Arnold Dix
The Promise: How an everyday hero made the impossible possible.
Publishing February 2025
Simon & Schuster Australia is thrilled to announce they have signed a worldwide publishing deal with Australian hero Arnold Dix for his book The Promise, to be published in February 2025.
Arnold Dix is a leading international barrister, scientist and engineer. Arnold won the hearts of 1.3 billion Indians in November 2023 when he spearheaded the rescue of 41 trapped workers in a collapsed tunnel that linked major religious sites in the Himalayan Mountains.
It was a life and death situation, and as he bowed before a makeshift temple outside the stricken tunnel he famously promised that the 41 trapped workers would be home safe for Christmas.
His humbleness and his technical expertise in science, engineering and law were coupled with the heightened spirituality of the Diwali rescue. The mountain itself became a teacher during the rescue, and the team had to adapt their tactics as they drilled into the mountainside to free the trapped workers.
But there is so much more to Arnold Dix. From being the elected president of the peak advisory body on the underground for the United Nations; to investigating train tunnels beneath Ground Zero just weeks after 9/11; to working on both the London and Madrid bombings, Arnold’s story is one of unwavering courage and unexpected twists. With themes of adventure, sacrifice and selflessness, Arnold’s story delves into the heart of what it means to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in the quest to make the impossible possible.
Arnold’s memoir fits the recent trend of successful narratives that offer not just inspiration but also practical advice with a clear message for personal growth or societal change. His book will resonate with readers seeking both emotional engagement and actionable takeaways.
‘I am still getting used to a new label that has been attached to me – hero. I do not see myself as a hero, though. Not even close. I am simply a guy who had a few skills, who knew a couple of things, and felt like he could help in a difficult situation. In reality, I am a pretty normal guy. My only superpowers are the ability to remain calm and think clearly, and an overwhelming motivation to be kind. So, here I am, writing a book about the experience, about my experiences, and about the things that the rescue has taught me. If you are hoping for a boys’ own adventure-style book with heart-racing action, daredevil antics, and plenty of clichéd descriptions of a great guy built of different stuff needing to come in to save the day … this is not that book.
‘Instead, I would like it to be a book that enables other people to listen to themselves and trust themselves that they know what the right thing to do is. I believe that if we take the time to listen to ourselves, to reflect, we will figure out what is right.’
Arnold Dix
‘Arnold Dix’s story is incredibly inspirational. His acts of kindness demonstrate that with compassion, teamwork and a genuine spirit of generosity, even the most seemingly impossible outcomes can be achieved.’
Emma Nolan, Non-Fiction Publisher, Simon & Schuster Australia
Praise for Arnold Dix
‘I rise to acknowledge a truly great Australian, Professor Arnold Dix, and for what he has done in once again improving the relations between Australia and our great friends in India. Arnold is an extraordinary Australian and this is an extraordinary story.’
Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister
‘The rescuers gave a new lease of life to the trapped workers and their efforts have set an example of humanity and teamwork.’
Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister
‘Another impactful masterclass in impactful communication from Professor Arnold Dix.’
Anand Mahindra, Indian billionaire
About the Author
Professor Arnold Dix is an Australian geologist, engineer, barrister, keynote speaker, farmer and truck driver who lives in rural Victoria. In November 2023 he played a crucial role in the 400-hour rescue operation to save 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel in India. But there is so much more to Arnold Dix. From surviving an assassination attempt to the transformative experience of working in train tunnels beneath Ground Zero just a week after 9/11, Arnold’s story is one of courage and unexpected twists. His obsession with learning led him to become a barrister, scientist and he even had a brief stint as a hairdresser, while his compassion saw him secretly organise safe houses and a soup kitchen for migrant workers living in slave-like conditions in Qatar.
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