"This compendium of common sense comes from a cheerful veteran of two arenas of anger—politics and academia. Mitch Daniels has spent a lot of time in two dens of intemperate lions and emerged with an abundance of a rarity: wisdom." —George F. Will, Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize–winning author
"Throughout our history, certain university presidents, such as Theodore Hesburgh and Robert Maynard Hutchins, were also our nation's foremost public intellectuals. In our era, Mitch Daniels has played that role, as this collection of his speeches and interviews shows." —Walter Isaacson, New York Times best-selling biographer, journalist, and professor of history
"This is a delightful collection of essays showing an academic and political leader grappling in real time with the challenges of our day. Unlike so much of our current public discourse, these reflections are not about scoring points or heating up the debate, but about providing insights drawn from maturity and judgment. We should hope that more of our leaders would display such virtues." —Keith E. Whittington, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics at Princeton University and author of Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech
"If you wish there were a blueprint for innovative, practical leadership that brings people together across all divides, Boiler Up was written for you. Mitch Daniels shares his wisdom gained across decades leading some of America's most prominent institutions. Every leader needs to read this book." —Arthur C. Brooks, professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times best-selling author
"This enlightening, inspiring—and eminently readable—collection draws upon Mitch Daniels's remarkably diverse experiences and expertise to provide fascinating information and wise insights about a wide range of current controversies, as well as timeless issues. As an educator and free speech advocate, I especially appreciate the many pieces that reflect Mitch Daniels's innovative, courageous leadership in both areas." —Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law Emerita, New York Law School; past national president, American Civil Liberties Union; and author of HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship
"The fearless and indefatigable search for ways to do things better is what Mitch Daniels is about, and that is why his career is such an important model. At a time when too many great universities toss rudderless in a storm of ever-spiraling costs, cancel culture, and eroding academic standards, Mitch demonstrated the way forward. He leaves Purdue with the cost of attendance lower than when he arrived, and that with an expansion of both the number of faculty and number of students, and with a new polytechnic academy to prepare a diverse body of students to enter Purdue and succeed. The campus is the national model for the free exchange of ideas. These things didn't happen by accident or luck. His gift to the nation is showing it can and must be done." —Michael Poliakoff, academic, educator, and president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni
"This book is an extraordinary look into the beliefs, principles, and values that have made Mitch Daniels one of this country's authentic American intellectuals. I once described him as 'a person of phenomenal intelligence with acute political instincts and extraordinary leadership abilities.' That description is affirmed in the words and interactions recorded within this book. In his many commencement speeches, newspaper columns, and other public events, Mitch has once again demonstrated the true meaning of a public servant—someone willing to take on the major challenges of governing and educating the next generation. What a contribution he has made to our country and our world. This book is yet another example for all of us to digest, honor, and be grateful for—not only for his words, but more importantly for his service." —Don V. Cogman, corporate and governmental affairs executive and author of Run Mitch Run: The Hard Decisions One Man Faced for the 2012 Presidential Election
