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Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout: How the Timeless Wisdom of One Man Can Impact an Entire Generation
* USA Today and Wall Street Journal best seller* Be inspired by the book behind the graduation speech by Dr. Rick Rigsby’s– now with 100+ million views on Facebook and YouTube. After his wife died, Rick Rigsby was ready to give up. The bare minimum was good enough. Rigsby was content to go through the motions, living out his life as a shell of himself. But then he remembered the lessons his father taught him years before - something insanely simple, yet incredibly profound. These lessons weren’t in advanced mathematics or the secrets of the stock market. They were quite straightforward, in fact, for Rigsby’s father never made it through third grade. But if this uneducated man’s instructions were powerful enough to produce a Ph.D. and a judge – imagine what they can do for you. Join Rigsby as he dusts off time-tested beliefs and finds brilliantly simple answers to modern society’s questions. In a magnificent testament to the “Greatest Generation” which gave so much and asked so little in return, Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout will challenge you while reigniting your passion to lead a truly fulfilling life. After all, it’s never too late to learn a little bit more about life – just ask the third-grade dropout.
136 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
744 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 2, 2017
The lessons are simple but timeless: be kind, arrive early, help others, work hard, exude good character, and stand. These are important practices to put into place everyday. It was, however, a little frustrating to see the negative picture he painted of younger generations. There are many great young people out there with strong morals and working to do good in the world.
April 13, 2021
I first heard Dr. Rigby's speech on YouTube, and it became one of my favorites! I love that this book is a way of preserving the wise counsels he received from his father and of sharing it to the world. I also like how personal this book is because it was a result of an experience that really humbled him and led him to seek for and recognize help from his parents and from the people around him.
It was a quick read. I love that the advice here was all pretty simple but oftentimes overlooked, so yes, it's great to be reminded of the fundamental ways to live a happy and successful life! Be kind. Be disciplined. Help others. Don't give up.
4.5 stars overall!
It was a quick read. I love that the advice here was all pretty simple but oftentimes overlooked, so yes, it's great to be reminded of the fundamental ways to live a happy and successful life! Be kind. Be disciplined. Help others. Don't give up.
4.5 stars overall!
November 13, 2017
Like many other reviewers I decided to purchase this little book after seeing a video of the Rigsby's commencement address. I should have stopped there. Several valid points made a about building character but it read like a long repetitive sermon. I soon tired of the "these young folks have it easy and are a bunch of selfish slackers" sub theme. And this book needs some serious updating to be more effective in conveying the author's message. The sections where he lauds Lance Armstong and Joe Paterno should be removed. There are certainly others that can be used to make the same points. How can you hold up Armstrong and then a few pages later talk about integrity?
October 8, 2017
I saw a video with the author speaking about his father to what appeared to be a commencement ceremony, and sought out the book afterwards. This is a quick read, but the life lessons in it will challenge you, make you reflect on your life, and have you sit back and think on how you can be a better person as well as make a difference in the world. I picked this up for $3.99 in the Kindle store, and certainly received a heck of a lot more in return.
February 3, 2018
Some very good ideas in this book however somehow I think the video of that graduation speech that Rick Rigsby delivered was more impactful than the book. I wasn't particularly enamored of the physical discipline that was common when he was younger boy. There was also the reference to the wisdom of Coach Joe Paterno prop to his fall from grace in the Sandusky Scandal.
February 10, 2018
I love this man's heart. It is clear that he has a genuine passion for reaching people with truths that are simple to understand, but difficult to implement. I picked up the book after hearing Dr. Rigsby giving a commencement speech (on YouTube0. At least in that speech, Rigsby is one of the most gifted orators I have heard. However, I found the book slightly disappointing - but largely, I think, because of the bar he had set for himself in his speech. He is perhaps a better speaker than writer - but again, he's one of the most engaging speakers I've ever heard.
January 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is beautiful to have such a wonderful father and even more beautiful to write a book about him. I loved the positivity and wise lessons given.
December 17, 2021
A great memoir about the values Rigsby's father taught his family. Important lessons that the world needs.
August 22, 2018
These are the same values I was raised with. Put your self into your work, arrive early, be kind. So I was eager to read this book about the same values as what I have.
But I did have some concerns with reading it.
He mentions have you given up name dropping. But you can barely get through a paragraph where he doesn’t name drop. It’s name after name after name.
Several of which are now associated with controversial acts Like Joe Paterno and Chick-fil-A. I struggle with the idea of worshiping a person, naming them as good. We don’t know anyone except those that we are closest to.
