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About the Book
The world is unraveling. Values that were once considered the foundations for living a life of good—courage, discipline, truth—are now ridiculed or redefined beyond recognition. Moral relativism has replaced moral certainty, leaving society adrift in a sea of shifting principles dictated by fleeting social trends, if not outright manipulation by evil men and institutions. Where virtue was once taught and enforced by family or church, individuals today are increasingly rudderless, unmoored, uncertain, and manipulated because they lack a personal shield of virtue.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A Fortress of Virtue is a call to action for those who refuse to surrender to the forces of moral decay. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, history, and the timeless principles of virtue, this book provides you with the tools you need to reclaim your integrity, stand firm against corruption, and build a life of strength, purpose, and honor.
A fortress is a place of refuge and defense against attack—and in a world that seeks to dismantle moral order, virtue must be your fortress. This book will teach you how to build an unshakable moral foundation through the four Stoic cardinal virtues—Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice. You will learn how to recognize and resist the tactics of manipulation, moral erosion, and societal collapse while strengthening yourself, your family, and your community to fight back against the encroaching darkness.
If you sense the world is falling apart and feel the pull to stand for what is right but don’t know where to start, this book is for you. It is for those who believe that being “good” is no longer enough—you must be strong. You must be wise. You must be willing to fight. Are you ready to build your fortress? Then let this book be your guide to a better life, a better world, and a better you.
About the Author
Michael is a cybersecurity and risk executive, philosopher, and author whose work bridges the gap between digital security and the timeless principles of ethical leadership and strategic thinking.
With over 25 years of experience as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), advisory practice leader, and security consultant, Michael has helped organizations navigate the evolving landscape of cyber threats, governance, and risk management. His insights into why security programs fail—and how to make them succeed—have made him a trusted voice in the field.
Beyond information security, Michael explores philosophy, virtue ethics, and decision-making—applying ancient wisdom to modern leadership and risk management. His writing, speaking, and interviews challenge readers to think critically about the moral and strategic dimensions of cybersecurity, governance, and resilience.
His books provide both a practical and philosophical lens on security, risk, and virtue, equipping leaders with the tools to fortify their organizations and themselves against deception, failure, and moral compromise.
When he’s not writing, Michael continues to advise businesses, speak at industry events, and explore the intersections of security, ethics, and resilience.
Connect with him on Linkedin to stay updated on his latest work.