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Life Is Short And So Is This Book: Brief Thoughts On Making The Most Of Your Life
Life is short. You can, if you work hard and are lucky, get more of almost anything, but you can’t get more time. Time only goes one way. The average American has a lifespan of less than 30,000 days. So how you choose to live matters. That’s the topic of this book. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m still learning every day, and many of the good ideas here I’ve picked up from other people either directly or by reading. But this is what’s worked for me. Like life, this book is short. Many books I read could communicate their ideas in fewer pages. So I’ve tried to be brief in line with the wise person who noted: “If I’d had more time I would have written a shorter letter”. I don’t think brevity implies lack of content. The concepts here have improved the quality of my life, and I hope they’re useful to you as well. Using these concepts, I have created a life I love. My job doesn’t feel like work. I love and respect the people with whom I spend time. And I’m also passionate about my life outside work. I’ve learned how to create a balance that makes me happy between work and other interests, including my family, friends and exercise. Sadly I think that’s rare. And yet, while I know I’m lucky, most people can work towards those goals in their own lives. My interest in making the most of my life began when I was just starting college, but when I was in my mid-thirties a boss I admired died of cancer. He was young. He had a great wife; he had three young children; he had a fantastic career -- he had everything in life. He just didn’t have enough time. So, while I’d often thought about how to get the most out of life, the death of someone so young and vital increased my sense of urgency to act on it. One of the things I’ve always wanted to do was to work for myself. As a result, I left an exciting job at Microsoft in 2001 amidst the Internet bust to found the investing firm I now run. It was hard to do, both financially and emotionally. When I left Microsoft, many people – friends, family, and even some of the press - thought I was deluding myself to start a fund focused on Internet-related companies during a market crash. A press quote from the time said: "Call him a little crazy. Call him a little nuts." I’d never seen that type of coverage before. And, in a sense, the press was right; the business wasn’t easy to start. Fortunately, from a vantage point of ten years down the road, it’s worked out quite well. A key part of my job is reading and thinking about a broad variety of topics. So writing this book was relatively easy. It’s even easier to read. But, like many things in life, actually executing each day on these concepts is extremely difficult. With thanks to Thomas Edison, life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Even so, I hope you have fun perspiring. Peter Atkins
Seattle, WA
December, 2010
Seattle, WA
December, 2010
61 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2011
3143 people are currently reading
3150 people want to read
About the author
Peter Atkins
2 books20 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Peter^^^^Atkins
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
September 5, 2022
Nothing new, but we all need to be reminded of these things.
July 29, 2022
Life is too short read this book because there is nothing special in it that we don't know.
let me give you the pointers so you can never bother to read this book and save your one hour.
1. have dreams and work towards them
2. learn from experience
3. embrace change
4. do what you love
5.laugh
6. care for yourself and others
7. build character and make friends
8. don’t do really dumb things
9. try not to worry
10. create space
I picked this book to get over my boredom of waiting in the station.
It's not a badly written book, but Reading the headline itself is enough to understand the overall content.
let me give you the pointers so you can never bother to read this book and save your one hour.
1. have dreams and work towards them
2. learn from experience
3. embrace change
4. do what you love
5.laugh
6. care for yourself and others
7. build character and make friends
8. don’t do really dumb things
9. try not to worry
10. create space
I picked this book to get over my boredom of waiting in the station.
It's not a badly written book, but Reading the headline itself is enough to understand the overall content.
September 6, 2021
It's a good book and the best thing about it is - it's short.
Just like any other self help book, this one emphasizes on what facts to look out for, to make the most out of your life. Also how one needs to have a perfect balance between hard work and smart work, rather than finding yourself on either of the extremes.
Have such a job that it doesn’t feel like work. Love and respect the people with whom you spend time.Be passionate about your life outside work. Learn how to create a balance that makes you happy between work and other interests, including your family, friends and exercise.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while you could miss it."
So give this book a try and check out to be efficient with your time.
Focus on what matters, and that means saying no to things that don’t matter. Otherwise, your life becomes cluttered with distractions.
Just like any other self help book, this one emphasizes on what facts to look out for, to make the most out of your life. Also how one needs to have a perfect balance between hard work and smart work, rather than finding yourself on either of the extremes.
Have such a job that it doesn’t feel like work. Love and respect the people with whom you spend time.Be passionate about your life outside work. Learn how to create a balance that makes you happy between work and other interests, including your family, friends and exercise.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while you could miss it."
So give this book a try and check out to be efficient with your time.