It did read like a speech as others have pointed out as well. But for me what made it hard to read was the amount of quotes and names.
And it really really harps on the younger generation not having the same moral code. I feel like I know way too many wonderful people to agree with that. There are good people in every generation. 1) lumping ppl together 2) And a person becomes wise with age. Each of those young people will eventually get the life lessons. Just like he eventually did.
But nonetheless I love that he took the time to share the lessons that his father taught him. I think it would be a great book for a young audience. I’d like to see a second version without so much name dropping written for children. Just father & lessons.
But I did have some concerns with reading it.
He mentions have you given up name dropping. But you can barely get through a paragraph where he doesn’t name drop. It’s name after name after name.
Several of which are now associated with controversial acts Like Joe Paterno and Chick-fil-A. I struggle with the idea of worshiping a person, naming them as good. We don’t know anyone except those that we are closest to.
It did read like a speech as others have pointed out as well. But for me what made it hard to read was the amount of quotes and names.
And it really really harps on the younger generation not having the same moral code. I feel like I know way too many wonderful people to agree with that. There are good people in every generation. 1) lumping ppl together 2) And a person becomes wise with age. Each of those young people will eventually get the life lessons. Just like he eventually did.
But nonetheless I love that he took the time to share the lessons that his father taught him. I think it would be a great book for a young audience. I’d like to see a second version without so much name dropping written for children. Just father & lessons.
July 13, 2018
I really enjoyed seeing a video of Dr. Rigsby speak. As a result, I bought his book to learn more. He has some great things to say and excellent life perspective. You can tell that he and his father had a wonderfully powerful relationship and it's great that he shares them so easily. My only issue with the book is the over glamorisation of the good ole days. I feel that Rigsby's point might have been stronger had he acknowledged that people in earlier times were no better than people now, but that now we celebrate the worst in people instead of the best.
February 28, 2018
Though Rick Rigsby’s is undeniably inspirational in his writing, his word view in many aspects is outdated. He is falling into the common trap of nostalgia and lays the worlds problems at the foot of a generational demise that may have been howled about since the beginning of time. It’s the baby boomers outcry that goes hand in hand with the Times Cover depicting the infamous millennial or with South Parks memberberries and completely ignores the social-economical changes of the last 50 years.
October 10, 2017
After seeing a video of the author sharing wisdom from a third grade dropout in a commencement address, I immediately bought the book and read it. Since I have several hundred books already on my Kindle, I don't usually add new books unless they're free. But I was so impacted by the speech that I couldn't wait to read the book. That demonstrated the theme of the book--make an impact rather than an impression.
The book didn't have quite as much impact as the live speech, but I wasn't disappointed. Rick Rigsby learned how to stand firm from his father, a third grade dropout who manifested character and integrity. The wisdom of his father's generation has been lost in later generations, and the author wants everyone to have the common sense--and above all, the common decency--that he learned from his father's word and example.
I'm only a generation younger than his father, and I was raised with the same values by wise parents who exhibited utmost integrity and character. Everything the author wrote resonated with my own experience. How much better our society would be if younger people learned this wisdom.
The book didn't have quite as much impact as the live speech, but I wasn't disappointed. Rick Rigsby learned how to stand firm from his father, a third grade dropout who manifested character and integrity. The wisdom of his father's generation has been lost in later generations, and the author wants everyone to have the common sense--and above all, the common decency--that he learned from his father's word and example.
I'm only a generation younger than his father, and I was raised with the same values by wise parents who exhibited utmost integrity and character. Everything the author wrote resonated with my own experience. How much better our society would be if younger people learned this wisdom.
July 4, 2020
Fantastic. Wonderfully pertinent wisdom for our day. Forgotten traditional ethics and morals, the value of living a disciplined life, the impact on our character as we constantly strive for excellence in all we do... We let our teenagers listen to the audio version while coming back from vacation. They actually listened, liked, and we had discussions about the topics. I enjoyed having this book reaffirm many of principles we’ve tried to teach our kids. Mr. Rigsby narrates the book himself and is a gifted speaker. I especially liked the tribute and honor paid to Mr. Rigby‘s father throughout the book, who taught by example how to lead an influential and rich life. Great insight and great read.
February 18, 2023
There are so many good lessons learned and shared from the author’s father. Here are some of the words of wisdom for a culture based on convenience and one where people tend to care more about making an impressing and having people like us, which is, of course, superficial. Lessons include kind deeds stick around in the hearts and minds of those around us, do your best as that is what is expected, and display excellence each and every day. Additionally, greatness can come from weakness and that we should aim for impact instead of impression. In closing, shouldn’t we care much more about substance than show? Also, when it comes to education, when the institution is desired over the education, what suffers is excellence.
