David Heinemeier Hansson, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author on his 14-year journey to selling millions of copies of his books, why you should view your books as valuable products, and how he has co-written and marketed his books—all while running multiple successful businesses, including Basecamp, Ruby on Rails, and Hey.com. Plus how he used his blog to create a viral book, why his editing process took years and why he’s certain that working more than 40 hours a week isn’t smart.

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ABOUT DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON

David Heinemeier Hansson is the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-owner of 37signals. He is also a Le Mans class-winning racing driver, antitrust advocate, investor in Danish startups, frequent podcast guest, and family man. His bestselling books include Rework and Remote: Office Not Required and Getting Real.

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RESOURCES & LINKS

📄 Interview Transcript (unedited)
Ruby on Rails
37 Signals
Hey.com
Getting Real
Rework
Remote: Office Not Required
Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber
On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs: A Work Rant
David on Tim Ferris’s podcast, episode #195: The Power of Being Outspoken
Stoicism Resources from Tim Ferris
DHH on the Daily Stoic

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The Breakdown | 11/30/2025

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