A book review of The Measure by Mikki Erick
By Nikki Erlick, and Reviewed by Lauren B. Prince Powell
| Warrant Officer Journal, 2026 E-Edition
Read Time: < 3 mins
The Measure: A Novel written by Nikki Erlick was published on May 28, 2024 by William Morrow Paperbacks. 368 pages. ISBN 978-0063204218.
We all have a finite amount of time. In Ryan Holiday’s “The Daily Stoic,” the monthly theme for December’s daily meditative passages is “meditation on mortality.” The universal truth is that we all die. The philosopher Seneca wrote, “Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day.” Wth the finite time given, how should we live each day? In thinking about the role of the Warrant Officer, how should a Warrant Officer serve every day?
In Nikki Erlick’s novel, “The Measure,” every person on the planet over the age of 22 receives a box with an indestructible string. Following the initial arrival of the boxes, every person on their 22nd birthday receives one as well. Eventually, the world concludes that the length of the string determines one’s lifespan. Databases and calculators are set up for a more accurate lifespan calculation, and in true human fashion, divisions are made between the “long-stringers” and “short-stringers.” The novel follows a mix of eight people and shows how their lives change after knowing exactly how long they have to live.
The novel highlights themes relevant to societies today: division, injustices against marginalized groups, the role of religion, access to healthcare, discrimination based on a physical feature, and how people can and will always come together... eventually. The themes are heavy. Life is heavy. As Warrant Officers, our responsibility to uphold our respective and unique place in the military can also be heavy.
Despite not having a “measure” afforded to us, Warrant Officers have shown the impactful nature of the cohort. It is a heavy charge to be the technical expert, trusted advisor, trainer, leader, and problem-solver. Measure or no measure, Warrant Officers have shown that their specialization yields immeasurable benefits to the military. Warrant Officers do not require a measure to bring forth their best. Professionally, we make the most of our careers. However, I challenge our cohort not to neglect their personal lives.
If we were given a box with a string that could tell us how long we have left to live, how would we react? What relationships would fracture? What would change? Where would our focus shift? Would you make different life choices? We are not afforded the foresight the boxes provide, but we do know the universal truth that we all will die. Life is finite. Our military service is finite. Time with loved ones is finite. Let us be like Seneca and postpone nothing. Let us balance our lives each day. Never waste an opportunity, a chance to mentor, to have fun, to explore, to serve, to learn, and to love. Meditate on what truly matters.
The Warrant Officer Cohort’s impact is immeasurable, and though we all will leave the service in our own time, we can leave a lasting impact for future generations of Warrant Officers.
I highly recommend Nikki Erlick’s novel, “The Measure.” It is my hope that parallels can be drawn from the altered, fictionalized society in the novel to today’s society so that a focus on what truly matters remains at the forefront of our daily meditations.