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alex_ellermann 's review for:
_Tools of Titans_ is a great book.
This volume, a collection of interviews and essays by author Tim Ferriss, seeks to distill the wisdom of some of the many people the author has interviewed over the years (and give Ferriss an avenue for publishing his own musings, advice, and lessons learned).
Initially, I found it off putting. Ferris tends to interview people whom he admires, so there’s a great deal of material about celebrities, athletes, tech billionaires, and celebrity athlete tech billionaires. I’m not particularly interested in becoming a celebrity, athlete, or tech billionaire, and I found myself wondering, “Where are the kind of people I’d like to emulate? Where are the educators, adventurers, and religious leaders? Where are the relief workers, military leaders, diplomats and journalists?”
However, I hung in there. You should, too. You read enough of these interviews, and themes begin to emerge: success happens on purpose; the difference between a goal and a wish is an entry on a calendar; self-care, particularly in the forms of conscious nutrition, meditation, and exercise, make a cumulative contribution to well-being and effectiveness, and so on. I don’ t mean to imply that this book will necessarily rewire your brain. For example, I still don’t happen to be a particular believer in goals: I find that if I work hard and try to behave decently, opportunities materialize which I never would have even envisioned as goals. Nevertheless, one can’t read 707 pages of positive reinforcement and good ideas without some of it rubbing off. I’m going to have learn about how to use those kettle bells I see in the corner of the gym, for instance.
My point? Even if you’re the kind of person who feels creeped out by Tony Robbins, even if you’ve already decided that you don’t want to know what a kettle bell is, _Tools of Titans_ has something for you. At most, it will give you specific advice on how to lead your best life. Probably, it will motivate you to follow your own path to your best life. At least, it’s a well-written and engaging series of interviews and essays.
Recommended for: everyone.
NB: I recommend the print edition of _Tools of Titans_. The book is divided into many short chapters; it’s perfect bathroom reading.
This volume, a collection of interviews and essays by author Tim Ferriss, seeks to distill the wisdom of some of the many people the author has interviewed over the years (and give Ferriss an avenue for publishing his own musings, advice, and lessons learned).
Initially, I found it off putting. Ferris tends to interview people whom he admires, so there’s a great deal of material about celebrities, athletes, tech billionaires, and celebrity athlete tech billionaires. I’m not particularly interested in becoming a celebrity, athlete, or tech billionaire, and I found myself wondering, “Where are the kind of people I’d like to emulate? Where are the educators, adventurers, and religious leaders? Where are the relief workers, military leaders, diplomats and journalists?”
However, I hung in there. You should, too. You read enough of these interviews, and themes begin to emerge: success happens on purpose; the difference between a goal and a wish is an entry on a calendar; self-care, particularly in the forms of conscious nutrition, meditation, and exercise, make a cumulative contribution to well-being and effectiveness, and so on. I don’ t mean to imply that this book will necessarily rewire your brain. For example, I still don’t happen to be a particular believer in goals: I find that if I work hard and try to behave decently, opportunities materialize which I never would have even envisioned as goals. Nevertheless, one can’t read 707 pages of positive reinforcement and good ideas without some of it rubbing off. I’m going to have learn about how to use those kettle bells I see in the corner of the gym, for instance.
My point? Even if you’re the kind of person who feels creeped out by Tony Robbins, even if you’ve already decided that you don’t want to know what a kettle bell is, _Tools of Titans_ has something for you. At most, it will give you specific advice on how to lead your best life. Probably, it will motivate you to follow your own path to your best life. At least, it’s a well-written and engaging series of interviews and essays.
Recommended for: everyone.
NB: I recommend the print edition of _Tools of Titans_. The book is divided into many short chapters; it’s perfect bathroom reading.