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The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life
A remarkable book that will both guide and inspire, The Happiness of Pursuit reveals how anyone can bring meaning into their life by undertaking a quest.
When he set out to visit all of the planet’s countries by age thirty-five, compulsive goal seeker Chris Guillebeau never imagined that his journey’s biggest revelation would be how many people like himself exist – each pursuing a challenging quest. And, interestingly, these quests aren’t just travel-oriented. On the contrary, they’re as diverse as humanity itself. Some involve exploration; others the pursuit of athletic or artistic excellence; still others a battle against injustice or poverty or threats to the environment.
Everywhere that Chris visited he found ordinary people working toward extraordinary goals, making daily down payments on their dream. These “questers” included a suburban mom pursuing a wildly ambitious culinary project, a DJ producing the world’s largest symphony, a young widower completing the tasks his wife would never accomplish, and a teenager crossing an entire ocean alone - as well as a do-it-yourselfer tackling M.I.T.’s computer-science course, a nerd turning himself into real-life James Bond, and scores of others writing themselves into the record books.
The more Chris spoke with these strivers, the more he began to appreciate the direct link between questing and long-term happiness -- how going after something in a methodical way enriches our lives -- and he was compelled to complete a comprehensive study of the phenomenon and extract the best advice. In The Happiness of Pursuit he draws on interviews with hundreds of questers, revealing their secret motivations, their selection criteria, the role played by friends and family, their tricks for solving logistics, and the importance of documentation.
Equally fascinating is Chris’ examination of questing’s other side, including questers’ acute awareness of mortality, their struggle against monotony, and their wistful feelings once a quest has succeeded. What happens after the summit is climbed, the painting hung, the endurance record broken, the “at risk” community saved?
A book that challenges each of us to take control – to make our lives be about something while at the same time remaining clear-eyed about the commitment -- The Happiness of Pursuit will inspire readers of every age and aspiration. It’s a playbook for making your life count.
When he set out to visit all of the planet’s countries by age thirty-five, compulsive goal seeker Chris Guillebeau never imagined that his journey’s biggest revelation would be how many people like himself exist – each pursuing a challenging quest. And, interestingly, these quests aren’t just travel-oriented. On the contrary, they’re as diverse as humanity itself. Some involve exploration; others the pursuit of athletic or artistic excellence; still others a battle against injustice or poverty or threats to the environment.
Everywhere that Chris visited he found ordinary people working toward extraordinary goals, making daily down payments on their dream. These “questers” included a suburban mom pursuing a wildly ambitious culinary project, a DJ producing the world’s largest symphony, a young widower completing the tasks his wife would never accomplish, and a teenager crossing an entire ocean alone - as well as a do-it-yourselfer tackling M.I.T.’s computer-science course, a nerd turning himself into real-life James Bond, and scores of others writing themselves into the record books.
The more Chris spoke with these strivers, the more he began to appreciate the direct link between questing and long-term happiness -- how going after something in a methodical way enriches our lives -- and he was compelled to complete a comprehensive study of the phenomenon and extract the best advice. In The Happiness of Pursuit he draws on interviews with hundreds of questers, revealing their secret motivations, their selection criteria, the role played by friends and family, their tricks for solving logistics, and the importance of documentation.
Equally fascinating is Chris’ examination of questing’s other side, including questers’ acute awareness of mortality, their struggle against monotony, and their wistful feelings once a quest has succeeded. What happens after the summit is climbed, the painting hung, the endurance record broken, the “at risk” community saved?
A book that challenges each of us to take control – to make our lives be about something while at the same time remaining clear-eyed about the commitment -- The Happiness of Pursuit will inspire readers of every age and aspiration. It’s a playbook for making your life count.
