It is not an autobiography in the strict sense, but rather a collection of non-chronological sketches and anecdotes about his years at Yale and Harvard, business career, and time as governor of Texas.

He intersperses these with brief explanations of his political philosophy, including his belief in small government, capitalism, and a strong national defense.

More specific parts of his program, which he enumerates in the last pages, include creating a free market alliance with Canada and Latin America, privatizing Social Security, and firmness with non-aligned regimes, particularly Iraq and North Korea (pp. 238–9).

In the book, Bush says this scene "epitomizes our mission": When you come into my office, please take a look at the beautiful painting of a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep and rough trail.

"[6] The phrase "A Charge to Keep" was attached to the painting because it was used to illustrate a short story of this title by Ben Ames Williams published in 1918 by Country Gentleman magazine.