A Message to Garcia is a best-selling inspirational essay by Elbert Hubbard, originally published in 1899. Until the middle of the 20th century, the essay became well-known in American popular culture as an illustration of what set American business culture in particular apart. According to language expert Charles Earle Funk, "to take a message to Garcia" was for years a popular American slang expression for taking initiative. The essay is still used by some members of the military and is required reading within the U.S. Marine Corps. This audio version is narrated by Aaron Wheeler.