304 pages, ebook
First published September 9, 2014
971 people are currently reading
11824 people want to read
About the author
Chris Guillebeau
57 books1,706 followersChris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup and other books. During a lifetime of self-employment, he visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. Every summer in Portland, Oregon he hosts the World Domination Summit, a gathering of creative, remarkable people. Chris also hosts Side Hustle School, a popular podcast that is downloaded more than 2 million times a month.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 632 reviews
September 29, 2014
This is an alright book. I really enjoy Chris Guillebeau's work, his blog and his outlook, and I loved The Art of Non-Conformity. But I was a little disappointed by this one. It has some interesting stories, for sure; it was fun to read about the different bizarre and wonderful quests that people the world over have taken on. But although it tried, it didn't really offer any solid advice. Sure, there were tips for how to go about picking a quest and pursuing it and drawing it to an end. I think this would more be an inspirational book for people stuck in boring 9-to-5 full time jobs that they don't enjoy. As someone who's already self-employed and on my path, I didn't find it that useful or inspiring.
August 11, 2015
Full disclosure - my story is one of the many featured in this book. Even if this were not true, I would still love this book. Here's why: I recently finished my quest and found myself struggling with the "what next" which can feel quite a bit like postpartum depression! While Chris addresses this in the latter part of the book, there are also valuable nuggets to be gleaned throughout the text (from other people's quests). As I read through all the stories, I found myself marking favorite passages, ideas, and even sketching out ways to move forward in the future. As a very goal driven person, I realized my problem was that I hadn't replaced my old quest with a new one. Realizing how much more successful I am with with a measurable, obtainable goal (aka quest), I am in the process of defining a new one (interestingly, very related to my previous quest - I enjoyed it that much!). This book was just the kick in the pants I needed!
September 14, 2014
I received an advance review copy of this book and enjoyed reading it. Like The $100 Startup, which I am using in class this fall, The Happiness of Pursuit uses case studies as a way to explore the philosophies and realities of undertaking a great quest such as visiting every country, walking across America, visiting every baseball stadium, cooking a meal from every country in the world, and so on. Each person's story is fascinating in its own way. I can't imagine wanting to do most of these things, but I was still able to learn something from each person's experience.
September 9, 2017
This was really inspiring. I've been feeling aimless for... an embarrassingly long time, this perpetual "what next?" hanging over me, and though I don't think visiting all the UNESCO World Heritage sites will really give my life meaning or make the world better, it sure sounds a lot better than waiting for time to pass before I die, right? Plus it fits really well with the completist part of my personnality. We'll see if I end up doing anything - but I'm planning on checking two more UNESCO sites in three weeks, so that's something at least!
April 21, 2015
I found this book to be too superficial to be life-changing. The message boils down to "having a big, long-term goal can lend order, structure, and purpose to your life, which in turn can make you more satisfied." OK, good premise so far. But the book lacked any deep exploration of the hows or whys, the practical steps to finding and completing this quest that is supposed to make your life so much better. The book tells the stories of dozens of people who pursue a range of different kinds of "quests," but really focuses on the adventuresome quests: the man who walked across the United States, a man who bicycles around the world. The less-athletic and far-flung quests are not given as much discussion, which I think is a real weak spot for the book. Not every reader wants to (or is physically able to) walk across a country or climb a mountain, which the author recognizes but doesn't adequately expand upon.
I also have issues with the author's definition of a quest (given in Chapter 1, page 15 in the edition I read) as something with a clear goal or endpoint. More precisely, I have issues with the fact that the quests discussed in the book don't all meet this definition. For example, the author discusses a man who stops using motorized transportation and stops speaking for 17 years. He did have a clearly articulated motivation for doing these things, and he certainly faced challenges and a lot of personal growth, but the description of his "quest" doesn't demonstrate that he had a clear goal or endpoint in mind.
I also disliked the author's characterization of "[q]uitting smoking, losing weight, or getting out of debt" as not quests because these actions "shouldn't be a lifelong focus." I can see why the author wouldn't want to write a book about something that literally millions of people do, but that doesn't justify their dismissal. All of those things can meet the definition of a quest that he subsequently lays out: having a clear goal, requiring sacrifice and incremental changes, facing challenges, and spurring personal growth and discovery.
