Michael Hingson Inspires the World with Lessons of Resilience, Trust, and Living Without Fear
Photo: Michael Hingson with his guide dog Alamo, exemplifying trust and teamwork that inspire millions around the globe.
Life Lessons from a 9/11 Survivor
Michael Hingson, blind 9/11 survivor and best-selling author, shares profound lessons on overcoming fear, building trust, and embracing resilience, inspired by his journey with guide dogs.
M ichael Hingson is a name synonymous with resilience, courage, and inspiring leadership. His life story is one that transcends challenges and proves that extraordinary triumph can arise from unimaginable adversity. As a #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, internationally acclaimed speaker, and trailblazer in advocating for disability inclusion, Michael’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From escaping the horrors of 9/11 with his trusted guide dog, Roselle, to becoming a global voice for adaptability, trust, and teamwork, Hingson has carved a path of hope and transformation that continues to captivate and inspire.
With his groundbreaking books, including Thunder Dog and Running with Roselle, Michael has not only shared his powerful story but has also offered life-changing perspectives on teamwork, resilience, and the human-animal bond. His latest work, Live Like a Guide Dog, delves even deeper, offering a profound exploration of his life lessons and the remarkable principles he’s cultivated through his journey with eight guide dogs. This is a book that challenges readers to think beyond fear, uncover the strength within themselves, and embrace the timeless values of listening, trust, and mutual respect.
In his long-standing career, Michael has touched countless lives by embodying the philosophy he preaches: that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to control it, work through it, and rise above it. His words are imbued not only with wisdom but also with profound compassion, addressing universal themes that resonate across cultures, professions, and challenges. Through his keynotes, writings, and daily interactions, Michael extends an open invitation to us all to redefine obstacles as opportunities and live purposefully with trust and grace.
It is with great privilege that Novelist Post features an insightful conversation with this remarkable individual. Through his stories, Michael empowers readers to look beyond their limitations, redefine what it means to thrive, and to embrace a life of leadership, connection, and unrelenting trust in themselves and others. Dive into this conversation with the legendary Michael Hingson and discover the transformative power of living life like a guide dog.
What inspired you to write “Live Like a Guide Dog,” and how does it build upon your previous work?
When the pandemic arrived I realized that for nearly 19 years I had been speaking and telling my story including discussing that I remained focused and that I did not exhibit fear. That didn’t mean I wasn’t afraid. Instead it meant that I controlled my fear.
What I had not done was to teach audiences how they could learn to control fear and not let themselves become “blinded by fear” or “overwhelmed by fear”. I decided to write a book about that and “Live Like a Guide Dog” was the result.
Can you share your favorite story or moment from the book?
Gosh! There are so many. Actually one of my favorites would be the discussion of how my mom and I traveled to Palmdale High School so I could learn the campus. This was just after I received Squire.
How has your relationship with guide dogs shaped your perspective on life and resilience?
“Live Like a Guide Dog” is all about how these eight dogs have impacted my life. I observed early on that what I was doing every time I went to get a new guide dog was to begin the process of forming a new close teaming relationship with a creature that didn’t think the same as I nor did they communicate the same way as I. Over time, and especially as I began writing this book I realized that I had been living a life using lessons I learned from each guide dog. It was quite a pleasure to put down all the lessons I learned over the years. I firmly believe I have learned so much more from these dogs than all the management and sales books could ever teach me or anyone.
What lessons did you learn during your 9/11 escape that influenced the principles you share in your new book?
Probably the most important one is “don’t worry about what you can’t control”. As I say in the book, we worry about almost everything we encounter. Over %90 of the things that worry us and cause us fear are things out of our control. Even so, we worry and those things drive us crazy. As a Guide Dogs veterinarian told me, “dogs do not do what if”. What a powerful lesson we all should take to heart.
“Learn to live more in the moment” is another way to put it.
My efforts on September 11 also helped reinforce for me the power of Trust and Teamwork. Roselle and I each had jobs to do. If we each focused on our specific jobs then we stood the best chance of surviving.
How do you hope readers will apply the principles in “Live Like a Guide Dog” to their own lives?
I hope people will apply the lessons and learn not to be so fearful. Listening to their own inner voices can greatly enhance their own experiences and that will also help them become so much less fearful.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with fear or adversity?
As I describe in “Live Like a Guide Dog”, take time at the end of EVERY day to think about what happened that day. Think about what went right and what did not. Think about what you were afraid of and then practice listening to your own inner voice. That voice will always help you especially the more you focus on listening to it.
Can you speak more about the human-animal bond and why it is so powerful?
Many of us have pets. However, we don’t really think of them in a general sense as intelligent creatures who can be a significant and important part of our lives. We don’t realize that dogs, as an example, look to us to set the rules and to be the leaders of the pack. We don’t learn how to communicate with them.
Changing our views about bonding with these creatures will help enrich our lives, our families and those pet creatures who live with us. A person at a humane society once told me that when people bring their dogs in for training, in reality the ones who really need most of the training are the owners.
Treat your dogs like team members. Read books such as “Live Like a Guide Dog” and other books about animal training to learn how to form better teams.
How has your work in public speaking impacted the way you approach writing?
I listen to recordings of the talks I give. Each talk teaches me more about how to communicate better with my future audiences. I believe that my writing is just putting my talks down in a printed form. Oh there is more to it including providing more explanations and descriptions, but between speaking and the lessons I have learned about teaching have shown me the way to communicate with audiences. I also make sure I let some others read what I write in order to get other ideas and input on how to make my writing better.
What role does faith play in your perspective, as conveyed in your book?
My life is very much about faith. I also know that I can listen to God through my inner voice. I take that concept very seriously. I also have learned that I don’t need to spend a lot of time telling God what I need. That is already known to God. I work to better hear God’s voice and lessons that God imparts.
What advice would you offer to other authors aiming to write inspirational or impactful stories?
DO IT! If you have a story to tell, tell it. You can always learn about the mechanics of writing and publishing a book. However, nothing matters until you begin putting down your thoughts and writing your story. Don’t rush the job. Think, ponder, listen to your inner voice and others and be prepared to write, rewrite and constantly be prepared to reorganize. You will know when you have a completed book.