October 30, 2020
Do you ever choose books that will make you better? Expose you to knowledge you don’t have? Make you ask some questions? I had hopes for that with Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout by Rick Rigsby. In it, Rigsby is floundering from the loss of his wife to cancer. Some of the lessons he got from his father help him to re-center himself. They are not surprising lessons - be kind, be early, have character, be excellent and stand. If you are younger this would be a great book for reflection. If you have a wealth of experience you will find yourself nodding in agreement to much of this. Short book and can be read in chunks.
December 12, 2020
Brief Synopsis:
In this memoir we follow Rick Rigsby's life filled with powerful life long lessons. Lessons his father instilled in him growing up. Teaching him to remain humble, kind, helpful and determined to have a purpose to everything in life. Rigsby's father, a man with an education of only a third grade dropout has raised him to have the best morals possible.
Overall Evaluation:
While this book would definitely be deemed non fiction: I'd have to say it was more of an homage to Rigsby's father. His father was a man full of wisdom. I can definitely see why he was such a great role model to many. A man filled with nothing but hope and an incredibly positive mindset is something we need more of today's society.
Personal thoughts:
Overall, this book is something I feel everyone should read and would enjoy. Even more so in this time of uncertainty. This book can help bring the light out in everyone, regardless of what genres you gravitate to.
In this memoir we follow Rick Rigsby's life filled with powerful life long lessons. Lessons his father instilled in him growing up. Teaching him to remain humble, kind, helpful and determined to have a purpose to everything in life. Rigsby's father, a man with an education of only a third grade dropout has raised him to have the best morals possible.
Overall Evaluation:
While this book would definitely be deemed non fiction: I'd have to say it was more of an homage to Rigsby's father. His father was a man full of wisdom. I can definitely see why he was such a great role model to many. A man filled with nothing but hope and an incredibly positive mindset is something we need more of today's society.
Personal thoughts:
Overall, this book is something I feel everyone should read and would enjoy. Even more so in this time of uncertainty. This book can help bring the light out in everyone, regardless of what genres you gravitate to.
November 8, 2017
Eat Inspirational Read
I happened to come across a video of Dr. Rigsby and immediately bought the book. It was well worth it. The profound, yet simple lessons he learned from his father are a great reminder that we can do better each day. I love the passion with which Dr. Rigsby speaks about his father.
This is a book full of wisdom that is not new, or complicated, but wisdom that was modeled by a man of great virtue.
It’s a rather quick read, so if you have a plane ride or a vacation day coming up, pick it up! You won’t be sorry.
I happened to come across a video of Dr. Rigsby and immediately bought the book. It was well worth it. The profound, yet simple lessons he learned from his father are a great reminder that we can do better each day. I love the passion with which Dr. Rigsby speaks about his father.
This is a book full of wisdom that is not new, or complicated, but wisdom that was modeled by a man of great virtue.
It’s a rather quick read, so if you have a plane ride or a vacation day coming up, pick it up! You won’t be sorry.
January 30, 2021
Well that was disappointing. He gave the most inspirational speech and I thought the book the speech was based on would be great, but it’s just not the same. Maybe he’s developed his speech a bit since the book came out, but I truly did not get the same engagement like I did hearing him speak and the points he put across in his speech. I knew he was a Minister, so it could be overly religious, but again it wasn’t the same as the speech he gave that he’s famous for. I’m disappointed because I’ve wanted to read this book for ages and it just didn’t live up to my expectations.
October 28, 2017
Standing with Integrity
I hope and pray that people who are 20+ years old read this book and take and apply the wisdom contained within. They won't read this book because of the challenges and changes they would have to make in their lives to make this world a better place. Too hard. I pray for changes and; perhaps, despite struggling against the hurricane wind, more Third Grade Dropouts will be standing victorious.
I hope and pray that people who are 20+ years old read this book and take and apply the wisdom contained within. They won't read this book because of the challenges and changes they would have to make in their lives to make this world a better place. Too hard. I pray for changes and; perhaps, despite struggling against the hurricane wind, more Third Grade Dropouts will be standing victorious.
February 14, 2018
One of the best non-fiction I have read in a while!
This book is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. When I first saw a short video clip of Dr. Rigsby delivering a speech, I was amazed and started digging more about him. I came across this book and picked it up - and boom! This has changed my life through many lessons - the Wisdom of a 3rd Grade Dropout is here to stay with me for rest of my life.
