I loved this book because it motivates me to try to overcome my chronic problems with anxiety and depression that I’ve been fighting for 35 years.
Chuck Yeager admits that he was afraid of dying every time he took a risk in an airplane. But his love for flying overcame that. He was willing to take risks in order to do what he loved to do. He minimized his risks by studying to be the best pilot he could be, both in his pilot skills,  and in his knowledge of how airplanes worked mechanically. That mechanical knowledge allowed him to maximize his ability to get out of trouble when things went wrong in the air.  He still almost died on several occasions during his career, and readily admits that luck played a part in his success. 
Chuck knew that he was an unusually gifted pilot and he admitted that. He had some genetic advantages  from birth: amazing eyesight and eye hand coordination. But he says the rest came from working as hard as he could to master his craft,  and I believe it. He had reason to be proud of himself, and he doesn’t hide that pride in the book, so some may interpret this as arrogance and be turned off. I think he was just being brutally honest. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. 
I don’t fly but I’m fascinated by airplanes, and I am also fascinated by the psychology of what makes one person brave and accepting of the risks in life, while another person chooses to limit what he or she can do because of fear. Risk taking is a very personal decision. Everyone has to make their own decisions in that area. 
I don’t have the answers to why some people have more courage than others. But I am inspired by stories of people who have far more courage than me.
Loved the story of Chuck Yeager’s flying adventures, and admire his bravery… Which currently inspires me since I just finished the book. I’m sure that will fade… But I’m grateful for the boost in motivation.
Recommended reading for anyone interested in military aircraft and in learning a bit about  people who have a high risk tolerance.