Photo`; Michael Hingson, bestselling author and motivational speaker, with his guide dog Alamo, teaching the world about trust and resilience.
Life Lessons from a 9/11 Survivor
Michael Hingson discusses his journey of resilience, the life-changing lessons from his guide dogs, his 9/11 escape, and how his latest book teaches overcoming fear and embracing trust.
M ichael Hingson is widely recognized as an inspirational leader, global keynote speaker, and #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author whose incredible life story continues to inspire audiences around the world. His journey, marked by remarkable resilience and trust, captivates readers and listeners alike with lessons that transcend challenges and reflect the triumph of human spirit. Most notably, Michael and his guide dog, Roselle, survived the harrowing events of September 11, 2001, escaping the World Trade Center by navigating 78 flights of stairs—a story that catapulted him into the international spotlight. As Larry King aptly described him, Michael Hingson is “an international hero honored and awarded by top organizations worldwide.”
Michael’s incredible experiences as a blind man living with unwavering determination have shaped his life’s mission: to inspire positive change, promote inclusivity, and help others navigate fear and adversity. Building upon his wealth of life lessons, his books Thunder Dog and Running with Roselle have found global audiences, not only recounting his 9/11 escape but exploring deeper themes like teamwork, adaptability, and trust. His latest work, Live Like a Guide Dog, is no exception in delivering profound insights. This new book dives into guiding principles forged by his extraordinary journeys alongside eight guide dogs, challenging readers to embrace courage, focus on the present, and trust themselves to overcome life’s uncertainties.
Published in Novelist Post magazine, this interview offers unique insights into Michael’s philosophy and the lessons readers can glean from his latest book. The Mosaic Digest magazine presents this write-up, showcasing Michael’s perspective as shared with Novelist Post.
A Journey Beyond Fear
When asked about what inspired him to write Live Like a Guide Dog, Michael explained that the pandemic served as an eye-opener. For nearly two decades, he had shared his 9/11 story with audiences, showing how he controlled fear in an intense and unpredictable crisis—but he realized he hadn’t yet taught others how to apply those lessons in their own lives. Live Like a Guide Dog is his guide to overcoming “blinding fear,” learning to listen to inner voices, and building relationships rooted in trust.
One of Michael’s favorite moments from the book recounts his experience at Palmdale High School, where he sought to learn the campus layout with his first guide dog, Squire. These personal yet impactful stories reflect the powerful bond between humans and animals, and how these relationships can foster resilience, teamwork, and lifelong growth.
Lessons from Leadership and Resilience
Michael’s relationship with his guide dogs has undeniably shaped his understanding of life and teamwork. Each dog has introduced him to unique lessons in trust, communication, and leadership. Reflecting on his 9/11 escape reinforced these ideals: “Don’t worry about what you can’t control,” he said, emphasizing that many fears are rooted in uncertainties outside of our realm of influence. His trusted guide dog Roselle played a pivotal role in helping him navigate his escape, demonstrating how the core values of trust and teamwork can lead to survival and success.
Drawing from his experiences, Michael advises readers to take time to process daily events, focus on the positives, and listen deeply to their inner selves—a strategy he elaborates on in Live Like a Guide Dog. “Fear doesn’t define us; it’s how we handle fear that shapes who we are,” he shared.
The Human-Animal Bond
Michael passionately explores the human-animal bond, believing it is a transformative relationship. While many think of their pets as companions, Michael urges them to view animals as intelligent team members capable of enriching life. As he explains in the Novelist Post interview, fostering better communication with animals can open doors to enriched relationships and greater trust, emphasizing that pet owners can learn much from their animals.
Faith and Perspective
Faith plays an integral role in Michael’s perspective. He emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s guidance through inner voices rather than spending time asking for needs; he believes this provides clarity and strength in decision-making. This faith-driven mindset extends gently into his advice for aspiring authors as well—he encourages them to tell their stories authentically, allowing ideas to evolve thoughtfully for maximum impact.
Michael Hingson’s journey and work stand as a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our fears. Through his books, speeches, and unwavering commitment to motivate others, Michael invites readers to see life through a lens of trust, courage, and connection.
