Legionnaire
by Simon Murray · first published 1978
67% recommend33% neutral
The French Foreign Legion–mysterious, romantic, deadly–is filled with men of dubious character, and hardly the place for a proper Englishman just nineteen years of age. Yet in 1960, Simon Murray traveled alone to Paris, Marseilles, and ultimately Algeria to fulfill the toughest contract of his life: a five-year stint in the Legion. Along the way, he kept a diary.
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You might enjoy: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-hardest-thing-you-have-eve... Also worth reading Legionnaire by Simon Murray, although he seems to be more positive about the long term impact on his life.
on “Ask HN: What can I do to turn things around and make my 30's “good”?” ↗Check out Legionnaire [0] by Simon Murray [1]. [0]: http://www.amazon.com/Legionnaire-Englishman-French-Foreign-... [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Murray
on “Ask HN: Book Recommendations?” ↗…manner. I recommend it to a lot of people but nobody takes it up because (I'm guessing) it's only available as a second hand paper copy, and people think trading options has nothing to do with their life. Legionnaire by Simon Murray was recommended to me by my thesis supervisor shortly before graduation. I respected his opinion so I read the thing and it blew my mind in what people were capable of doing when pushed…
on “Ask HN: Non-tech books that have helped you grow professionally?” ↗…because they allow you to gain the competency and experience you can then sell as useful work (and thus decent coin). The prof that sent me to India called me to his office on my last week, and showed me Legionnaire by Murray which he was reading. Told me it was an interesting read and I should check it out, so I did. The gist of Murray's advice was that you don't need to follow the tracks of the set career path…
on “Reflections on Stress and Long Hours on Wall Street” ↗For anyone looking for a fantastic read -- both as a historical document and as a coming-of-age tale -- check out Simon Murray's Legionnaire.
on “The legend of the Legion” ↗…in the Legion, the generic punishment was having to run around carrying heavy rocks in a backpack that has wire straps, coupled with sleep deprivation. It sounds unpleasant. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Legionnaire-Years-French-Foreign-Legi...
on “Sweden brings back military conscription” ↗