The Art of Non-Conformity
Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
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4.3 • 179 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
A noncomformists guide to living life on your own terms from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author
Much like his popular online manifesto "A Brief Guide to World Domination," author Chris Guillebeau defies common assumptions about life and work while arming you with the tools to live authentically in The Art of Non-Conformity.
Inspired and guided by Chris's own story and those of others who have also pursued unconventional lives, you can devise your own plan for world domination--all while making it a better place.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The underlying message of Guillebeau's book, based on his popular blog, is that "You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to." Those who are open-minded, ready to challenge the status-quo, hard-working, and personally responsible can lead lives of rare authenticity through radical goal-setting, the author counsels, rewriting motivational standards in edgier prose: "The pathway to world domination, or whatever it is you want to do, begins with clearly understanding what you want to get out of life." Although directed at readers of all ages, his message is likely to appeal most to those without dependents. Although he believes that "competence is your security," many readers may feel a need for more of a safety net than that, such as a retirement plan. The ideas presented here are interesting, the advice grounded in logic and common sense, and, ironically, the outlook based in the same outside-the-box thinking that corporations are coming to adopt. The author challenges the status quo on college degrees, spending and saving, employment, collecting, and other issues, and coaches for success with a likeable, energetic voice. Peppered throughout with stories from his own life, Guillebeau's intriguing guide will motivate readers to listen to their impulses and realize their goals.
Customer Reviews
A good read for Gen Y
Anyone who is lost and feeling frustrated in the current climate, especially after being a few years outside of school should definitely read this book for a bit of inspiration. Guillebeau is very clear about his reasoning and provides a compelling argument about pursuing your own happiness rather than work for someone elses which many of us are conditioned to do basically from birth. He also encourages taking an active role in your life rather than your life taking an active role on you. My one criticism is that sometimes he focused too much on his own adventures and a few other individuals as relative successes. Of course he highlights others but it sometimes felt a bit too general. But that's a minor quibble.
A must read for all young adults who are frustrated with the status quo.
A Good Read
This was a “good” book. A lot of “good” moments in the book and an abundance of “good” quotes. However, it was a “great” read or a “great” book. Personally, some of the suggestions in the book I have already applied to my life. However, it did feel good to give it a label and to gain a different point of view. I am writing this review within 10 minutes of reading this book, so I am still processing the information I just read. Therefore l, as of right now, it was a “good” book.
Time for Change
Have usually come across a lot of bitter people in life and have been doing a pretty great job at cutting out a lot of them and something that has always been thought of is, “Wow, I’d *never* want to be anything like that.” Glad to see there’s a good book that thinks likewise that we need less of those. Going to give it the absolute best with going out with life. Thanks for everything.