Finding your creative spark: AJ Jacobs on curiosity, gratitude & reinvention

Go the Fuck to Sleep is a humorous and relatable book that parodies traditional children's bedtime stories. Written by Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ricardo Cortés, it reflects the universal struggle of parents dealing with resistant children at bedtime. The book uses profanity and dark humor to express the inner thoughts of a parent desperate for their child to fall asleep. It has become a cultural phenomenon, resonating with parents worldwide and offering a comedic take on the challenges of parenting.

In this book, David Epstein examines the success of generalists in various fields, including sports, arts, music, invention, forecasting, and science. He argues that generalists, who often find their path late and juggle multiple interests, are more creative, agile, and able to make connections that specialists cannot. Epstein uses stories and research studies to show that wide sampling and late specialization can be more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex and unpredictable environments. He also discusses the distinction between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments and the importance of balancing specialization with range for long-term success[2][4][5].

In this book, A.J. Jacobs embarks on a year-long experiment to live according to the Bible's rules as literally as possible. Raised in a secular Jewish family, Jacobs delves into the world of religion to understand its relevance in modern life. He follows over 700 biblical rules, from the well-known Ten Commandments to the lesser-known laws such as avoiding clothes made of mixed fibers and stoning adulterers. The book is a humorous and profound account of his journey, where he interacts with various religious groups, including Amish, Hassidic Jews, and evangelical Christians. Jacobs' experiment leads to surprising insights and personal growth, challenging his initial skepticism about religion and highlighting the complexities of biblical literalism[1][3][5].

In 'Drop Dead Healthy', A.J. Jacobs chronicles his epic endeavor to transform his body and become the healthiest person alive. After being hospitalized with tropical pneumonia and feeling ashamed of his middle-aged physique, Jacobs consulted a wide array of experts, including sleep consultants, sex clinicians, nutritionists, and dermatologists. He subjected himself to numerous workouts, such as Strollercize and Finger Fitness, and experimented with various diets, including raw foods, veganism, and extreme chewing. The book is a blend of memoir, adventure, and how-to manual, offering entertaining and scientifically sound advice on health and wellness. Jacobs' journey is marked by both humorous anecdotes and profound reflections on the pursuit of health and a well-lived life[1][3][5].

In 'Thanks a Thousand', A.J. Jacobs embarks on a global journey to thank every person involved in producing his morning cup of coffee. This deceptively simple idea transforms his life and highlights the benefits of gratitude, which include improving compassion, healing the body, and battling depression. Jacobs meets a diverse range of people, from Minnesota miners to Colombian farmers, and provides insights on how to focus on the positive aspects of daily life and practice gratitude effectively.