Focus on what matters, and that means saying no to things that don’t matter. Otherwise, your life becomes cluttered with distractions.
January 13, 2013
There is actually a chapter in this book titled "don't do really dumb things". If you were born yesterday or you never read a book before, the advice in this book might give you some bland inspiration. Not that it's bad advice, but that all of it is tantamount to saying "if you itch, scratch it". Duh.
The premise of this book is that it is intentionally short and to the point. But what is the point? Don't do dumb things, eat healthy, make friends, laugh. Again, I must say DUH.
I have never written a review like this before. How the author managed to get a book like this published is incredible.
Trust me, nobody needs to read this book. Unless advice like If you're tired, sleep. or If you're hungry, eat. is going to blow you away. The simplicity and "common sense" of this book is not what makes it good or different or worth reading. It's none of those things. Period.
The premise of this book is that it is intentionally short and to the point. But what is the point? Don't do dumb things, eat healthy, make friends, laugh. Again, I must say DUH.
I have never written a review like this before. How the author managed to get a book like this published is incredible.
Trust me, nobody needs to read this book. Unless advice like If you're tired, sleep. or If you're hungry, eat. is going to blow you away. The simplicity and "common sense" of this book is not what makes it good or different or worth reading. It's none of those things. Period.
December 29, 2022
And so is this review. This book one of the most average self-help book I’ve come across, has nothing nothing new to add. Not bad, not great, build up of short anecdotes and quotes, aimed at people in business, with a touch of toxic positivity, and some good advice. And it is short.
March 17, 2016
A Must-read
This book is a helpful guide to dealing with life, even in the worst of times. We all hit a wall at some point in our lives, the wall could be your partner leaving you. And we forget that this wall was once supportive. We fail to recognise this, and as a result we fail to move on. The wall disappears and we just stand there, staring, in denial. I've faced a dozen different walls, and life will keep building them up, but the reality is: that we need to keep on moving, find another route.
Like the author, I am no optimist- with life the way it is, I have a hard time believing anyone can be-therefore this book resonated well with me. A book which condenses all the wisdom this writer has accumulated during the course of his life. And of course there are so many questions left unanswered, or subjects unmentioned, but this is a short book after all!
Indeed, as you can imagine, there were aspects I disagreed with: it's all well and good to laugh when you make a mistake, but how does one laugh when faced with an insurmountable issue? And I disagreed with his philosophy- some walls are hard to accept, but can't be ignored. The wall analogy was my own, but the philosophy may be attributed to him.
Whilst it doesn't really inspire you to transform your life, it does give you some words of encouragement, and in some ways it resembled the words in my head.
This book is a helpful guide to dealing with life, even in the worst of times. We all hit a wall at some point in our lives, the wall could be your partner leaving you. And we forget that this wall was once supportive. We fail to recognise this, and as a result we fail to move on. The wall disappears and we just stand there, staring, in denial. I've faced a dozen different walls, and life will keep building them up, but the reality is: that we need to keep on moving, find another route.
Like the author, I am no optimist- with life the way it is, I have a hard time believing anyone can be-therefore this book resonated well with me. A book which condenses all the wisdom this writer has accumulated during the course of his life. And of course there are so many questions left unanswered, or subjects unmentioned, but this is a short book after all!
Indeed, as you can imagine, there were aspects I disagreed with: it's all well and good to laugh when you make a mistake, but how does one laugh when faced with an insurmountable issue? And I disagreed with his philosophy- some walls are hard to accept, but can't be ignored. The wall analogy was my own, but the philosophy may be attributed to him.
Whilst it doesn't really inspire you to transform your life, it does give you some words of encouragement, and in some ways it resembled the words in my head.
September 10, 2018
EXACTLY what I needed!
I’m quite pleased with this short “self-help” book. I’m sorry to say I knew everything in it...yet I haven’t been practicing what it’s preaching!
Sometimes we need to be reminded of what we’re capable of accomplishing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥🔥☄️💫
I’m quite pleased with this short “self-help” book. I’m sorry to say I knew everything in it...yet I haven’t been practicing what it’s preaching!
Sometimes we need to be reminded of what we’re capable of accomplishing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥🔥☄️💫
November 9, 2020
This was good for light reading. Maybe the things in it aren't new or mind-blowing but it feels good to be reminded by them sometimes. Some of the advices from the book :
1) Say no to things that don't matter and rather focus on things that do.
2) Build good trusting friendships.
3) Exercise. In order to feel good, productive, and happier.
4) Stay active.
5) To figure out what you want to do you need to discover and know yourself.
