Rhinoceros Success Book Summary - Rhinoceros Success Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

Rhinoceros Success summary

Scott Alexander

The Secret to Charging Full Speed Toward Every Opportunity

3.2 (140 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

Rhinoceros Success is a motivational book by Scott Alexander that encourages readers to adopt a determined and proactive mindset to achieve success in their personal and professional lives. It offers practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities.

Table of Contents

    Rhinoceros Success
    Summary of 3 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    Key idea 1 of 3

    Living life as a rhino

    When it comes to success, what kind of animal are you? Do you graze placidly, content with what you have? Do you lurk in the shadows, hiding from risks? Or do you charge full speed ahead?

    The rhinoceros is undeterred by dense underbrush and murky swamps. It stomps and snorts with single-minded determination, crashing through whatever stands between it and its goal. Thorns scrape the rhino’s hide and mud slows its stride. But giving up isn’t in a rhino’s nature. It shrugs off these hardships and keeps its eyes fixed on its target.

    If you want to achieve your goals, you’ll need this type of determination. Success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes dedication, passion, and the right mindset. In the jungle of life, victory goes not to the cautious, but to the resolute who charge forward – come what may. If you want to achieve great things, you need to act like a rhinoceros.

    For the person with a rhino spirit, reaching the destination is all that matters. And though the terrain is treacherous, the rhino knows that, through sheer will, it can – and will – overcome. 

    So, what’s life as a rhino like? 

    Rhinos are early risers, ready to charge into each new day with enthusiasm. They don’t hit the snooze button and sleep in. The moment the sun peeks over the horizon, rhinos spring out of bed and seize the day. They understand the importance of starting each day with energy and purpose.

    Rhinos have incredible focus. They zero in on one goal at a time, concentrating all their energy in a single direction – not scattering their efforts. This singleness of purpose is key to breakthroughs in life. Like a magnifying glass focusing sunlight on one spot to start a fire, rhinos stay locked onto one target.

    Once rhinos start to charge after a goal, they give it everything they’ve got. No timidness or half-hearted efforts. Rhinos go all out, full speed ahead, consequences be damned. They bring enormous effort to massive goals, and they maximize every day in pursuit of their burning desires, thriving on the excitement of the chase.

    So, where will you charge to? Without goals to focus on, it’s easy to spend each day passively grazing. But not rhinos. Rhinos get mad at the thought of complacency. The status quo is unacceptable. As a rhino, you demand adventure, growth, and success. 

    Inevitably, the rhino’s bold pace results in some cuts, scrapes, and bruises. But that's okay – rhinos have thick skin. As a rhino, you’re resilient – absorbing setbacks and disappointments without losing momentum. You expect difficulties and aren’t easily discouraged by them. Every stumble serves to make you stronger and more determined.

    In the end, success belongs to those who act boldly without guarantees, who bring relentless effort to their pursuits, and who believe passionately in their own abilities. Be stubborn in chasing your goals. Commit fully and give it all you’ve got. Think big, act decisively, and victory will follow. Charge forward like a rhinoceros and success will be yours.

    Want to see all full key ideas from Rhinoceros Success?

    Key ideas in Rhinoceros Success

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Rhinoceros Success about?

    Rhinoceros Success (2003) is a motivational and humorous guide to achieving your goals through sheer determination. It urges readers to embrace their inner rhinoceros and charge full speed ahead towards their ambitions.

    Rhinoceros Success Review

    Rhinoceros Success (1980) by Scott Alexander is an insightful book that offers a unique perspective on achieving success. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its daring and unconventional approach, it challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to embrace a bold and fearless mindset for achieving their goals.
    • The book provides practical strategies and techniques for overcoming obstacles and developing resilience, empowering readers to navigate through the challenges of life with confidence.
    • Through its light-hearted and humorous tone, the book keeps readers engaged and entertained, ensuring that the journey towards success is not only impactful but also enjoyable.

    Who should read Rhinoceros Success?

    • People with imagination seeking unconventional paths to success
    • Those interested in cultivating their persistence and motivation
    • Anyone feeling stuck in a rut who wants inspiration for change

    About the Author

    Scott Alexander is the author of Rhinoceros Success, Advanced Rhinocerology, and Rhinocerotic Relativity. Though written when the author was just 23, these books have sold over 3 million copies. 

    Categories with Rhinoceros Success

    Book summaries like Rhinoceros Success

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Rhinoceros Success FAQs 

    What is the main message of Rhinoceros Success?

    The main message of Rhinoceros Success is embracing a bold, unstoppable attitude to achieve success.

    How long does it take to read Rhinoceros Success?

    The reading time for Rhinoceros Success varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is Rhinoceros Success a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Rhinoceros Success is worth reading for its empowering perspective on success. It motivates us to charge forward fearlessly.

    Who is the author of Rhinoceros Success?

    Scott Alexander is the author of Rhinoceros Success.

    What to read after Rhinoceros Success?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Rhinoceros Success, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Outsmarting the Crowd by Bogumil K. Baranowski
    • Hyper-Learning by Edward D. Hess
    • Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
    • Analysis Without Paralysis by Babette E. Bensoussan
    • The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
    • Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
    • The Power of When by Michael Breus
    • Give and Take by Adam Grant
    • Own Your Past Change Your Future by John Delony
    • Outlive by Peter Attia