I understand why this is not a book about the mundane goals and challenges that everyday people face (because I doubt that such a book would be a best-seller), but the the larger than life tales of epic quests don't really spur me to go on a quest of my own. If this book were more focused on applying the lessons from the big quests (the goal setting, the need to step outside one's comfort zone, the self-reflection and acceptance of challenge or defeat, etc) to everyday life, perhaps I would have enjoyed this book much more. But as it is, it is just another rather forgettable self-help book.
I also have issues with the author's definition of a quest (given in Chapter 1, page 15 in the edition I read) as something with a clear goal or endpoint. More precisely, I have issues with the fact that the quests discussed in the book don't all meet this definition. For example, the author discusses a man who stops using motorized transportation and stops speaking for 17 years. He did have a clearly articulated motivation for doing these things, and he certainly faced challenges and a lot of personal growth, but the description of his "quest" doesn't demonstrate that he had a clear goal or endpoint in mind.
I also disliked the author's characterization of "[q]uitting smoking, losing weight, or getting out of debt" as not quests because these actions "shouldn't be a lifelong focus." I can see why the author wouldn't want to write a book about something that literally millions of people do, but that doesn't justify their dismissal. All of those things can meet the definition of a quest that he subsequently lays out: having a clear goal, requiring sacrifice and incremental changes, facing challenges, and spurring personal growth and discovery.
I understand why this is not a book about the mundane goals and challenges that everyday people face (because I doubt that such a book would be a best-seller), but the the larger than life tales of epic quests don't really spur me to go on a quest of my own. If this book were more focused on applying the lessons from the big quests (the goal setting, the need to step outside one's comfort zone, the self-reflection and acceptance of challenge or defeat, etc) to everyday life, perhaps I would have enjoyed this book much more. But as it is, it is just another rather forgettable self-help book.
May 10, 2016
The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau is a book purported to assist creative individuals launch and fulfill their life quest. For those unfamiliar, Guillebeau rose to fame after proclaiming and pursuing his life quest of visiting each country on Earth before the age of 30. His quest for such an amazing feat, has been inspiring to many and he has authored three books. Many are familiar with his first book, The $100 Start Up. Although his quest was for travel, this book is positioned to help any one fulfill a quest whether it is travel related or not.
In full disclosure, I did not love this book. It occupies an awkward space between memoir and self help guide. After reading this, I did not feel as though I possessed the tools necessary to voyage out on my life quest. I did, however feel pretty damn motivated. This book is not a practical self help guide or tool to actually bring your dreams into reality But it is very inspirational and there are many quotes that give you the fire to work on your dreams and goals. After the first few chapters, I really started to hone in on the lessons at the beginning of each chapter and the tips at the end as they provided the content that resonated with me the most.
Similar to his previous book, The $100 Start Up. Guillebeau narrates the quest of interesting individuals and allows readers to infer how their situation is applicable to whatever the reader may be aspiring to do. Chris talks about himself. A lot. It seems as though he finds a way to weave in his experiences regardless of the topic at hand. It reads less of “I did it, so you can too” but more like “me me me me me me me.” Although I did not enjoy the overall messaging of this book, I did take a way a lot of inspirational and motivating advice that I do believe is invaluable.
I believe my discontent with this book is due to my inability to accurately categorize it. Readers enjoying self help books by way of reading the stories of others may definitely enjoy this read.
In full disclosure, I did not love this book. It occupies an awkward space between memoir and self help guide. After reading this, I did not feel as though I possessed the tools necessary to voyage out on my life quest. I did, however feel pretty damn motivated. This book is not a practical self help guide or tool to actually bring your dreams into reality But it is very inspirational and there are many quotes that give you the fire to work on your dreams and goals. After the first few chapters, I really started to hone in on the lessons at the beginning of each chapter and the tips at the end as they provided the content that resonated with me the most.
