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#420: Books I've Loved — Matt Mullenweg

Apr 13, 2020

Guest

Matt Mullenweg

In this engaging conversation, Matt Mullenweg, the founding developer of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, shares his passion for literature and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. He categorizes his favorite books into fun, life lessons, and career development, highlighting titles that sparked transformation and sparked critical thinking. Mullenweg also dives into themes of grief and enlightenment, discussing how works like 'When Breath Becomes Air' can inspire deep reflection. His insights remind us that literature can enrich both our minds and lives.

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ANECDOTE

Sum at Burning Man

Matt Mullenweg has read David Eagleman's Sum aloud at Burning Man.
He finds the short stories thought-provoking and conducive to interesting dreams.

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ANECDOTE

Foundation's Influence

Many CEOs and founders have been influenced by Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
Mullenweg considers it a great gift for young adults.

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ADVICE

Becoming Wise Recommendation

Read Krista Tippett's Becoming Wise for life advice.
Mullenweg highly recommends it as a starting point in the "life" category.

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Exploring Influential Books for Personal and Professional Growth

04:16 • 4min

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Exploring Life, Loss, and Transformation Through Literature

08:35 • 2min

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Books That Shape Success

10:59 • 11min

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Exploring Influential Books and Provocative Thinkers

In 'Principles: Life and Work', Ray Dalio shares the principles he has developed over his career that have helped him achieve success. The book is divided into three sections: the first section explains how Dalio's principles were formed from his personal and professional experiences; the second section outlines life principles, such as embracing reality, being radically open-minded, and understanding the importance of pain and reflection in personal growth; and the third section focuses on work principles, including the use of radical truth and radical transparency to transform an organization. Dalio advocates for systematizing decision-making into algorithms, learning from failures, and building a culture where it is okay to make mistakes but unacceptable not to learn from them.

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody 'Bod' Owens, a young boy who escapes his family's murderer, known as the man Jack, and finds refuge in a graveyard. There, he is adopted and raised by the ghostly residents, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, and protected by the mysterious caretaker Silas. As Bod grows up, he learns supernatural abilities and faces various dangers both within and outside the graveyard. The book follows Bod's adventures and his eventual transition into the world of the living, exploring themes of identity, family, and the intersection of life and death.

The Tao of Seneca

Practical Letters from a Stoic Master

Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)

This book is a compilation of Seneca's letters, known as the *Epistulae Morales* (Moral Epistles), which provide practical advice on Stoic principles. It covers topics such as the importance of living in accordance with nature, the dangers of external influences on happiness, the value of self-control, and the pursuit of virtue. Seneca's writings emphasize the need to focus on inner strength, endurance, and the cultivation of a sound mind, rather than seeking happiness through external goods like fame and riches.

Remote

Office Not Required

David Heinemeier Hansson

Jason Fried

In 'Remote: Office Not Required,' Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson present a compelling case for remote work, drawing from their extensive experience at Basecamp. The book outlines the advantages of remote work, such as access to top talent, reduced commuting, and improved productivity. It also addresses common obstacles and provides tools and methods for successful remote work implementation, including video conferencing, chat software, and project management. The authors emphasize the importance of managing for performance over presence and encourage leaders to adopt a flexible work environment that prioritizes work over traditional office hours.

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V. '), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

Foundation

Isaac Asimov

Foundation is the first book in Isaac Asimov's renowned Foundation series. It introduces Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who predicts the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing dark age. To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, aimed at preserving human knowledge and laying the groundwork for a new civilization. The book is a collection of interrelated short stories that follow the early history of the Foundation as it navigates various crises and challenges predicted by Seldon's psychohistory.

Nonviolent Communication

A Language of Life

Marshall B. Rosenberg

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a framework created by Marshall Rosenberg that aims to enhance communication by promoting compassion and empathy. The book outlines a four-step process for effective communication: observing what is happening without judgment, identifying and expressing feelings, recognizing and articulating needs, and making clear requests. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of separating observations from evaluations to avoid defensiveness and promote genuine human connections. The book includes practical exercises, role-plays, and real-life examples to illustrate how NVC can be applied in various relationships and situations, including personal, professional, and conflict resolution contexts. It also discusses how NVC can help in developing self-compassion and resolving conflicts by focusing on the underlying needs rather than the actions that trigger emotions.

Essentialism

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Greg McKeown

In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default. ' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.

Why Buddhism is True

The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

Robert Wright

In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.

The Great Mental Models, Volume 1

General Thinking Concepts

Shane Parrish

The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts is the first book in The Great Mental Models series. It details nine fundamental thinking concepts that form the bedrock of clear reasoning and effective decision-making. Drawing on examples from history, business, art, and science, this book teaches how to avoid blind spots, find non-obvious solutions, anticipate and achieve desired outcomes, and play to your strengths while avoiding your weaknesses. The book covers mental models such as first principles thinking, Hanlon’s razor, inversion, and probabilistic thinking, among others, to help readers better understand the world, solve problems, and gain an advantage.

