"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
--Mahatma Gandhi
Suggested books and readings
Nemeton, by R. Giacomelli and A. Manzo
King of the World, by D. Remnik
[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]
Last but not least
I came to martial arts quite late (35), mostly out of curiosity, after having quit competitive rowing and having "tasted" many other sports.
It turned out to be the best choice I could make for myself. Most people who don't do martial arts really have no idea about how much you can learn... it is ways beyond just combat skills.