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Kevin Kelly: On Fame, Structuring Ideas, Writing Books, and Founding Wired Magazine

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Sep 13, 2023

Guest

Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and a renowned tech writer, dives into the complexities of writing and creativity. He shares his preference for editing over writing and discusses the importance of originality in engaging readers. Kelly explains how collaboration fuels creativity and highlights the value of finding one's unique voice. He reflects on fame's dual edges, revealing its impact on identity. With insights from his latest book, he emphasizes writing as a tool for clarity and personal expression.

01:17:30

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ADVICE

Amaze and Provoke

Amaze your readers with unorthodox ideas.
Provoke a different fifth of your audience with each piece.

insights

INSIGHT

Honesty in Writing

Honesty is key for impactful writing.
Every sentence should be unique and authentic to you.

insights

INSIGHT

Quality Over Quantity

Aim for quality over quantity in your writing.
Producing great work requires writing a lot.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Writing Journey: Crafting Impactful Ideas

03:53 • 13min

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The Power of Collective Creativity

16:33 • 14min

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Crafting Creativity: Reflections on Writing and Art

30:41 • 26min

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Innovating Creativity and Communication

56:25 • 11min

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Navigating the Complexities of Fame

01:07:31 • 3min

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The Collective Genius of Creativity

01:10:10 • 5min

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The Transformative Power of Writing

01:15:40 • 3min

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#3655

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Out of Control

Charlotte Lamb

Kevin Kelly's "Out of Control" explores the emerging field of artificial life and its implications for the future. Published in 1994, the book delves into complex systems, artificial intelligence, and the interconnectedness of life. Kelly uses the metaphor of the Library of Babel to illustrate the vastness and complexity of information systems. The book's central theme is the unpredictable nature of complex systems and the potential for emergent behavior. "Out of Control" is a seminal work in the field of technology and its impact on society, offering a blend of scientific insight and philosophical reflection.

#593

• Mentioned in 30 episodes

Excellent Advice for Living

Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Kevin Kelly

Excellent Advice for Living is a compilation of Kevin Kelly's life wisdom, initially written for his young adult children on his 68th birthday. The book features 450 aphorisms that cover a wide range of topics, from setting ambitious goals and optimizing generosity to cultivating compassion and practical advice on career, relationships, parenting, and finances. Kelly's advice is designed to be accessible and applicable to all ages, emphasizing the importance of kindness, decency, and generosity of spirit. The book is praised for its straightforward and memorable guidance, making it an ideal companion for anyone seeking to navigate life with grace and creativity.

#738

• Mentioned in 27 episodes

To Sell Is Human

Daniel Pink

#2648

• Mentioned in 10 episodes

Vanishing Asia

A Masterclass on the Past, Present, and Future of Asia

Kevin Kelly

Vanishing Asia is a comprehensive and visually stunning 3-volume set of oversized books that document the rapidly disappearing traditions, costumes, architecture, festivals, and lifestyles of Asia. Over 49 years, Kevin Kelly traveled to the most remote places in 35 Asian countries, capturing 9,000 images on 1,000 uniquely designed pages. The set covers West, Central, and East Asia, showcasing the diverse cultures from Turkey to Japan and from Siberia to Indonesia. This work is an ambitious passion project that highlights the beauty and complexity of Asian cultures as they face the challenges of modernization.

#1042

• Mentioned in 20 episodes

What technology wants

Kevin Kelly

In this book, Kevin Kelly presents a sweeping vision of technology as a living force that is an extension of biological evolution. He introduces the concept of the 'technium,' a global, massively interconnected system of technology that evolves based on its own inherent desires and instincts. Kelly argues that technology is not just a tool but a self-evolving entity that gives our lives greater meaning. He outlines a dozen trajectories for technology in the coming decades and emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with technology's agenda to capture its colossal potential. The book is both visionary and optimistic, exploring how technology can expand our individual potential and drive progress in society.

#6726

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

New Rules for the New Economy

Kevin Kelly

In this book, Kevin Kelly explains how the networked economy is transforming traditional economic principles. He presents ten fundamental principles that invert the traditional wisdom of the industrial world, emphasizing the importance of understanding networks and their unique rules. The book provides clear and specific strategies for success in the new economy, applicable to both low and high-tech businesses globally. It highlights the shift from an economy based on energy and atoms to one based on ideas and communication.

#25064

The Writer's Time

A Guide to the Creative Process from Vision through Revision

Kenneth John Atchity

This book provides insights into the creative process, helping writers navigate from initial vision to final revision. It offers practical advice on managing time and staying focused throughout the writing journey.

Kevin Kelly is one of the most important tech writers of the last half century.

Kevin started as the publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of Steve Jobs’ favorite publications. After being mentored by Stewart Brand, he started writing books and magazine pieces before cofounding Wired Magazine. He has since become a prolific author - writing one feature article for Wired Magazine every year, and writing numerous bestselling books.

The man is full of mysteries. Kevin writes abundantly but types very slowly. He writes often but calls himself a reluctant writer. He constantly explores new ideas but actually likes editing more than writing.

Rare is the opportunity to sit down with the master who has decades of experience as a writer. This episode is a peek behind the curtain.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://kk.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevin2kelly

Latest Book: "Excellent Advice for Living": https://a.co/d/3nYau0X

Want to learn more about the next cohort with Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.school/hiw

Want to learn more about How I Write?

Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

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