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The Icarus Deception
In Seth Godin's most inspiring book, he challenges readers to find the courage to treat their work as a form of art Everyone knows that Icarus's father made him wings and told him not to fly too close to the sun; he ignored the warning and plunged to his doom. The lesson: Play it safe. Listen to the experts. It was the perfect propaganda for the industrial economy. What boss wouldn't want employees to believe that obedience and conformity are the keys to success? But we tend to forget that Icarus was also warned not to fly too low, because seawater would ruin the lift in his wings. Flying too low is even more dangerous than flying too high, because it feels deceptively safe. The safety zone has moved. Conformity no longer leads to comfort. But the good news is that creativity is scarce and more valuable than ever. So is choosing to do something unpredictable and brave: Make art. Being an artist isn't a genetic disposition or a specific talent. It's an attitude we can all adopt. It's a hunger to seize new ground, make connections, and work without a map. If you do those things you're an artist, no matter what it says on your business card. Godin shows us how it's possible and convinces us why it's essential.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Seth Godin
184 books6,681 followersSeth W. Godin, also known as "F. X. Nine", is an American author and a former dot com business executive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
December 31, 2012
I was part of Seth's Kickstarter so I bought this early, and reading is has totally fired me up to commit to creating and sharing my own art.
There were many parts of the book that resonated with me, but in combination with Steven Pressfield's Turning Pro, the message is really to pick yourself, and persist at the practice of creation.
“Creating art is a habit, one that we practice daily or hourly until we get good at it … Art isn’t about the rush of victory that comes from being picked. Nor does it involve compliance. Art in the post-industrial age is a lifelong habit, a stepwise process that incrementally allows us to create more art.”
This book is useful for writers, but I would also urge parents to read it in order to understand the world your children are growing up in.The industrial world is disappearing. The old world of standardized exams, tick-box education and guaranteed jobs won’t be there for much longer, and people need to be creative to survive the future. But more than that, life’s too short to spend it doing something that isn’t rewarding. So aim to thrive and not just survive.
I spent 13 years as an IT consultant, a miserable cubicle worker, rewarding myself with sugar and alcohol in order to make it through each day. In September 2011, I finally broke out of that old life, and I couldn’t be happier. Sure, I have less money now, fewer trappings of (so-called) worldly success, but I am making my art, and this feels like real life.
I know some of you are struggling around the same issues, so as you move into 2013, I would recommend reading “The Icarus Deception” for some inspiration.
There were many parts of the book that resonated with me, but in combination with Steven Pressfield's Turning Pro, the message is really to pick yourself, and persist at the practice of creation.
“Creating art is a habit, one that we practice daily or hourly until we get good at it … Art isn’t about the rush of victory that comes from being picked. Nor does it involve compliance. Art in the post-industrial age is a lifelong habit, a stepwise process that incrementally allows us to create more art.”
This book is useful for writers, but I would also urge parents to read it in order to understand the world your children are growing up in.The industrial world is disappearing. The old world of standardized exams, tick-box education and guaranteed jobs won’t be there for much longer, and people need to be creative to survive the future. But more than that, life’s too short to spend it doing something that isn’t rewarding. So aim to thrive and not just survive.
I spent 13 years as an IT consultant, a miserable cubicle worker, rewarding myself with sugar and alcohol in order to make it through each day. In September 2011, I finally broke out of that old life, and I couldn’t be happier. Sure, I have less money now, fewer trappings of (so-called) worldly success, but I am making my art, and this feels like real life.
I know some of you are struggling around the same issues, so as you move into 2013, I would recommend reading “The Icarus Deception” for some inspiration.
February 26, 2013
This was my first Seth Godin book and I was very excited to listen to it. But, it was painful torture and I did not enjoy it in the slightest. I found its content and direction to not only be off-putting but potentially dangerous. While I am certainly one who likes to do things differently and am eccentric at times, Seth's tautological reference to "art" in this book almost drove me mad. And at a minimum, it was maddening. I felt that there was a lack of creativity in Seth not using a different term than "art," which seemed self-serving in nature or convenient. What this book felt like was a popular band's new "hit" that would never have made the charts if it was a new band's first song.
This book is rated highly and from what I have read - it is due to Seth's established popularity. I envision a whole bunch of people reading or listening to this book and quitting their career to take up origami or forming that rock band - because it is "art" - all the while while their family suffers in financial ruin. I do not recommend this book to anyone. Jason Riemens.
This book is rated highly and from what I have read - it is due to Seth's established popularity. I envision a whole bunch of people reading or listening to this book and quitting their career to take up origami or forming that rock band - because it is "art" - all the while while their family suffers in financial ruin. I do not recommend this book to anyone. Jason Riemens.
March 14, 2013
Gimme a B! Gimme an S!
Here's a question you must answer before buying this book if your boss hasn't required you to do so!
Have you ever read a book by Seth Godin?
The man has made a business empire out of turning common maxims and everyday common sense into several lightweight books full of inspirational RAH RAH that sensually arouses Human Resource managers in mid- to large-size firms into putting out....
....big money for in-house seminars and supplying employees with every new book he has published.
And yet, this fact makes the books fairly humorous considering the people who take them seriously.
As for Seth Godin, well, more power to him. It's not like he's duping the uneducated or downtrodden.
Here's a question you must answer before buying this book if your boss hasn't required you to do so!
Have you ever read a book by Seth Godin?
The man has made a business empire out of turning common maxims and everyday common sense into several lightweight books full of inspirational RAH RAH that sensually arouses Human Resource managers in mid- to large-size firms into putting out....
....big money for in-house seminars and supplying employees with every new book he has published.
And yet, this fact makes the books fairly humorous considering the people who take them seriously.
As for Seth Godin, well, more power to him. It's not like he's duping the uneducated or downtrodden.
January 25, 2013
Seth writes books for his tribe. If you are not in the tribe, you might say that Linchpin or Poke The Box covered the same territory and you would be right. If you are in the tribe, you'll gladly pick up this next title (or spend $120 on Kickstarter to get a whole box of books).
