The Art Of Non-Conformity Book Summary - The Art Of Non-Conformity Book explained in key points
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The Art Of Non-Conformity summary

Set your own rules, live the life you want and change the world

4 (158 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau is a motivational book that encourages readers to break free from societal norms and live a fulfilling life on their own terms. It offers actionable advice for pursuing unconventional goals and finding happiness and success through non-traditional means.

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    The Art Of Non-Conformity
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    You break free from an unfulfilled existence when you find out exactly what you want to get out of life.

    It’s an unfortunate fact: most people don’t know what they want from life. Instead they amble around without a larger life goal or a clear sense of purpose.

    Sadly, not having a clear idea of what you want from life holds you back from greatness and often leads to an unremarkably average life where you do the same as everyone else because that’s what everyone else is doing.

    There are many ways to be unremarkably average, but a typical example is sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week, for an average of ten hours of productive work, while getting the largest mortgage you qualify for and spending 30 years paying it off.

    Such a life insulates you from challenge and risk. Common ways to ensure we avoid risky and uncomfortable encounters are by traveling to only English-speaking countries, or thinking vaguely about starting a business but never actually doing it. Playing it safe like this holds us back from achieving greatness in our lives.

    On the other hand, deciding what you want from life – and taking this decision seriously – can change your life for the better, increasing your commitment to living a fulfilled life.

    Consider Bernard Lopez, a former cubicle-dweller who quit his comfortable job to ride his bike across the United States. He’d realized that, regardless of the skepticism and discouragement around him, he needed to commit to his adventurous dream and act on it. The result? An unmissable adventure and a subsequent feeling of invincibility that encouraged him to begin a rewarding new career and experience the exciting possibility of traveling every summer. In short: a fulfilled life.

    The nagging question, “Is this all there is?” is an indication that you are insulating yourself from greatness. So if you often catch yourself wondering if there’s more to life, you might start to think hard about what it is you want to get out of it.

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    What is The Art Of Non-Conformity about?

    Based on the author’s blog and online manifesto, “A Brief Guide to World Domination,” The Art of Non-Conformity (2010) deals with ways of pursuing unconventional living and offers tools for setting your own rules, succeeding with your passions and leaving a legacy.

    The Art Of Non-Conformity Review

    The Art of Non-Conformity (2010) is an intriguing exploration of living life on your own terms and defying societal expectations. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • Packed with practical advice and unconventional ideas, it empowers readers to break free from the conformity trap and pursue their own paths.
    • Using personal anecdotes and real-life examples, the book illustrates the benefits of living authentically and encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness.
    • With its refreshing perspective on success and happiness, the book challenges conventional wisdom and sparks thought-provoking discussions.

    Who should read The Art Of Non-Conformity?

    • Anyone who wants to lead a more unconventional and fulfilling life
    • Anyone who is interested in creative self-employment

    About the Author

    Chris Guillebeau is an expert on creative self-employment and international travel who recently accomplished his goal of visiting every country in the world. He is also the author of the New York Times’ bestseller The $100 Startup and a regular contributor to CNN.com, Business Week, the Huffington Post and other outlets.

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    The Art Of Non-Conformity FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Art Of Non-Conformity?

    The main message of The Art Of Non-Conformity is to live life on your own terms and embrace your uniqueness.

    How long does it take to read The Art Of Non-Conformity?

    The reading time for The Art Of Non-Conformity varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Art Of Non-Conformity a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Art Of Non-Conformity is worth reading. It provides valuable insights and inspiration to break free from societal expectations and live a more fulfilling life.

    Who is the author of The Art Of Non-Conformity?

    The author of The Art Of Non-Conformity is Chris Guillebeau.

    What to read after The Art Of Non-Conformity?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Art Of Non-Conformity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Deep Work by Cal Newport
    • Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
    • The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
    • Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
    • Phaedo by Plato