The Truth About Self-Protection: A book review

Understanding what your rights and abilities are when it comes to self-protection is important, however, understanding your limitations is more so. Massad Ayoob places an entire lifetime of knowledge and understanding regarding self-protection into a 417-page book. This book was originally written in 1983 however, the truths and knowledge included in it still hold true today.

The first section is called “Understanding the Dangers” and specifically addresses the criminal mindset. Ayoob debunks the idea that so many people hold today, a criminal with a firearm or dangerous weapon of any kind will rarely hesitate or let you know what they plan to do. He also addresses the mentality that that martial art, or alarm system that you use is the “only” true method to defense. Being aware and prepared for the possibility of something occurring is something that is highly beneficial. Lastly, in this section he looks at the mentality behind people’s dislike of police. He reminds us as a career being a police officer requires a bit of disconnect. He also reminds us that they are there to protect and serve us. What are we doing to help them accomplish this?

The second section is called “Passive Safety Measures” and in this section, he addresses alarm systems, locks and the surrounding hype or truths behind them. He specifically talks about everything from scouting your perimeter to various dog types and their benefits and the negatives of each. His goal in this section is to both help you understand what works and why, as well as the simple un-negotiable fact that regardless of security things may still occur and to be prepared. He directly addresses what to do in a kidnapping situation, and even has special advice for the disabled and elderly.

The third section is labeled “Countervailing Force” and speaks to ones ability to fight back. He speaks about the “will to retaliate” and addresses the truths and fictions behind “street fighting.” He teaches a few basics regarding hand-to-hand styled defense/ offense and than goes right into the use of various other items for self-protection. As he cycles through the various methods of self-defense with makeshift weapons, you get a sense of relief when you realize that Hollywood for all of its wonderful characterizations is simply that. You also end up with a mild sense of dread when you realize that you have been wasting years and hours (and thousands of dollars) learning things that may never be of use, and in fact could cause you or your loved ones more harm. After all, when have you been able to use a roundhouse kick while seat belted into a vehicle? He than looks at the use of and choices behind the use of firearms, and he asks the all-important question “Should you have a gun?”

In the last section called “Postvention,” he looks at the aftermath of a violent encounter. The feelings and potential emotional affects it may have on a person. He looks at your possible interaction with a lawyer and again asks a question that we all should have long before now.

“What price safety?”

It is this author’s opinion based on many years of various methods of training and knowledge gained that this is a premier book for the person who really wants to know what they can do to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. Several years back this author asked the question ““What price safety?” this book truly helps answer that question.