Author: Elbert Hubbard

“A Message to Garcia” is a short essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899. It tells the story of a man named Andrew Rowan, who was tasked with delivering a crucial message to General Calixto Garcia, a leader of the Cuban insurgents during the Spanish-American War. The essay emphasizes the importance of individual initiative and responsibility.

Summary

The essay begins with President McKinley needing to send a message to Garcia, who is hiding in the mountains of Cuba. An advisor suggests that Rowan is the man for the job. Without asking any questions or seeking further instructions, Rowan takes the letter, travels to Cuba, and successfully delivers the message to Garcia. This act of determination and self-reliance is praised as an example of the kind of work ethic that should be emulated.

Hubbard uses Rowan’s story to criticize the lack of initiative and responsibility he sees in the workforce. He argues that too many people need constant supervision and direction, rather than taking the initiative to complete tasks on their own. The essay concludes with a call for more people to adopt Rowan’s attitude of getting the job done without excuses or complaints.

Review

“A Message to Garcia” has been widely praised for its timeless message about the value of initiative and hard work. Here are some key points from various reviews:

1. Inspirational Message: The essay is often cited for its powerful message about the importance of taking initiative and being self-reliant. It encourages readers to take responsibility for their tasks and complete them without needing constant supervision¹.

2. Historical Context: The story is set during the Spanish-American War, which adds a layer of historical interest. It highlights the challenges and dangers faced by those involved in the conflict, making Rowan’s achievement even more impressive².

3. Practical Application: Many readers find the essay’s lessons applicable to modern life, particularly in the workplace. It serves as a reminder that employers value employees who can take on tasks independently and see them through to completion³.

4. Criticism: Some critics argue that the essay oversimplifies the complexities of work and responsibility. They suggest that while initiative is important, it is also crucial to have clear communication and support in any task².

Overall, “A Message to Garcia” remains a popular and influential piece of writing, celebrated for its straightforward and compelling message about the virtues of initiative and diligence.

Source:
(1) A Message to Garcia Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary. https://www.supersummary.com/a-message-to-garcia/summary/.
(2) A Message To Garcia Summary – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/a-message-to-garcia-summary/.
(3) A Message to Garcia Summary of Key Ideas and Review – Blinkist. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/a-message-to-garcia-en.
(4) A Message to Garcia Summary and Analysis – Free Book Notes. https://www.freebooknotes.com/summaries-analysis/a-message-to-garcia/.
(5) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213978142-a-message-to-garcia.