In this new book, Seth pushes much harder on how many stories and cultural myths reinforce playing it safe. "Don't fall too close to the sun." Don't step outside the norm. Don't challenge the system. He makes a convincing case for how the messaging keeps us from doing great things.
For me, every one of Seth's book has a passage that touches me and Icarus Deception was no different. Toward the end of the book, Seth shifts the perspective and tell the reader what an artist needs if you are an important part of their life. My wife started school this fall and is studying Chinese Medicine. I read this section to her aloud and started to cry as I told her this was the template for how I planned to support her art over the next four years.
If you like the kinds of books Seth writes, I imagine you will find something just as special in this book.
In this new book, Seth pushes much harder on how many stories and cultural myths reinforce playing it safe. "Don't fall too close to the sun." Don't step outside the norm. Don't challenge the system. He makes a convincing case for how the messaging keeps us from doing great things.
For me, every one of Seth's book has a passage that touches me and Icarus Deception was no different. Toward the end of the book, Seth shifts the perspective and tell the reader what an artist needs if you are an important part of their life. My wife started school this fall and is studying Chinese Medicine. I read this section to her aloud and started to cry as I told her this was the template for how I planned to support her art over the next four years.
If you like the kinds of books Seth writes, I imagine you will find something just as special in this book.
May 14, 2019
My 8th Seth Godin book, and I like him more with each book!
Excellent stuff here, reminded me of Steven Pressfield's Do the Work and The War of Art. Very encouraging for getting over yourself and putting your work "out there."
“It’s what we wrestle with every single day. The intersection of comfort, danger, and safety. The balancing act between vulnerability and shame. The opportunity (or the risk) to do art. The willingness to take responsibility for caring enough to make a difference and to have a point of view.”
Lots of highlights in this one, would revisit for a pick-me-up. Quick and impactful.
Excellent stuff here, reminded me of Steven Pressfield's Do the Work and The War of Art. Very encouraging for getting over yourself and putting your work "out there."
“It’s what we wrestle with every single day. The intersection of comfort, danger, and safety. The balancing act between vulnerability and shame. The opportunity (or the risk) to do art. The willingness to take responsibility for caring enough to make a difference and to have a point of view.”
Lots of highlights in this one, would revisit for a pick-me-up. Quick and impactful.
January 14, 2013
At first I was irritated by this book. I am accustomed to being Seth's cheerleader in everything he writes. This time, I found myself thinking, numerous times, "that's not true."
Then I found myself getting angry because of something he wrote.
As I pressed forward in the book, I realized what was happening. It was something that happens to me with very few books these days. I was being challenged to think.
While I don't agree with his every single conclusion, I do agree with most of what's in this book. And I think it is an important book.
Certainly I walked away feeling that the bar had been raised on the quality of my work. Or, I should say, my art.
Then I found myself getting angry because of something he wrote.
As I pressed forward in the book, I realized what was happening. It was something that happens to me with very few books these days. I was being challenged to think.
While I don't agree with his every single conclusion, I do agree with most of what's in this book. And I think it is an important book.
Certainly I walked away feeling that the bar had been raised on the quality of my work. Or, I should say, my art.
August 23, 2017
I read this when it was released, and it's still good advice. I just bought a copy to send to my daughter.
March 3, 2013
"We're not looking for the correct method, we're looking for the incorrect method".
This quote from Keith Richards sums up the philosophy of this book. Creators, innovators, artists are all people who don't seek other people's approval to ask "what if?" They know that "this might not work" but the excitement of finding out is what drives them forward. They don't mind that what they create has rough edges - the rough edges are the entire point.
I won this book in a Twitter competition organised by Joanna Penn so I didn't know quite what to expect, only being vaguely familiar with Seth Godin. It turned out that The Icarus Deception chimed with the way I already think and helped me to clarify some ideas that were half-formed in my mind.
Seth Godin's thesis is that we are taught and conditioned not to attempt to fly too close to the sun, as Icarus was. Icarus was deceived, as we have all been, into thinking that it's better to be safe than sorry. Things have changed, and in the new connection-based economy, it is better to be sorry than safe. Treat your work as art, and don't be afraid to seize new ground, flout the rules and work without a map. Having spent many years in an organisation that prevented me from doing things that I thought needed doing, I read on ...
I am one of those people who make notes on post-its when I'm reading a book, as aide-memoires to help me remember what I've learned. This book made me stop every few words to reach for the post-it notes, such are the insights in every single paragraph. I found myself nodding in agreement on every single page.
I only have one gripe with this book. Seth Godin describes Susan Cain as 'shy'. Susan isn't shy. She is an introvert, and a shining example of how creative introverts are, because we shun the cult of popularity.
Artists seek out and organise other people of talent irrespective of where they sit in an organisation chart or even which company or sector they are in.
Believe in yourself and trust your instincts. Learn new stuff. Embrace the connection economy. Give yourself the permission to be a creator.
This quote from Keith Richards sums up the philosophy of this book. Creators, innovators, artists are all people who don't seek other people's approval to ask "what if?" They know that "this might not work" but the excitement of finding out is what drives them forward. They don't mind that what they create has rough edges - the rough edges are the entire point.
I won this book in a Twitter competition organised by Joanna Penn so I didn't know quite what to expect, only being vaguely familiar with Seth Godin. It turned out that The Icarus Deception chimed with the way I already think and helped me to clarify some ideas that were half-formed in my mind.
Seth Godin's thesis is that we are taught and conditioned not to attempt to fly too close to the sun, as Icarus was. Icarus was deceived, as we have all been, into thinking that it's better to be safe than sorry. Things have changed, and in the new connection-based economy, it is better to be sorry than safe. Treat your work as art, and don't be afraid to seize new ground, flout the rules and work without a map. Having spent many years in an organisation that prevented me from doing things that I thought needed doing, I read on ...
I am one of those people who make notes on post-its when I'm reading a book, as aide-memoires to help me remember what I've learned. This book made me stop every few words to reach for the post-it notes, such are the insights in every single paragraph. I found myself nodding in agreement on every single page.
