Introduction: Why I watched every John Wayne movie -- The code : honor, loyalty, life lessons, and being true to yourself -- Wimminfolk : females-why they think the way they think and do the things they do, and why everything is usually a man's fault -- Big skies and open prairies : nature, and man's place in it -- Native Americans : indigenous philosophies and proud enemies -- Whippersnappers : baby raising, smart-aleck young'uns, and too-big-fortheir-britches whelps -- It's not a threat. It's a promise : warnings, insults, intimidation, and ultimatums -- Move 'em out! : going forward-because of orders, to inspire others, or because it's your destiny -- I've got a job to do : determination, decisiveness, and duty -- How to woo a gal : spoonin', romance, and being nice to the ladies -- In service to his country : patriotism, war, and life in uniform -- How to judge a man's character : measuring the mark of a man, and recognizing your own failings -- Shootin' irons, shotguns, and shells : all manner of weaponry-and how to use it -- Make mine a double : taking a snort now and then -- A healthy mistrust of authority : politics, government, and international relations -- Old coots : longtime friendship, aches and pains, and facing the big adiós -- The road to Boot Hill : the meaning of life, and the last roundup -- A miscellany of John Wayne quotes : on religion, leadership, employment, the utterly unclassifiable, and more -- Duke on TV : speeches, specials, and celebrity sitdowns.