1) Say no to things that don't matter and rather focus on things that do.
2) Build good trusting friendships.
3) Exercise. In order to feel good, productive, and happier.
4) Stay active.
5) To figure out what you want to do you need to discover and know yourself.
October 15, 2022
Such a nice list to be reminded with
1. Create space.
2. Try not to worry.
3. Don't do really dumb things.
4. Build character and make friends.
5. Care for yourself and others.
6. Laugh.
7. Do what you love.
8. Embrace change.
9. Learn from experience.
10. Have dreams and work towards them.
11. Epilogue
1. Create space.
2. Try not to worry.
3. Don't do really dumb things.
4. Build character and make friends.
5. Care for yourself and others.
6. Laugh.
7. Do what you love.
8. Embrace change.
9. Learn from experience.
10. Have dreams and work towards them.
11. Epilogue
December 24, 2021
Good, short, concise and succinct book. Most of the life lessons we already know, so nothing new. Good anecdotes and perfect use of wise quotes from great thinkers makes the book more interesting.
April 30, 2024
thanks I'm cured. Pretty standard advice
March 12, 2025
A very SHORT and basic book about... well... life. The author gives a short list of things you Cando to better succeed in life and enjoy the journey. Like I said, pretty basic stuff that you find in many personal growth/ self help book. I guess if you read this FIRST you can skip most of the others.
March 8, 2025
I haven't read for a while, so this was a nice little reading snack.
January 13, 2024
Could have been shorter. The thesis in the first chapter sums it all up:
“To make the most of your life say no to things that don’t matter to you, work hard at what you love, and occasionally take time away from your core focus to rest so that your mind can be quiet for great insights to come.”
“To make the most of your life say no to things that don’t matter to you, work hard at what you love, and occasionally take time away from your core focus to rest so that your mind can be quiet for great insights to come.”
September 25, 2022
Very well written
Very well 📝
Very keen observation and learning shared towards the outlook of life in various aspects dealing with happiness & sacrifices, friendship
Very well 📝
Very keen observation and learning shared towards the outlook of life in various aspects dealing with happiness & sacrifices, friendship
December 8, 2021
This was quite an interesting book with a lot of short chapters on life advice. I wouldn’t say they’re new or revolutionary, considering I have read quite a few of such books, but it was nice to be reminded of these things again. It focused mainly on making the most out of life because life is short.
The book is only around 50 pages so I would definitely suggest picking this one up if you’re looking for a short and quick read.
The book is only around 50 pages so I would definitely suggest picking this one up if you’re looking for a short and quick read.
February 20, 2023
All of us know the dos and donts of a good healthy prosperous life. But knowing and actually applying those rules are two different scenarios. We all need the right motivation, a little pull, sometimes a strong jolt to get out of that daydream and start living. This book is just that reminder. Short and to the point, this self help book is a fast and quick yet meaningful read.
August 26, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. So let me start with what I liked about the book.
There are certainly some aspects where this book shines over other self-help type of books. Unlike some books with overly stuffed information which becomes repetitive, this book is concise and stays focused on the theme. Also unlike other preachy books (some famous ones as well), I felt that Atkins is talking to the reader as a father figure giving valuable advice and just before getting preachy he moved to the next topic. I feel any self-help or motivational book should not be more than 100 pages and this book shines in that criteria. Also such books are meant to trigger the idea in reader's mind while the reader needs to pause after each chapter to analyze and self-reflect from his life experiences. This book shines the most at Epilogue.
Now coming to what I didn't enjoy, Some of the advice in the book is very generic and I think fails to portray a strong sense of guidance. I believe specific actionable advice works more effectively than just laying out a generic statement. The afterword is where he crammed lot of generic stuff happening int he world. It also contradicts sometimes from what he is trying to convey in rest of the book.
Overall, I think this book can be a good thinking space time to time in life. It provides good pointers to think about where you are going and what are you looking for at any give stage of your life.
There are certainly some aspects where this book shines over other self-help type of books. Unlike some books with overly stuffed information which becomes repetitive, this book is concise and stays focused on the theme. Also unlike other preachy books (some famous ones as well), I felt that Atkins is talking to the reader as a father figure giving valuable advice and just before getting preachy he moved to the next topic. I feel any self-help or motivational book should not be more than 100 pages and this book shines in that criteria. Also such books are meant to trigger the idea in reader's mind while the reader needs to pause after each chapter to analyze and self-reflect from his life experiences. This book shines the most at Epilogue.