I only have one gripe with this book. Seth Godin describes Susan Cain as 'shy'. Susan isn't shy. She is an introvert, and a shining example of how creative introverts are, because we shun the cult of popularity.
Artists seek out and organise other people of talent irrespective of where they sit in an organisation chart or even which company or sector they are in.
Believe in yourself and trust your instincts. Learn new stuff. Embrace the connection economy. Give yourself the permission to be a creator.
December 29, 2012
I first read the pre-release ebook when Seth made it available over Thanksgiving on timebx. The the physical book arrived and I chewed my way through that too. Then the audiobook was released at the start of the year and I just finished that. Listen to the audiobook... to hear Seth convey his work is the best way to understand his intent.
The book is a Linchpin The Second. If you read and lived out Seth's best previous work, this is deeper plea and a some calibration until a little over half way through the book then something noticeably changes. The comparisons to his blog and books in your head stop and you start to question why you haven't done more, haven't thrown all of your art out to the world and start to imagine the very things you're going to start and not stop the very second this book is finished. You could call it impact, maybe even a kick up the butt, but those are temporary and transactional. This book does something seriously different. Once you get over your (likely incorrect) preconception of the term art, the Icarus Deception changes you.
The book is a Linchpin The Second. If you read and lived out Seth's best previous work, this is deeper plea and a some calibration until a little over half way through the book then something noticeably changes. The comparisons to his blog and books in your head stop and you start to question why you haven't done more, haven't thrown all of your art out to the world and start to imagine the very things you're going to start and not stop the very second this book is finished. You could call it impact, maybe even a kick up the butt, but those are temporary and transactional. This book does something seriously different. Once you get over your (likely incorrect) preconception of the term art, the Icarus Deception changes you.
October 22, 2014
I bet Seth Godin is the kind of guy who starts conversations in the locker room with other men while he's completely nude, chewing off the ears of his "listeners" while showing no intention of wrapping a towel around himself or getting dressed. As if to say "Are you comfortable with this? Or have you been brainwashed to fear the human body?"
This book is the very worst kind of business book. I started listening to it on audiobook, and I'm glad I did, because Seth Godin read it himself so that I can be sure of the tone this book was written in. It's drivel, it's inane, and it's smug. Godin lashes out in all directions at new possible buzz phrases--"connection economy", "safety zone", "create art." He wears out trite buzz phrases from management fads past, especially the frustratingly pervasive "telling compelling stories," "the stories we tell ourselves," etc. He snidely abuses the "industrial economy" for brainwashing the art out of people, and (predictably) believes that the new economy will go to those who can create the buzziest blogs and make "connections" using the internet and smartphones.
He makes bland pronouncements with no discernible justification. "Freelancers who do great work at a fair price are finding that it's not enough in this economy" (paraphrased.) What? What statistics back this up? What sort of professions is he talking about? He doesn't even offer anecdotes to justify these claims, at least not in the audiobook. I think any reader who actually knows self-employed people who do good, timely, affordable work would be shocked to hear this. Reliable service people are usually booked solid with business, whether they have a Google AdWords budget or not. At least, that has been my experience.
Apparently the "Icarus Deception" is that if we fly in the middle heights, between the sun and waves, we'll be safe and make it out alive on the other side (a pensioned retirement). Not surprisingly, "the man" and "the system" have convinced us that the high heights near the sun are too hot, and we'll come crashing down. The safe way may have worked for our parents, but now we have Instagram in a way that our parents and grandparents never did. That makes things fundamentally different. Again predictably the solution is to make sure to fail frequently and do "interesting" things, not safe things. Like making your own YouTube video--something like that. Something like that is good and interesting "for the connection economy."
I listened to about 75 minutes of the audiobook before stopping. A lot of the book is meaningless, but the dumbest thing I heard was "interesting is the opposite of coherent." Because apparently coherence is the very definition of uninteresting based on a non sequitur that I can't remember, and "art" is not coherent. We should be creating art, so we should be flouting coherence whenever it's in our way. The author sets a fine example by putting forward an incoherent argument in this book. So it must be art. That's the only way that I can understand its popularity.
This book is the very worst kind of business book. I started listening to it on audiobook, and I'm glad I did, because Seth Godin read it himself so that I can be sure of the tone this book was written in. It's drivel, it's inane, and it's smug. Godin lashes out in all directions at new possible buzz phrases--"connection economy", "safety zone", "create art." He wears out trite buzz phrases from management fads past, especially the frustratingly pervasive "telling compelling stories," "the stories we tell ourselves," etc. He snidely abuses the "industrial economy" for brainwashing the art out of people, and (predictably) believes that the new economy will go to those who can create the buzziest blogs and make "connections" using the internet and smartphones.
He makes bland pronouncements with no discernible justification. "Freelancers who do great work at a fair price are finding that it's not enough in this economy" (paraphrased.) What? What statistics back this up? What sort of professions is he talking about? He doesn't even offer anecdotes to justify these claims, at least not in the audiobook. I think any reader who actually knows self-employed people who do good, timely, affordable work would be shocked to hear this. Reliable service people are usually booked solid with business, whether they have a Google AdWords budget or not. At least, that has been my experience.
Apparently the "Icarus Deception" is that if we fly in the middle heights, between the sun and waves, we'll be safe and make it out alive on the other side (a pensioned retirement). Not surprisingly, "the man" and "the system" have convinced us that the high heights near the sun are too hot, and we'll come crashing down. The safe way may have worked for our parents, but now we have Instagram in a way that our parents and grandparents never did. That makes things fundamentally different. Again predictably the solution is to make sure to fail frequently and do "interesting" things, not safe things. Like making your own YouTube video--something like that. Something like that is good and interesting "for the connection economy."
I listened to about 75 minutes of the audiobook before stopping. A lot of the book is meaningless, but the dumbest thing I heard was "interesting is the opposite of coherent." Because apparently coherence is the very definition of uninteresting based on a non sequitur that I can't remember, and "art" is not coherent. We should be creating art, so we should be flouting coherence whenever it's in our way. The author sets a fine example by putting forward an incoherent argument in this book. So it must be art. That's the only way that I can understand its popularity.
