfather as taking place between two fictional characters. There are a few good pull quotes that would go well on a meme; but mostly you want to settle in for each of the stories Grandfather tells in their entirety. Grief, pain, and disappointment don't yield to quick fixes, but to good, wise, trusted company and perseverance. There are echoes of the Stoics here, and of The Road Less Traveled. Marshall's tradition is Native American/Lakota, so he and his grandparents, who raised him, have known long, intractable sorrows. Most of the stories are from his own tradition, but there is one from the Celts, and as an German-Irish American, I found no cultural impediments to appreciating the wisdom he shared. This is an excellent book for those dealing with grief and loss. It is also for those who are sick or unfortunate and need encouragement grounded in knowing that life is hard, that trying does not guarantee winning, and that the ability to persevere often depends on the support we have from, or can give to, friends and family. (less)
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Madison Hand
Nov 13, 2020Madison Hand rated it it was amazing
This book was so amazingly powerful to read. I read this book at a time when I was really struggling with school, family, and friends. In the beginning there is so many teachings, about how you have to “keep going” no matter how tired you may be. With each teaching in this book, there is a story to go with it, I think that is why I loved this book so much. Sometimes as human beings we want to give up when the going gets tough, this book taught me that when times are hard, it makes you stronger as long as you keep going. I can connect with the characters and how they feel, and some of the stories that go along with it. In the story, the main character Jeremy is having a really hard time so he turns to his grandpa for help. I can relate to that so much because the elders are the ones with the most knowledge and life experience. This book helped put into perspective that I have to take that last step to the top of the hill, and I will have made it. When I finished This book I felt as If all of my troubles that I was feeling went away. I cant even put into words the sense of empowerment I now feel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a little break from the troubles life throws at us, and just sit back and relax and let these words take your mind off of things. (less)
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Ymasumac
Jan 01, 2017Ymasumac rated it liked it
Joseph M. Marshall III is an excellent writer and listening to him read his book through audio is one of the best ways to read his books! I find a great deal of wisdom in the books I've read so far and this one is definitely one of them. There are nuggets in hear of advice you will want to keep in your back pocket.
I found the way the story was set up a little contrived - a grandfather talking to his grandson. I think I would have preferred to have him tell of his experience with his grandfather. For this reason it gets 3 stars, otherwise the content is 4 star quality! Nonetheless, the book is appreciated and I think it's worth a read! (less)
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Top reviews from the United States
GPreview
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for any time, strength in times of storm
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book was truly a wonderful read. From the very first pages, I felt inspired, strengthened. I felt like 'grandfather, are you here with me as I deal with these experiences' as it clearly felt like it spoke directly to me and anyone going through challenges or simply needing inspiration, a boost of courage. It was both general enough to relate to many, yet felt specific enough to touch me on a personal level. It gave both specific tips and tools relevant to perseverance, as well as tapped into the emotional experience of what it's like and what it takes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all for inspiration and specifically to those going through "valley times" as I call them, or challenges in life. Truly inspirational and heart warming, and a book that I will revisit time and time again over the course of my journey.
3 people found this helpful
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Grits
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Very close to 5-star rating - highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015
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I have become a big Joseph Marshall fan. This is small, short, but very very good. I can't rate it quite as high as "Returning to the Lakota Way" by the same author, because that book was very special. Still, the 4-star rating is quite close to the 5-star level. If you appreciate and can get deeper meaning from this style of "story telling," you'll appreciate this book greatly. Reviewers that leave low reviews for Mr. Marshall's books most likely are very concrete in their thinking and unable to grasp what's really being taught. Joseph Marshall has an extraordinary gift. Anyone that doesn't "get" his books (i.e. doesn't "get" a significant personal experience out of them), is sadly missing a wonderful opportunity.
14 people found this helpful
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JeT
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Easy Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2017
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A great read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's trials. A compilation of short stories expressing hope, understanding and perseverance. I was given a copy by a friend after being diagnosed with cancer, and I liked it so much I bought my own copy to share with others.
10 people found this helpful
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J. Bizzle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Inspirational Book
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2014
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This book is VERY uplifting and I reccomend for ALL ages. I have come to love long before this book the native american teachings. Not only have I ordered copies for my friends, but I also read this book to my 5 year old son because he really understands the stories and hopefully retains the great values in this book. It is very short (just under 100 pages) but has far surpassed the value of a book over 1000 pages that I have read from inspirational speakers and even pastors. Pushing forward even if just one more step than you think you can handle. This book has a GREAT way of explaining why life is not easy but the journey and hardships is what shapes our charecter to be strong individuals.
7 people found this helpful
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NightEagle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Wisdom, Great Joy!
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2019
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Reordered as I read my original new release version so many time and then gave it away to pass on the joy and knowledge of it!
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Sixtus
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Keep Going.
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2015
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This book was inspirational. I loved the stories told of the old ways from Grandfather- and how they are so relevent to today. 'Strength is a child of effort and pain' is a mantra that I repeat to myself in tough times- as well as 'keep going.' Overall a great book, I'm looking forward to reading more of Joseph Marshall's books on the Lakota people and their stories.
4 people found this helpful
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Maxwell G Sisterone
5.0 out of 5 stars Why Can't We?
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2010
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Be more like the Lakota's. We have strayed so far from it as a nation and a world culture.
This book is more than about persevering. It is about how the Lakota's treat family, friends, and everyone else. They are so in tune with accepting others as they are, helping each other out and dealing with life. They understand nature is part of the whole and not something that should be abused.
They sound like our forefathers' when they came to America and how we used to act as a nation--hard working, respectful and thankful for what they have.
I highly recommend this book for anyone to read just not those going through a hard time in life.
I have sent this book to one friend and a CD to another I think so much of it and they both love what it is all about.
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VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2009
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Since I came down with Wegener's disease, very rare and very serious. I have had bouts of self pity and depression; along with a full list of other emotions. When I ordered this book I was not really clear what it was really about. It was a great help to me, especially in the self pity department. It's not just one of those self help books,it's more than that. I highly recommend it.I've been on the red road for a couple of years now and this is just one of many books that I found very nice. "The dance house" is wonderful as well as several by Ed McGaa and others by Marshall.
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