Metaphors We Live By

Mark Johnson

George Lakoff

In 'Metaphors We Live By,' George Lakoff and Mark Johnson argue that metaphor is not just a figure of speech but a fundamental mechanism of the mind that allows us to use our physical and social experiences to understand more abstract concepts. The book introduces the concept of 'conceptual metaphors' and demonstrates how these metaphors structure our perceptions, thoughts, and actions. It challenges traditional views in Western philosophy and linguistics by showing that metaphor is pervasive in everyday language and thought, influencing how we think about concepts like love, arguments, and truth.

Becoming wise

An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living

Krista Tippett

Krista Tippett's "Becoming Wise" explores the art and mystery of living a meaningful life. It delves into the importance of cultivating attention and deep listening, drawing on Tippett's own experiences and conversations with diverse individuals. The book emphasizes the significance of engaging with the spiritual dimensions of life and finding wisdom amidst complexity. It challenges readers to confront their own limitations and embrace the ongoing process of learning and growth. Ultimately, "Becoming Wise" offers a path toward cultivating inner peace and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

When Breath Becomes Air

E. Z. - Reader

In this profoundly moving memoir, Paul Kalanithi chronicles his transformation from a medical student to a neurosurgeon at Stanford, and finally to a patient confronting his own mortality. Diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at 36, Kalanithi grapples with fundamental philosophical questions about what makes a life worth living in the face of death. The book is a reflection on the challenge of facing death and the relationship between doctor and patient, written with eloquence and intelligence. Kalanithi's writing delves into his lifelong love of literature and his attempt to connect the sciences and humanities to gain a greater understanding of humanity.

On Grief and Grieving

Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

David Kessler

This book, written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler, explores the process of grief through the lens of the five stages of loss. It delves into the inner and outer worlds of grief, covering topics such as sadness, hauntings, dreams, isolation, and healing. The authors provide practical advice and share personal stories, emphasizing that grief is highly individual and there is no fixed timeline for the grieving process. The book addresses specific circumstances like suicide, multiple losses, and sudden death, making it a valuable resource for those experiencing loss and those supporting them.

Conscious

A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind

Annaka Harris

The Black Swan

The Impact of the Highly Improbable

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

David Chandler

Nassim Taleb

The Black Swan is a landmark book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that investigates the phenomenon of highly improbable events with massive impacts. These events, termed Black Swans, are unpredictable, have a significant impact, and are rationalized after the fact to appear less random. Taleb argues that humans are hardwired to focus on specifics rather than generalities, leading to a failure to consider what we don’t know. The book delves into cognitive biases, the limitations of mathematical models, and the importance of robustness and antifragility in navigating a world filled with uncertainty. The second edition includes a new essay, 'On Robustness and Fragility,' offering tools to navigate and exploit a Black Swan world.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari

In '21 Lessons for the 21st Century', Yuval Noah Harari tackles the most pressing questions of our time. The book explores issues such as the crisis of liberal democracy, the rise of nationalism, the impact of technological advancements, the threat of terrorism, and the challenges posed by climate change and nuclear war. Harari presents these complex contemporary challenges clearly and accessibly, inviting readers to consider values, meaning, and personal engagement in a world filled with noise and uncertainty. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in navigating the future and suggests that individuals must identify strongly with a global community to confront global problems effectively.

Sum

Forty Tales from the Afterlives

David Eagleman

The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories

Ken Liu

The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories is a captivating collection of short fiction by Ken Liu, featuring award-winning tales that explore themes of identity, culture, and history. The book includes the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-winning story 'The Paper Menagerie,' along with other notable works like 'The Perfect Match' and 'The Literomancer. ' These stories delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intersection of technology and tradition.

The world is sound

Joachim Ernst Berendt

In 'The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma', Joachim-Ernst Berendt delves into the concept that sound is the essence of the universe, drawing from various spiritual traditions, modern science, and music. The book explores how sound shapes our perception of reality and advocates for a shift from visual to auditory awareness. Berendt discusses topics ranging from the harmony of the spheres to the vibrations of molecules, highlighting the importance of sound in spiritual and cultural experiences.

#420: Books I've Loved — Matt Mullenweg | Brought to you by Audible.

Welcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is my job to sit down with world-class performers of all different types—from startup founders and investors to chess champions to Olympic athletes. This episode, however, is an experiment and part of a shorter series I’m doing called “Books I’ve Loved.” I’ve invited some amazing past guests, close friends, and new faces to share their favorite books—the books that have influenced them, changed them, and transformed them for the better. I hope you pick up one or two new mentors—in the form of books—from this new series and apply the lessons in your own life.

Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) is the founding developer of WordPress, the open-source software used by over 35% of the web. Matt is also the CEO of Automattic, which is now the force behind WordPress.com, Jetpack, and many other products.

Having built his own 1200-person company with no offices and with employees scattered across 68 countries, Matt examines the benefits and challenges of distributed work and recruiting talented people around the globe on Distributed, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Please enjoy!

You can find all books from this episode in the show notes.

“Books I’ve Loved” on The Tim Ferriss Show is brought to you by Audible! I have used Audible for many years now. I love it. Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks on the planet. I listen when I’m taking walks, I listen while I’m cooking… I listen whenever I can. Audible is offering Tim Ferriss Show listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to Audible.com/tim and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs. Then, download your free title and start listening! It’s that easy. Simply go to Audible.com/tim or text TIM to 500500 to get started today.

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