May 30, 2013
Godin’s work points to the need for artists (he paints with a broad brush on this term) to create and work without boundaries. This book points out the oppressive nature of industrialization on creativity. Godin encourages his readers to think less about how to make money and more about how to make what makes them happy. I think this book is valuable for those who are trying to stretch their wings, but it is a little less than genuine at points. Godin makes the point that the industrialists are the ones who are out to set up good guys and bad guys, while artists and their ilk want to have a relationship and connectivity. This seems a little disingenuous coming from an author who spends almost the entirety of the work demonizing most of modern businesses and the commercial paradigm from which they operate. I’m not saying that they’re right. I’m just saying that Godin doesn’t seem to be quite honest with all of his criticisms. There’s plenty of good and a little bit of bad in this one. Eat the meat and spit out the bones.
February 13, 2013
just received my copy today & cant put it down. Thanks Seth, for writing it specifically for me.
I've also read a number of the reviews, only a couple of which were negative. To those, i say "you've missed the point".
If you were looking for something more than was in book, Seth's premise is "Good, go write it yourself - be brave, be bold, and stretch yourself".
If you didnt get it, you might (perhaps) still be a 'cog'. Thats not neccessarily a bad thing, unless you dont want to be a cog anymore.
P19 "most people have be brainwashed into believing that their job is to copyedit the world, not to design it"
Could it be that Seth did hit the mark, and you just havent 'got' it yet?
In which case, give it to another who wants to 'de-couple' from the machine, and have them explain it to you.
I've also read a number of the reviews, only a couple of which were negative. To those, i say "you've missed the point".
If you were looking for something more than was in book, Seth's premise is "Good, go write it yourself - be brave, be bold, and stretch yourself".
If you didnt get it, you might (perhaps) still be a 'cog'. Thats not neccessarily a bad thing, unless you dont want to be a cog anymore.
P19 "most people have be brainwashed into believing that their job is to copyedit the world, not to design it"
Could it be that Seth did hit the mark, and you just havent 'got' it yet?
In which case, give it to another who wants to 'de-couple' from the machine, and have them explain it to you.
October 8, 2017
I want to love Seth Godin's books, I really do. I picked this one up because I'm trying to summon the nerve to publish more and Godin's advice is just the what I need right now: take risks, step outside your comfort zone, be vulnerable, don't mind the haters, etc.
But I just couldn't get into this book. I couldn't follow it — it just felt like a lot of little ideas thrown out without a whole lot of organization or logic. It's hard to put my finger on; it is divided into chapters and sections, so there should be logic to it.
The thesis of the book is that art is an anti-corporate, anti-capitalist act and that making art (not making widgets) is the way to succeed. The core of my problem with the book is that these are profound, big ideas, presented as a printed-out blog post. Short sentences, short paragraphs, and a new section for each new idea instead of linking the ideas with text; there are between one and three section heads on every spread. (I suppose it's a book written for people who don't really read.)
I'm also frustrated by this book because Godin makes a lot of unsupported assertions. For example: "...every successful kids' book is a breakthrough. Every book that works breaks the rules that came before it". I guess that's true for a certain definition of "successful" (maybe that the book attracts the attention of people outside its target audience?) but I've read (and re-read) lots of lovely children's books which followed a formula and did it well. I suppose that makes me the kind of pedant that Godin deplores (a "copyeditor"!!!) but I can't buy someone's ideas if my bullshit detector keeps buzzing. So later when he says of Julliard violin students, "the only thing that will sustain these extraordinarily talented students going forward is going to be original art" I think, Really? I suspect that both being a very competent interpreter of existing music and "playing music in ways that no one expects" are precarious paths and most of those talented students will end up getting some side gig to support their music careers.
Anyway, all this is not to say that I disagree with Godin's ideas. They are, in fact, exactly what I need right now. But the truth is I gleaned all of them (and had a lot more fun) watching a few seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race.
But I just couldn't get into this book. I couldn't follow it — it just felt like a lot of little ideas thrown out without a whole lot of organization or logic. It's hard to put my finger on; it is divided into chapters and sections, so there should be logic to it.
The thesis of the book is that art is an anti-corporate, anti-capitalist act and that making art (not making widgets) is the way to succeed. The core of my problem with the book is that these are profound, big ideas, presented as a printed-out blog post. Short sentences, short paragraphs, and a new section for each new idea instead of linking the ideas with text; there are between one and three section heads on every spread. (I suppose it's a book written for people who don't really read.)
I'm also frustrated by this book because Godin makes a lot of unsupported assertions. For example: "...every successful kids' book is a breakthrough. Every book that works breaks the rules that came before it". I guess that's true for a certain definition of "successful" (maybe that the book attracts the attention of people outside its target audience?) but I've read (and re-read) lots of lovely children's books which followed a formula and did it well. I suppose that makes me the kind of pedant that Godin deplores (a "copyeditor"!!!) but I can't buy someone's ideas if my bullshit detector keeps buzzing. So later when he says of Julliard violin students, "the only thing that will sustain these extraordinarily talented students going forward is going to be original art" I think, Really? I suspect that both being a very competent interpreter of existing music and "playing music in ways that no one expects" are precarious paths and most of those talented students will end up getting some side gig to support their music careers.
Anyway, all this is not to say that I disagree with Godin's ideas. They are, in fact, exactly what I need right now. But the truth is I gleaned all of them (and had a lot more fun) watching a few seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race.
February 28, 2021
"Rareori vedem lumea așa cum e. În cea mai mare parte a timpului suntem atât de ocupați să compartimentăm, să judecăm și să ignorăm lucrurile cu care nu suntem de acord, încât nu mai vedem aproape nimic. Nu vedem oportunitățile. Nu observăm durerea. Și, cel mai important, refuzăm să vedem pericolul care apare când nu facem nimic.
Dacă nu poți să vezi, nu vei reuși niciodată să faci artă cu succes."
Dacă nu poți să vezi, nu vei reuși niciodată să faci artă cu succes."
January 6, 2013
I love Seth's work, but this vein of books is getting a little thin. Especially after reading his latest blog post...