Now coming to what I didn't enjoy, Some of the advice in the book is very generic and I think fails to portray a strong sense of guidance. I believe specific actionable advice works more effectively than just laying out a generic statement. The afterword is where he crammed lot of generic stuff happening int he world. It also contradicts sometimes from what he is trying to convey in rest of the book.
Overall, I think this book can be a good thinking space time to time in life. It provides good pointers to think about where you are going and what are you looking for at any give stage of your life.
September 16, 2022
A very nice book to boost your positive thinking. A very calming read.
October 6, 2021
This book is short and so is my review. Just kidding......
Important topics covered in a very small span of pages. There were no new things mentioned or discussed in this book but it was a quick reminder of those important things. The various topics like caring for yourself and friends, not to worry much, saying NO to things that doesn't matter much, why laughing is important, learning from experience, having dreams and working towards them are discussed in small small cogent portions.
The language is very easy and direct to the topics with no extra irritating new words. The book is well organized with some beautiful quotes from the legendary people around the world.
A thin quick read to get a feeling of being rewarded after you finish it.
Important topics covered in a very small span of pages. There were no new things mentioned or discussed in this book but it was a quick reminder of those important things. The various topics like caring for yourself and friends, not to worry much, saying NO to things that doesn't matter much, why laughing is important, learning from experience, having dreams and working towards them are discussed in small small cogent portions.
The language is very easy and direct to the topics with no extra irritating new words. The book is well organized with some beautiful quotes from the legendary people around the world.
A thin quick read to get a feeling of being rewarded after you finish it.
January 26, 2023
There is a quote in this book - “things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler” - and I think that describes what author has done in this book.
The name of the book is appropriate, this is a very small book with all required notions to live a better life. It’s an easy read but don’t get fooled by the ease because the weightage of words in the book, and the thoughts you’ll have while reading is much more. It’s not easy to sum up important lessons for life like this, but the author doesn’t disappoint you.
The name of the book is appropriate, this is a very small book with all required notions to live a better life. It’s an easy read but don’t get fooled by the ease because the weightage of words in the book, and the thoughts you’ll have while reading is much more. It’s not easy to sum up important lessons for life like this, but the author doesn’t disappoint you.
July 22, 2018
This is a must read!
This is an inspirational book that should be read by all. Young people, in particular, should review the suggestions therein to realize how fortunate they are, even in times of adversity. Even an old foot like me was greatly changed a by this time by Peter Atkins!
This is an inspirational book that should be read by all. Young people, in particular, should review the suggestions therein to realize how fortunate they are, even in times of adversity. Even an old foot like me was greatly changed a by this time by Peter Atkins!
June 3, 2022
It’s like you know it already
Great book, even though I have come to understand a lot of these life facts from books and experiences on my own, its nice to be reminded of what life is all about. I don’t normally recommend books to anyone but I will be doing just that to my friends and family. This is a short read that is filled with valuable information.
Great book, even though I have come to understand a lot of these life facts from books and experiences on my own, its nice to be reminded of what life is all about. I don’t normally recommend books to anyone but I will be doing just that to my friends and family. This is a short read that is filled with valuable information.
February 26, 2023
Best Short Book I've Read Yet
This book is packed with more useful insights than I've gathered from many longer books with the same information In fewer words while still full of interesting and sometimes humorous anecdotes or quotes. Definitely worth the short time it takes to read in our busy and short lives.
This book is packed with more useful insights than I've gathered from many longer books with the same information In fewer words while still full of interesting and sometimes humorous anecdotes or quotes. Definitely worth the short time it takes to read in our busy and short lives.
June 26, 2021
A beautiful read that touches every relevant aspect of life and makes you take a moment and reflect how you reached where you are and how far you have to go. A light read for when you want motivation and a positive outlook.
December 24, 2021
Loved this short, concise book on life. I've been looking for one that suggests practical ways to use the information, which this one does. It's short and sweet, so you get what you need from the anecdotal evidence and the quick tips. The quotes on life were also a nice touch.
May 28, 2022
Succinct in its message
Nice book to have in your library. Message is quite clear here, asking us to live life that matters to ourselves.
I can say that I will keep coming back to this one.
Nice book to have in your library. Message is quite clear here, asking us to live life that matters to ourselves.
I can say that I will keep coming back to this one.
March 13, 2023
This is actually a short self-help summarized book for understanding a better way of life. A great read for those who don't usually read books but bibliophiles may find it as if they have read the same content several times before.
September 28, 2012
Good common sense advice. Nothing particularly new or ground breaking but easy to read and agree with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews