When Violence Is the Answer by Tim Larkin Summary
Overview of When Violence Is the Answer
When violence becomes the only answer, Tim Larkin's military expertise offers life-saving wisdom. Featured on Lewis Howes' podcast and Google Talks, this controversial guide distinguishes social aggression from deadly threats. "Everyone should read this - especially women," one reviewer insists.
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Key takeaways
Violence: The Tool We'd Rather Not Discuss
In our polite society, we avoid talking about violence - until we desperately need it. This reluctance creates a dangerous knowledge gap that Tim Larkin's work bridges with unflinching honesty. While most self-defense approaches focus on techniques, Larkin teaches universal principles that work regardless of size, strength, or gender. The hard truth? Violence is rarely the answer, but when it is, it's the only answer that matters. Consider two scenarios: In one, an intruder kills Diane with her kitchen knife. In another, Diane uses that same knife to kill her attacker. The knife functions identically, but our judgment differs based on who wields it and why. This illustrates a crucial point - violence isn't inherently evil; it's simply a tool, like a screwdriver or toothbrush, with no moral value until applied. This perspective saved Sara, a reluctant student who attended one of Larkin's seminars before college. When a 235-pound intruder climbed through her dorm window, the 110-pound Sara remembered her training. Rather than screaming, she attacked his vulnerable points, creating an opportunity to escape when they fell from her lofted bed. To protect ourselves, we must study violence clinically rather than turning away in fear. We're naturally equipped for self-protection - our task isn't becoming something we're not, but reactivating innate abilities by stripping away emotional barriers that prevent us from using violence when necessary.
Understanding Conflict: Social Aggression vs. Asocial Violence
The Protector's Mindset: Learning from Predators
Prevention and Avoidance: Your First Line of Defense
Targeting Human Vulnerability: The Universal Equalizer
Your Brain: The Ultimate Self-Protection Weapon
Finding Peace Through Understanding Violence
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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