"In order to monetize your work, you'll probably corrupt it, taking out the magic in search of dollars." http://goals4u.us/TUbJwL
The magic has seemed to come out of his latest works, as they are mostly rehashes of previous ideas, yet they are priced relatively high for Kindle books. Seems a tad disingenuous.
"In order to monetize your work, you'll probably corrupt it, taking out the magic in search of dollars." http://goals4u.us/TUbJwL
The magic has seemed to come out of his latest works, as they are mostly rehashes of previous ideas, yet they are priced relatively high for Kindle books. Seems a tad disingenuous.
February 10, 2013
Good, if you're brand new to Seth Godin's work. If not, then this is nothing new from him, other than the metaphor about the story of Icarus. This book is meant to stir a lot of emotion about Art and reaching your potential (fly high, not too low). But, that message should be taken with the understanding, that your potential as an Artist develops with years and years of practice and work. You won't be "flying high" when you're first starting out. So, while I think it's great that Seth is getting people all hyped up about doing their "art", this type of grandiose emotion he's stirring could do more harm than good if you're an amateur because you need *humility*, patience, and commitment when you begin any artistic endeavor.
May 16, 2013
I appreciate the sentiment of this book. I appreciate the risk it took to write about the fact that yes you shouldn't fly too close to the sun, but you also shouldn't fly too close to the water. You can do better than what you are doing now. I think the term Godin kept using "art," could be confusing. I definitely want to create art in my life and make a difference. Godin gave some good pointers on how to do so. I just feel like this is a book that is written for a specific set of people. Some people can't "concentrate on making art" when they are living paycheck to paycheck. It is easy to say take the risk, throw it all away, move to a new city, change the world. Some people have to focus on feeding their children and keeping a roof over their heads.
Needless to say, I was inspired by this and do want to work on not giving into the fear and figuring out how I can "make art" in the job where I currently am.
Needless to say, I was inspired by this and do want to work on not giving into the fear and figuring out how I can "make art" in the job where I currently am.
December 12, 2012
It may be because of where I am in my own creative-development arc, but this book got to me—and inspired me, and surprised me—more than any of Seth's books to date. It is written in the same staccato style as his blog, the writing form he excels at, but with the full emotional impact (again, for me!) of his best talks. I've already written a piece on it for my actors' column, and would like to do one for my poor, moribund blog when I finally am up to resuscitating it. In the meantime, this is a book to be relished, to be read slowly, to read with a highlighter for capturing quotes and a piece of paper for noting references to follow up on later.
June 1, 2016
I couldn't cope with the prose so I abandoned the book altogether. I suppose that might mean I'm not a "high flyer", as Godin might define it. But the reality is that I've never been one to take seriously those airbrushed posters of soaring eagles with mindless "inspirational" quotes as their captions. I don't do short, punchy, setting-the-record-straight businesspeak. This book is complete rubbish.
June 30, 2013
As always Seth inspires us to not wait to be picked, but instead get on and forge our on place in the world. Good stuff!
July 6, 2014
Enjoyed the central message of the book which is ....make more art but found the writing to lack a cohesive train of thought. Bits and pieces slapped together to make a quick buck. Not his best work.
January 19, 2019
„Ikaro apgaulė“: motyvacinė knyga norintiems tapti freelanceriais.
1 🛩️ - Šie laikai jau ne industrinės ekonomikos laikai - gamyklos veikia, taip, bet didžiausią pasiekia drąsūs kūrėjai. Šiandien yra ryšių ir informacijos ekonomikos laikai.
2 🛩️ - Nepaprastumas beveik visuomet yra kas nors nauja ir neišbandyta, šviežia ir rizikinga. Tai ne kiekybė ar netgi kokybė. Jei nori šiais laikais išsiskirti - būk drąsus. Nuoširdus. Atviras.
3 🛩️ - Kiek atsakomybės esi pasiryžęs prisiimti prieš ją tau suteikiant? Šiais laikais niekas nepasakinėja kada būsi vertas rodytis kitiems. Kiek atsakomybės esi pasiryžęs prisiimti PRIEŠ ją tau suteikiant? Kai čiupę mikrofoną pasisakome, per žingsnį priartėjame prie to darbo, kurį sugebame dirbti.
4 🛩️ - Ryšys yra kūrybos rezultatas. Kiek ryšių užmezgei? Tai vienas iš būdų išmatuoti, ar tavo atliktas darbas svarbus. Kai per susirinkimą drąsiai išsakai savo nuomonę, kiek žmonių ji paveikia, kiek jų sureaguoja ir ima atitinkamai veikti?
5 🛩️ - Svarbiausiai yra ką darai tu. Nesunku išrinkti patį prasčiausią savo vaidinimą ir palyginti su geriausiu konkurentų pasirodymu. Bet tai neturi prasmės. Tavo geriausias darbas yra dovana. Žinoma, jį galima pagerinti, bet pirmiausia tai dovana. Tavo kilniadvasiškumas svarbesnis už tobulumą.
...Ką manai? Ar pritartum, kad dabar - svarbiausia būti atviram kūrėjui? 🛩️
1 🛩️ - Šie laikai jau ne industrinės ekonomikos laikai - gamyklos veikia, taip, bet didžiausią pasiekia drąsūs kūrėjai. Šiandien yra ryšių ir informacijos ekonomikos laikai.
2 🛩️ - Nepaprastumas beveik visuomet yra kas nors nauja ir neišbandyta, šviežia ir rizikinga. Tai ne kiekybė ar netgi kokybė. Jei nori šiais laikais išsiskirti - būk drąsus. Nuoširdus. Atviras.
3 🛩️ - Kiek atsakomybės esi pasiryžęs prisiimti prieš ją tau suteikiant? Šiais laikais niekas nepasakinėja kada būsi vertas rodytis kitiems. Kiek atsakomybės esi pasiryžęs prisiimti PRIEŠ ją tau suteikiant? Kai čiupę mikrofoną pasisakome, per žingsnį priartėjame prie to darbo, kurį sugebame dirbti.
4 🛩️ - Ryšys yra kūrybos rezultatas. Kiek ryšių užmezgei? Tai vienas iš būdų išmatuoti, ar tavo atliktas darbas svarbus. Kai per susirinkimą drąsiai išsakai savo nuomonę, kiek žmonių ji paveikia, kiek jų sureaguoja ir ima atitinkamai veikti?
5 🛩️ - Svarbiausiai yra ką darai tu. Nesunku išrinkti patį prasčiausią savo vaidinimą ir palyginti su geriausiu konkurentų pasirodymu. Bet tai neturi prasmės. Tavo geriausias darbas yra dovana. Žinoma, jį galima pagerinti, bet pirmiausia tai dovana. Tavo kilniadvasiškumas svarbesnis už tobulumą.
...Ką manai? Ar pritartum, kad dabar - svarbiausia būti atviram kūrėjui? 🛩️
January 23, 2013
I'm doing my best to read a book every 10 days or so this year. It's likely I'll fall behind but at least in trying this I'm much more likely to actually FINISH books, which I think is important.
My first book of 2013 is Seth Godin's The Icarus Deception. I got a lot out of this book and will undoubtedly keep referring back to it. The message is powerful - he encapsulates it on the first page - "We are all artists now". His thinking (which I agree with) is that so much of what we were brought up to do and believe in (passing tests, getting degrees, going to good schools, progressing up a career ladder, being a company person) no longer exists or is no longer worthwhile. The alternative is embracing the "connection economy" - making things, making art, and using it to connect to others. This summary doesn't do justice to the book so I'd recommend if you're in to that sort of thing, that you read it. It's a pretty quick read.
Although I loved this book, I'll mention two things that I noticed. Firstly, his definition of art goes far beyond traditional arts - it's about doing anything well and with commitment, from being a waitress, to building a wall, to starting a company. At first, this really irked me because I feel like "art" is, well, art, the creation of a work/body of work/practice of a creative discipline. But he won me over to his side eventually and I accept his definition now too.
Secondly, the book is written in a very similar style to his blog, which is to say that it's all little essays. I really like his style and the punchiness his writing has but at times the chapters seem to lack thematic coherence.
For me, the value in the book is some of the quotes, so I will finish off with a few of my favourites:
p19 "I don't think the shortage of artists has much to do with the innate ability to create or initiate. I think it has to do with believing that it's possible and acceptable for you to do it. We've had these doors open wide for only a decade or so, and most people have been brainwashed into believing that their job is to copyedit the world, not to design it."
p48 "Our cultural instinct is to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission, authority, and safety that come from a publisher or a talk-show host or riven a blogger who says, "I pick you.""
p95 "Art is a commitment to a process and to a direction and to generosity, not to a result"
p 127 "Shun the nonbelievers…After you've created your art, whatever it is - a service, an idea, an interaction, a performance, a meeting - it's done. What the audience does with it is out of your control. "
p129 "When those who love you speak of a life well lived, we'll talk about the lines you managed to colour outside of, the people you touched, and the ruckus you made. Most of all, we'll remember how you took a chance and connected with us."
p136 "Once I realised that the cold sweat, the palpitations, the wily stalling, the insecurity, and the feature were part of making art, I was able to relax into my work. It's not even a cease-fire any longer. It's a partnership, not a war. "
"The resistance is a symptom that you're on the right track. The resistance is not something to be avoided; it's something to seek out."
p184 "Everyone is lonely and everyone feels like a fraud. I feel like a fraud as I type this, as I brush my teeth, and every time I go onstage.
This is part of the human condition. Accepted. Now what?"
p197 "We don't want to put ourselves at risk of being seen as arrogant or acting with hubris, because the shame of being seen as a fraud lurks right around the corner."
My first book of 2013 is Seth Godin's The Icarus Deception. I got a lot out of this book and will undoubtedly keep referring back to it. The message is powerful - he encapsulates it on the first page - "We are all artists now". His thinking (which I agree with) is that so much of what we were brought up to do and believe in (passing tests, getting degrees, going to good schools, progressing up a career ladder, being a company person) no longer exists or is no longer worthwhile. The alternative is embracing the "connection economy" - making things, making art, and using it to connect to others. This summary doesn't do justice to the book so I'd recommend if you're in to that sort of thing, that you read it. It's a pretty quick read.
Although I loved this book, I'll mention two things that I noticed. Firstly, his definition of art goes far beyond traditional arts - it's about doing anything well and with commitment, from being a waitress, to building a wall, to starting a company. At first, this really irked me because I feel like "art" is, well, art, the creation of a work/body of work/practice of a creative discipline. But he won me over to his side eventually and I accept his definition now too.
Secondly, the book is written in a very similar style to his blog, which is to say that it's all little essays. I really like his style and the punchiness his writing has but at times the chapters seem to lack thematic coherence.
For me, the value in the book is some of the quotes, so I will finish off with a few of my favourites:
p19 "I don't think the shortage of artists has much to do with the innate ability to create or initiate. I think it has to do with believing that it's possible and acceptable for you to do it. We've had these doors open wide for only a decade or so, and most people have been brainwashed into believing that their job is to copyedit the world, not to design it."
p48 "Our cultural instinct is to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission, authority, and safety that come from a publisher or a talk-show host or riven a blogger who says, "I pick you.""
p95 "Art is a commitment to a process and to a direction and to generosity, not to a result"
p 127 "Shun the nonbelievers…After you've created your art, whatever it is - a service, an idea, an interaction, a performance, a meeting - it's done. What the audience does with it is out of your control. "
p129 "When those who love you speak of a life well lived, we'll talk about the lines you managed to colour outside of, the people you touched, and the ruckus you made. Most of all, we'll remember how you took a chance and connected with us."
p136 "Once I realised that the cold sweat, the palpitations, the wily stalling, the insecurity, and the feature were part of making art, I was able to relax into my work. It's not even a cease-fire any longer. It's a partnership, not a war. "
"The resistance is a symptom that you're on the right track. The resistance is not something to be avoided; it's something to seek out."
p184 "Everyone is lonely and everyone feels like a fraud. I feel like a fraud as I type this, as I brush my teeth, and every time I go onstage.
This is part of the human condition. Accepted. Now what?"
p197 "We don't want to put ourselves at risk of being seen as arrogant or acting with hubris, because the shame of being seen as a fraud lurks right around the corner."
July 25, 2013
Got this on audio book and listened while I ellipticized. While it may not have had quite the upbeat energy I love to keep me going on the elliptical, it nonetheless was constantly inspiring. I've seen reviews that say if you've read all of Seth's stuff, this book is just more of the same. That may be true; I haven't read all his work so I don't know. But for me, this book held so many truths and ideas. I changed my world four years ago when I decided to become a writer; the repercussions of this have been more far-reaching than I ever imagined. In The Icarus Deception Seth talks about how art is inherently risky, and how when we make art we can't do it for approval; we have to do it for the art. This, and so much more, resonated with me. Deciding to be a writer meant deciding to live with the risk of rejection *all the time*. It hasn't been easy, but Seth's book reminded me why I do it. He also talks about creating in the Connection Economy, about scarcity, ... so much good stuff! Just read it! Or listen to it!
January 23, 2013
Wow.
While reading this book, I finalized my plans to start two new "art projects" that I had long been considering but had stalled out on. I wrote two articles and over ten of pages of notes about new ideas. I underlined dozens of quotes. While reading this book, I embraced my fear and made art.
This book changed my life.
While reading this book, I finalized my plans to start two new "art projects" that I had long been considering but had stalled out on. I wrote two articles and over ten of pages of notes about new ideas. I underlined dozens of quotes. While reading this book, I embraced my fear and made art.
This book changed my life.
May 9, 2013
I can't recommend this book strongly enough. It will change the way you think, or at the very least strengthen your conviction to think in the unique way you already do. I wish I could have thrown this book in the face of all my middle school teachers when I was growing up. Please give it a chance, it's incredible.
June 14, 2023
More of a sermon than a usual non-fiction book. Great as a pep talk if consumed as an audiobook.
"The Icarus Deception" inspires individuals to embrace their creative potential, challenge societal norms, and fly higher by pursuing their artistic aspirations. It encourages readers to break free from mediocrity, take risks, and create something meaningful that leaves a lasting impact on the world.
Related Books:
- Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
- The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit
- The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams
- The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
- Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be
Key Points:
Embrace your inner artist: Godin argues that everyone has the potential to be an artist, regardless of their occupation or skillset. He encourages individuals to embrace their creativity and strive to create something remarkable in their work and life.
The importance of standing out: In a crowded and competitive world, blending in is not enough. Godin emphasizes the need to stand out and be remarkable in order to succeed. He suggests that playing it safe and conforming to societal expectations stifles creativity and limits one's potential.
Embrace vulnerability and embrace failure: Godin challenges the notion that failure is something to be feared and avoided. Instead, he encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and take risks, as these are often necessary steps toward personal and artistic growth. He believes that failure is an essential part of the creative process and should be seen as a valuable learning experience.
The connection between art and business: The book explores the intersection of art and business, suggesting that creativity and artistic thinking are essential for success in the modern economy. Godin argues that businesses and individuals need to approach their work with an artistic mindset, focusing on creating something meaningful and valuable for their audience or customers.
The power of connection and community: Godin emphasizes the importance of building connections and fostering a community around one's work. He suggests that in a digital age, where individuals have the ability to connect with others globally, it is essential to engage with and serve a dedicated audience or tribe.
Overcoming the resistance: The book addresses the various internal and external obstacles that hinder creative expression. Godin identifies fear, self-doubt, and societal expectations as common roadblocks and offers strategies to overcome them. He encourages readers to push through the resistance and pursue their creative endeavors with courage and perseverance.
"The Icarus Deception" inspires individuals to embrace their creative potential, challenge societal norms, and fly higher by pursuing their artistic aspirations. It encourages readers to break free from mediocrity, take risks, and create something meaningful that leaves a lasting impact on the world.
Related Books:
- Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
- The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit
- The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams
- The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
- Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be
Key Points:
Embrace your inner artist: Godin argues that everyone has the potential to be an artist, regardless of their occupation or skillset. He encourages individuals to embrace their creativity and strive to create something remarkable in their work and life.
The importance of standing out: In a crowded and competitive world, blending in is not enough. Godin emphasizes the need to stand out and be remarkable in order to succeed. He suggests that playing it safe and conforming to societal expectations stifles creativity and limits one's potential.
Embrace vulnerability and embrace failure: Godin challenges the notion that failure is something to be feared and avoided. Instead, he encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and take risks, as these are often necessary steps toward personal and artistic growth. He believes that failure is an essential part of the creative process and should be seen as a valuable learning experience.
The connection between art and business: The book explores the intersection of art and business, suggesting that creativity and artistic thinking are essential for success in the modern economy. Godin argues that businesses and individuals need to approach their work with an artistic mindset, focusing on creating something meaningful and valuable for their audience or customers.
The power of connection and community: Godin emphasizes the importance of building connections and fostering a community around one's work. He suggests that in a digital age, where individuals have the ability to connect with others globally, it is essential to engage with and serve a dedicated audience or tribe.
Overcoming the resistance: The book addresses the various internal and external obstacles that hinder creative expression. Godin identifies fear, self-doubt, and societal expectations as common roadblocks and offers strategies to overcome them. He encourages readers to push through the resistance and pursue their creative endeavors with courage and perseverance.
December 9, 2023
Hell yes, five stars, read this, get angry, go make something and share it with somebody.
Here are some favorite quotes:
- Recognizing that the safety zone has moved might be the prompt you need to re-evaluate your comfort zone. If you become someone who is uncomfortable unless she is creating change . . . you've become comfortable with the behaviors most likely to make you safe going forward.
- Art is the new safety zone. Creating ideas that spread and connecting the disconnected are the two pillars of our new society, and both of them require the posture of the artist.
- You can plan and sketch and curse the system all day, but if you don’t ship then you haven’t done your work, because the work involves connection and the generosity behind it . . . it’s not art until a human connection is made.