This book is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. When I first saw a short video clip of Dr. Rigsby delivering a speech, I was amazed and started digging more about him. I came across this book and picked it up - and boom! This has changed my life through many lessons - the Wisdom of a 3rd Grade Dropout is here to stay with me for rest of my life.
June 4, 2018
This is an essay stretched out over the length of a short book. The ideas contained within are worthy of reading and the author to be aplauded for sharing them. I don't think I read anything new or unique here that wasn't better said elsewhere.
I would distill this down to the idea that Rigsby espouses the values of his parents generation as being a good model for folks in his generation as well as those that came after him.
I would distill this down to the idea that Rigsby espouses the values of his parents generation as being a good model for folks in his generation as well as those that came after him.
June 22, 2018
Good book- Speech was better
While this book certainly contains lots of timeless truths, I made the mistake of listening to Rigsby's commencement speech first. The book simply was not as good, in my opinion. I was hoping it would expand on the speech but I don't think it did, at least not to my expectation level (which may have been too high). Still got 3 stars from me because of the wisdom contained within, but only 3 because of the personal let down.
While this book certainly contains lots of timeless truths, I made the mistake of listening to Rigsby's commencement speech first. The book simply was not as good, in my opinion. I was hoping it would expand on the speech but I don't think it did, at least not to my expectation level (which may have been too high). Still got 3 stars from me because of the wisdom contained within, but only 3 because of the personal let down.
October 25, 2018
I liked the talks from YouTube and hoped the book would extrapolate more on them and it did but not in the powerful way I had hoped. The pillars it talks about are wonderful but the execution (especially the examples) were just not for me. I was particularly off put by the pedestal the Greatest Generation was put on - memory is a problematic, funny thing at times. It was also a bit more religiously oriented than I had anticipated. TW for suicide contemplation toward the end.
January 25, 2019
I became interested in reading this book after seeing a commencement speech the author gave. It was powerful and moving. The title of the book made me think it would have many stories about his father but it didn’t. I didn’t realize that it was a Christian/religion book, but I didn’t mind that part of it. I wasn’t in love with the book but the last chapter was really great and moving. It’s true- just stand. If you can just stand, you will get through it.
October 17, 2017
An inspiring book, much like the author I lost my first wife to cancer, and the wisdom of my father and my pastor helped pull me through the loss. Rigsby has written a good book that should be read by everyone. The lessons he learned from his father who was a third grade dropout are invaluable for everyone, I highly recommend this short work for everyone...
December 18, 2017
Easy read
A book that reminds you of the simple principles of life like treating others the way you want to be treated. Also that we are no longer a society that lends a hand when someone is in need but one that seek self gain. I recommend this book if you have forgotten the basic rules to a rewarding life.
A book that reminds you of the simple principles of life like treating others the way you want to be treated. Also that we are no longer a society that lends a hand when someone is in need but one that seek self gain. I recommend this book if you have forgotten the basic rules to a rewarding life.
January 16, 2018
I happened to come across Mr. Rigsby's powerful, moving, inspiring commencement speech on the web and felt compelled to read more about him. Simple, practical and wise principles for living with integrity and accountability.
My suggestion would be to capture this book in audio as some of its impact is lost in written form ... and if nothing else listen to his commencement speech .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGyKm... -
My suggestion would be to capture this book in audio as some of its impact is lost in written form ... and if nothing else listen to his commencement speech .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGyKm... -
March 27, 2018
Great read!
The life lessons in this book can be applied to people of all ages, races, educational levels, men and women alike. Thank you Mr. Rigsby for reminding me about how important it is to live a good and honorable life and to pass on life lessons to family and others with whom I have contact.
The life lessons in this book can be applied to people of all ages, races, educational levels, men and women alike. Thank you Mr. Rigsby for reminding me about how important it is to live a good and honorable life and to pass on life lessons to family and others with whom I have contact.
June 12, 2018
Self help at it’s Best
This is a book that I think brings living back to reality. After reading first chapter I called my daughter to say what a good book it was! After finishing bought two copies to send to my grown children then called then both to suggest that when they get there copies to read. Loved it hope it changes my life.
This is a book that I think brings living back to reality. After reading first chapter I called my daughter to say what a good book it was! After finishing bought two copies to send to my grown children then called then both to suggest that when they get there copies to read. Loved it hope it changes my life.
December 31, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Rick Rigsby's book. The stories he shares are based on real-life experiences. The example his father set for him ring true for others. I was able to identify several from my own life's journey. I like the style in which Dr. Rigsby used to narrate this book. Entertaining but enlightening.
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