Impatience Is a Virtue

A Life Where the Buck Stops

Description

Shortly after he was named president of Purdue University, Mitch Daniels was asked by the journalist Jonathan Alter if it bothered him that he could have been President of the United States instead. It bothered those who thought then and still do today that Indiana’s chief executive should have been America’s. Daniels, though, was off to the next chapter in one of America’s most remarkable lives.

From the White House to the C-suite at Eli Lilly and Company to Indiana’s Governor’s Office to the presidency of Purdue, Daniels has brought transformative change to America’s public, private and non-profit sectors. In Impatience Is a Virtue, he shares how. Along the way, Daniels reflects on an incredible American story, how the Harley-Davidson riding grandson of a Syrian immigrant became one of the nation’s most admired leaders. It is also a vivid first-hand account of the last half-century of the nation, from the Reagan Revolution to 9/11, to the political upheavals of the 2010s, to the COVID pandemic to the fight for free expression and thought across our college campuses.

Impatience Is a Virtue is the story of Daniels' many lives, told with humility and humor. For the first time, he shares the lessons that led to success in every part of the American economy. At a moment when citizens’ faith in institutions declines and cynicism about their leaders grows, Mitch Daniels’ example matters more than ever.

Reviews

“I know leadership when I see it, and I got to watch it closeup for more than a decade in Indiana. He’s still ‘My Gov Mitch’ in my book.” 

Peyton Manning, former NFL quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, and considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time

“Always listen to Mitch Daniels. He has filtered a lifetime of executive experience, action and decisions through a uniquely clear and discerning mind, and produced a book that helps us understand the moment in which we are living and what we can do to make it better. This book is the answer to the question continually asked by those in national politics the past thirty years: What does Mitch say?” 

Peggy Noonan, author and columnist, The Wall Street Journal

“With his wise and successful service both in business and in government, Mitch Daniels is the perfect person to offer these lessons on how we Americans can restore our unity and civility while remaining a prosperous and free society.” 

Walter Isaacson, journalist and bestselling biographer

“This book is a sorely needed gift to Americans and the leaders who must restore faith in the institutions which have made our nation great. No one comes close to Mitch when it comes to reforming, revitalizing, and restoring trust in so many institutions, often during crises, in sectors ranging from state, local and federal government, the corporate world, education and think tanks. Mitch’s leadership as Indiana Governor and President of Purdue are extraordinary models of reform to be emulated.” 

Henry Paulson

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