- It’s now cheaper and more efficient to make products for the weird edge cases who are listening and talking and who care then it is to push yet another average product to the overloaded average people in the middle of the curve.
- Management is the antithesis of leadership. Management is about producing yesterday’s results, but a littler faster or a little cheaper.
- So yeah sure please, let’s kill all the typos - but first lets make a difference. correct is fine but it’s better to be interesting.
- If what you dream of when you dream of success matches what the overlords need from you, stability follows.
- All the rewards for creating art are not present at it’s creation. That’s because the art isn’t truly art until it has connected you with another… you take your art and move it from here to there, and only after you land do you discover if your art was deemed good… the hubris involved in this decision is extraordinary
- The reason we don’t get talker’s block is that we’re in the habit of talking without the concern that our inane blather will come back to haunt us. Talk is cheap, talk is ephemeral, talk can be easily denied… how can one get talker’s block after all of this practice? Writer’s block isn’t hard to cure: just write. Write poorly. Continue to write poorly in public until you can write better.
- The people with more leverage than you don’t work any harder than you do, they’ve hired people to do that. No, the people with more leverage than you are making better art.
- Once you acknowledge that this pain is both a signal and a marker you don’t have to waste energy in organizing your life to make the pain go away. In fact, you can play a different game instead: figuring out how much you can stand. It’s the pain and the fear of pain that make art scarce.
- You will never be able to provide enough reassurance to the art to bridge the chasm… the best question you can ask an artist is “how is this going to work?”
- Your biggest failure is the thing you dreamed of contributing but didn’t find the guts to do.
Here are some favorite quotes:
- Recognizing that the safety zone has moved might be the prompt you need to re-evaluate your comfort zone. If you become someone who is uncomfortable unless she is creating change . . . you've become comfortable with the behaviors most likely to make you safe going forward.
- Art is the new safety zone. Creating ideas that spread and connecting the disconnected are the two pillars of our new society, and both of them require the posture of the artist.
- You can plan and sketch and curse the system all day, but if you don’t ship then you haven’t done your work, because the work involves connection and the generosity behind it . . . it’s not art until a human connection is made.
- It’s now cheaper and more efficient to make products for the weird edge cases who are listening and talking and who care then it is to push yet another average product to the overloaded average people in the middle of the curve.
- Management is the antithesis of leadership. Management is about producing yesterday’s results, but a littler faster or a little cheaper.
- So yeah sure please, let’s kill all the typos - but first lets make a difference. correct is fine but it’s better to be interesting.
- If what you dream of when you dream of success matches what the overlords need from you, stability follows.
- All the rewards for creating art are not present at it’s creation. That’s because the art isn’t truly art until it has connected you with another… you take your art and move it from here to there, and only after you land do you discover if your art was deemed good… the hubris involved in this decision is extraordinary
- The reason we don’t get talker’s block is that we’re in the habit of talking without the concern that our inane blather will come back to haunt us. Talk is cheap, talk is ephemeral, talk can be easily denied… how can one get talker’s block after all of this practice? Writer’s block isn’t hard to cure: just write. Write poorly. Continue to write poorly in public until you can write better.
- The people with more leverage than you don’t work any harder than you do, they’ve hired people to do that. No, the people with more leverage than you are making better art.
- Once you acknowledge that this pain is both a signal and a marker you don’t have to waste energy in organizing your life to make the pain go away. In fact, you can play a different game instead: figuring out how much you can stand. It’s the pain and the fear of pain that make art scarce.
- You will never be able to provide enough reassurance to the art to bridge the chasm… the best question you can ask an artist is “how is this going to work?”
- Your biggest failure is the thing you dreamed of contributing but didn’t find the guts to do.
May 9, 2021
"It's unlikely that you'll create something scarce without doing something risky to get there."
This book of Seth Godin is not for everyone. Many argue that one must be a part of his “tribe” to understand the terminology. I don’t agree.
I came because of my interest in marketing area, and this is my first book from him. Although I’d recognize familiar name, I never subscribed to any programs he offers, yet I still enjoyed the book!
He challenges a reader with a concept of art as work/project/job and dives into the comparison of industrial economy and connection economy. Godin encourages us to practice the craft in which we strive to get better (writer’s block vs speaker’s block which happens rather rarely), connect with others, pick the criticism & let it help to guide our way, stay consistent and deliver our work. Accompanied by many valid examples from various fields and present as well as historical figures.
Easy & insightful read!
This book of Seth Godin is not for everyone. Many argue that one must be a part of his “tribe” to understand the terminology. I don’t agree.
I came because of my interest in marketing area, and this is my first book from him. Although I’d recognize familiar name, I never subscribed to any programs he offers, yet I still enjoyed the book!
He challenges a reader with a concept of art as work/project/job and dives into the comparison of industrial economy and connection economy. Godin encourages us to practice the craft in which we strive to get better (writer’s block vs speaker’s block which happens rather rarely), connect with others, pick the criticism & let it help to guide our way, stay consistent and deliver our work. Accompanied by many valid examples from various fields and present as well as historical figures.
Easy & insightful read!
September 19, 2024
Seth Godin's The Icarus Deception starts with an interesting take on the classic Icarus myth, highlighting that aiming too low can be just as dangerous as flying too high. Godin's early insights about how society encourages humility and risk aversion are thought-provoking. However, as the book progresses, it feels like those initial ideas don't develop much further.
While the book sets up a strong premise, it lacks the depth that might be expected from a work focused on personal and professional transformation. The repetition of ideas makes it feel more like an extended motivational speech rather than a detailed, actionable guide. The book's early promise, revolving around creativity and breaking free from conformity, doesn’t quite carry through in a way that feels impactful or fresh by the end.
While the book sets up a strong premise, it lacks the depth that might be expected from a work focused on personal and professional transformation. The repetition of ideas makes it feel more like an extended motivational speech rather than a detailed, actionable guide. The book's early promise, revolving around creativity and breaking free from conformity, doesn’t quite carry through in a way that feels impactful or fresh by the end.
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