Kevin Kelly On The Courage It Takes To Live Your Own Life

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May 6, 2023

Kevin Kelly, a pioneer in technology and culture, shares insights from his book, "Excellent Advice for Living." He discusses the courage to lead an authentic life, emphasizing vulnerability and self-reflection. The conversation covers the significance of mentorship and the emotional impact of photography in preserving memories. Kelly also addresses the challenges in the publishing industry and the importance of individuality in a competitive world. Finally, he reflects on time, legacy, and embracing mortality to appreciate life more deeply.

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ADVICE

Seeking Advice

Ask for advice, not feedback, to receive more positive and actionable suggestions.
Frame your requests to elicit specific insights, considering whether you seek confirmation or disconfirmation.

INSIGHT

Value of Advice

Advice helps avoid painful mistakes by learning from others' experiences. It's reckless to ignore available advice and learn solely through trial and error.

ADVICE

Be Unique, Not Best

Don't strive to be the best; strive to be unique. Combine your talents in a way that makes you irreplaceable, reducing competition.

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The Silver Cord

Steve Masseroni

Phil Lorin

Casey McCabe

Kevin Kelly

Kiel Murray

The Silver Cord is a graphic novel that tells the story of a teenage girl in a unique world filled with angels and robots. It explores the clash between self-conscious robots and various species of angels, delving into the question of whether machines can have souls. The book is praised for its original storytelling, rich artwork, and high-quality production.

The Collected Works of Mark Twain

The Complete and Unabridged Novels

Mark Twain

This collection includes Mark Twain's most notable novels, such as 'The Gilded Age', 'The Prince and the Pauper', 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court', and 'The Mysterious Stranger'. It offers a complete and unabridged look at Twain's literary contributions, which have significantly shaped American literature. The collection also features rare versions of some works, providing a rich insight into Twain's writing career.

The Future Eve

None

Thomas Edison

George Parsons Lathrop

This novel, written by George Parsons Lathrop, incorporates ideas from Thomas Edison about future technological advancements. It explores themes of futuristic society and technological progress, reflecting Edison's visions for the future.

Diogenes of Sinope - Life and Legend

2nd Edition: Handbook of Source Material

Plutarch (Contributor)

This book provides a comprehensive collection of primary sources about Diogenes of Sinope, allowing readers to reconstruct his life and legacy through the accounts of ancient writers like Aelian, Cicero, and Diogenes Laertius. It serves as a handbook for scholars and students interested in understanding the historical figure of Diogenes.

Elon Musk

Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

Ashlee Vance

This book is an authorized biography that delves into the life of Elon Musk, from his tumultuous childhood in South Africa to his rise as a visionary entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Ashlee Vance captures Musk's journey through his various ventures, including PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. The book examines Musk's unique personality, his insatiable drive, and his ability to thrive through hardship. It also explores the broader context of American innovation and the challenges of global competition, positioning Musk as a contemporary amalgam of legendary inventors and industrialists like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs.

Hackers and Painters

Paul Graham

In 'Hackers & Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age,' Paul Graham delves into the motivations and activities of hackers and programmers. The book is a collection of essays that cover various topics such as the role of 'makers' in society, the design and complexity of software, the importance of beauty in software design, and the open-source movement. Graham also critiques the current educational system and discusses the historical and cultural context of hacking and programming. The essays provide an insightful look into what Graham calls 'an intellectual Wild West,' highlighting the significant impact of technology on how we think, work, and live.

1,000 true fans essay

Kevin Kelly

Steal like an artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

This book, which began as a speech given by Austin Kleon to college students, expands into a manifesto for creativity. It outlines ten transformative principles such as 'Steal like an artist' (honoring, studying, and transforming ideas), 'Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things,' and 'Use your hands' (emphasizing physical work). Kleon argues that creativity is not original but builds on what came before, and he provides practical tips and inspiring concepts for artists, writers, musicians, and anyone generating creative work[2][3][4].

Right Thing, Right Now

Justice in an Unjust World

Ryan Holiday

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives[1][3][4].

The Sound and the Fury

William Faulkner

The Sound and the Fury is a novel by William Faulkner that chronicles the downfall of the Compson family, former Southern aristocrats, through four different narrative perspectives. The novel is set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and spans several decades. It is narrated by the three Compson brothers—Benjamin 'Benjy' Compson, an intellectually disabled man; Quentin Compson, a Harvard student who commits suicide; and Jason Compson, a bitter and cynical younger brother—and concludes with a third-person omniscient narrative focusing on Dilsey, the family's devoted Black servant. The novel explores themes of time, death, and the disintegration of traditional Southern values, using a stream-of-consciousness style that includes frequent chronological leaps and non-linear storytelling[1][3][5].

Born to Run

Cathy Freeman

This book recounts Cathy Freeman's journey from a little girl who loved to run to a world champion athlete. It includes her experiences growing up in a loving family, her relationship with her severely disabled sister who inspired her, and her rise to the top in athletics. The book also touches on the challenges she faced, including racism and personal losses, and how she overcame them through hard work, self-belief, and the support of her family. The narrative is honest and simple, making it relatable to young readers. The book is accompanied by black and white photos, some of which are family shots, adding a personal touch to the story[2][4].

Courage Is Calling

Ryan Holiday

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

The essays of Warren Buffett

Lessons for Corporate America

Warren Buffett

This book is a comprehensive collection of Warren Buffett's annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, edited by Lawrence A. Cunningham. It provides valuable insights into Buffett's investment philosophy, corporate management, and business strategies. The letters are organized into thematic chapters, making it easier for readers to understand Buffett's views on various topics such as value investing, executive compensation, and market fluctuations. The book is praised for its clarity, wisdom, and practical advice, making it a definitive source for understanding Buffett's approach to business and investing.

William Stafford's book

William Stafford

Is This Anything?

Jerry Seinfeld

This book is a comprehensive archive of Jerry Seinfeld's comedic material, compiled from his 45-year career. It includes his favorite jokes and routines, organized decade by decade, providing insights into the art of writing stand-up comedy. The book offers a unique perspective on Seinfeld's growth as a comedian, from his early days at 'Catch a Rising Star' to his later years as a renowned figure in comedy. It features a 'trove of laugh-out-loud one-liners' and autobiographical details that highlight Seinfeld's wit and observational humor[2][3][5].

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Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Cosmos

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Carl Sagan

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Call Sign Chaos

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Jim Mattis

Bing West

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Seneca's book

Seneca

The Inevitable

Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future

Kevin Kelly

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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.

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Marcus Aurelius

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Mike Del Ponte

Therese Plummer

Ray Porter

Tim Ferriss

Kaleo Griffith

Kevin Rose

Jocko Willink

Tim Kreider

Tools of Titans is a comprehensive guide to achieving peak performance and personal transformation. The book is divided into three main sections: Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. It features insights and strategies from over 200 interviews with successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ariana Huffington, and many others. Ferriss highlights common patterns among these high achievers, including daily meditation, disciplined routines, and the ability to turn weaknesses into strengths. The book is designed to be a resource for continuous learning and improvement, providing actionable advice and tools for readers to enhance their health, wealth, and wisdom.

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Kevin Kelly