Founder
I’m Michael Santos. While serving 26 years in prison, I drew inspiration from Frederick Douglass, Socrates, Mahatma Gandhi and others. Their teachings equipped me with the tools to overcome adversity and succeed after release.
I’m always truthful, I share the lessons I personally learned, and I don’t work for fees from anyone. The entries below offer insight from leaders who taught me, and that our nonprofit strives to pass along to others.
Goals for 2025: 25 in 2025
By the start of 2025, I transitioned my career so my wife and I could devote our time and energy to making a bigger impact with our nonprofit. Personally, I set clear goals for the year, including: 1) fitness—lose 25 pounds. 2) finance—grow financial portfolio to include 25 Bitcoins. 3) share—write 25 reviews to show what I learned from reading books. 4) discipline—run at least 2,500 miles during the year and at least one 25-mile distance.
The links below show the importance of memorializing a journey from crisis to success. Our blog shows the importance of daily action. Our accountability pages help us measure results and stay on track.
Historical Influences on the Journey
ERA 1987
Bible
Inside a solitary cell, I read the Bible. By reading the Book of Genesis through the Book of Revelation, I changed.
ERA 1987
Family Members
When we change the way we think, we open new opportunities. My family inspired me to change. I wanted to prove worthy of their love.
ERA 1987
Officer Wilson
While I was locked in a solitary cell, Officer Wilson brought books that would change the way I think. In that way, he changed my life.
ERA 1987
Socrates
Socratic thinking helps us learn from asking questions. It’s an art that empowers us to find solutions to move through crises.
ERA 1987
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass taught me the importance of personal development. By developing skills, we can contribute to society.
ERA 1987
Marcus Aurelius
By reading Meditations, I learned that I should focus on the future I wanted to create rather than dwell on the crisis my actions created.
ERA 1987
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
In The Social Contract, by Rousseau, I learned more about what it means to be a good citizen. Like him, I began to write and contribute.
ERA 1987
Epictetus
From Epictetus I learned how to live in the world as it existed, and not as I wanted it to be. It helped my adjustment in prison.
ERA 1989
Bruce McPherson
If we invest in ourselves, we’ll find others to invest in us. Professor Bruce McPherson mentored me while I served my term.
ERA 1989
Malcolm X
Great books taught me that by thinking differently I could open opportunities, even while living in the crisis of confinement.
ERA 1989
Lynn Stephens
An officer in prison opened opportunities for me to work toward university degrees and personal development. Always grateful.
ERA 1990
Colin Harris
Educators are amazing people, coming into our life with only one goal. They want us to develop skills that lead to success.
ERA 1990
Viktor Frankl
We learn from people who grow stronger through crises. Viktor Frankl teaches us all, even those who have never been prisoners.
ERA 1990
Nelson Mandela
From leaders, we see the power that comes from living in gratitude. Mandela's legacy shows us that we can always strive for more.
ERA 1990
John Stewart Mill
The concept of the ends justifies the means can help us muster strengthen while we grow through a crisis.
ERA 1991
Dante Alighieri
Sometimes, literature can help us find the reasons for a crisis in life. We can also find a pathway to paradise.
ERA 1991
Strunk and White
Becoming better writers helps us to become better thinkers. With practice we, develop skills.
ERA 1991
Victor Hugo
Classical literature can become a teacher for us, helping us to pursue excellence while in crisis.
ERA 1991
Norval Morris
If we invest in ourselves first, the most influential advisors will come into our lives. They only want us to become better.
ERA 1991
Al Cohen
If we reach out for help, we'll find mentors and role models anywhere. First, we must invest in ourselves to prove worthy of help.
ERA 1992
William O’Neil
Study financial leaders to learn how markets operate, and opportunities will open to earn more income.
ERA 1994
John DiIulio
When we build more skills, we become influential in persuading others to become our advocates. Always invest in yourself first.
ERA 1994
Francis Cullen
People devote careers to improving outcomes for all. We contribute to the casue when we build skills that lead to success.
ERA 1994
George Cole
Develop skills to create opportunities that lead to greater opportunities. Strive for excellence and others will invest in you.
ERA 1995
Marilyn McShane
If we don't like our surroundings, we can develop skills that will allow us to become a part of the solution. Build and build.
ERA 1995
Joan Petersilia
Persistence shows that we never give up, we can open relationships with influential leaders who advance our path to success.
ERA 1995
Warden Dennis Luther
Learn from people who identify as leaders, and not as managers. Warden Luther always strove for excellence and he helped me.
ERA 1997
Axelrod Family
Many genuinely good people want to help others reach their highest potential. To find them, invest in yourself first.
ERA 1997
Nick and Nancy
People come together to help those who strive to help themselves. Never underestimate the power of great friendship.
ERA 1997
Tony Bisceglie
When we build a pathway to personal leadership, leaders will come into our lives to help, even if we lack financial resources.
