General Mattis: From a Library on the Columbia River to the Marine Corps

General James Mattis (Ret.) opens up about the childhood that shaped him — growing up without a television, but with a house full of books. He explains how the Marine Corps turned reading into an institutional weapon, with a reading list for every single rank from private to four-star general. And he reveals why he believes a sense of humor is "body armor for your spirit" in the middle of war. This is a narrated excerpt from "Conversation with History," a lecture series by UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies, featuring host Harry Kreisler. General Mattis spoke as the Chester Nimitz Memorial Professor on the Berkeley campus. This video uses footage and remarks from the official UCTV (University of California Television) publication of this lecture. All credit for the original interview belongs to UCTV and Harry Kreisler. ► Full original lecture:    • Reflections with General James Mattis - Co...   ► Subscribe for more leadership lessons from history's most respected military commanders.