Similar to his previous book, The $100 Start Up. Guillebeau narrates the quest of interesting individuals and allows readers to infer how their situation is applicable to whatever the reader may be aspiring to do. Chris talks about himself. A lot. It seems as though he finds a way to weave in his experiences regardless of the topic at hand. It reads less of “I did it, so you can too” but more like “me me me me me me me.” Although I did not enjoy the overall messaging of this book, I did take a way a lot of inspirational and motivating advice that I do believe is invaluable.
I believe my discontent with this book is due to my inability to accurately categorize it. Readers enjoying self help books by way of reading the stories of others may definitely enjoy this read.
September 4, 2014
I had an incredible opportunity to read this book prior to publication. You cannot possibly dislike a book written by Chris, who has been to every country in the world. His books are top notch and powerfully written. I would argue that The Happiness of Pursuit is Chris's best yet. This book has given me a new inspiration to engage in and begin quests individually and with my family.
Although I am working full time, finishing a masters degree, expecting a baby, and paying off thousands to student debt, I have realized that my quests can range from learning to cook fantastic meals to beginning to write to running the R2R at the Grand Canyon. When I began reading I felt a little guilty that I hadn't travelled extensively (I have been to several countries all over Asia), but then it dawned on me further into reading that my quest doesn't have to be something as extravagant as traveling to every country in the world, and that it needs to be meaningful to me.
The stories inside were intriguing, the writing is superb, and most importantly the book is flat out inspiring. If you are one who is on a quest, this book will only inspire you. Simply put, this book is an expansion of the words written by Emerson, "Life is a journey, not a destination." Everyone needs their own quests to pursue. The journey brings pain and hardships that inevitably help us to recognize pure joy.
Buy the book, read it, live it, and share it.
Although I am working full time, finishing a masters degree, expecting a baby, and paying off thousands to student debt, I have realized that my quests can range from learning to cook fantastic meals to beginning to write to running the R2R at the Grand Canyon. When I began reading I felt a little guilty that I hadn't travelled extensively (I have been to several countries all over Asia), but then it dawned on me further into reading that my quest doesn't have to be something as extravagant as traveling to every country in the world, and that it needs to be meaningful to me.
The stories inside were intriguing, the writing is superb, and most importantly the book is flat out inspiring. If you are one who is on a quest, this book will only inspire you. Simply put, this book is an expansion of the words written by Emerson, "Life is a journey, not a destination." Everyone needs their own quests to pursue. The journey brings pain and hardships that inevitably help us to recognize pure joy.
Buy the book, read it, live it, and share it.
March 11, 2015
I was really hoping to learn something new about happiness from this book. That definitely did not happen. This book could easily have been understood just by reading the first appendix. In the first chapter, he decides to define what a quest is. I didn't agree with his findings. According to the author, worthy personal pursuits like losing weight, getting fit, or quitting smoking are not lifelong focus types of activities. Suffice it to say we didn't get off on the right foot with this book.
Further reading resulted in long explanations of goal setting and alternate statements of Just Do It. Anyone who has had a big dream will know immediately what he is talking about. The anecdotes were disappointing in some respects. He justifies their pursuit of a quest over other life values, like friends and family.
Overall, this is a book I should have skipped reading.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
Further reading resulted in long explanations of goal setting and alternate statements of Just Do It. Anyone who has had a big dream will know immediately what he is talking about. The anecdotes were disappointing in some respects. He justifies their pursuit of a quest over other life values, like friends and family.
Overall, this is a book I should have skipped reading.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
February 10, 2020
This book hit me at a time when I was desperate for change. Yet, funny enough, I stayed the course after choosing to pick up The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck midway through reading The Happiness of Pursuit, and suddenly the ideologies of needing to have a big wild adventure fell flat to me.
I worry that our generation is losing the meaning of happiness by trying to make our lives greater and bigger and "the best". We have to have it all, which means if our lives aren't in the pursuit of a great passion then we must be failures to ourselves and our peers. How deeply sad that makes me.
I worry that our generation is losing the meaning of happiness by trying to make our lives greater and bigger and "the best". We have to have it all, which means if our lives aren't in the pursuit of a great passion then we must be failures to ourselves and our peers. How deeply sad that makes me.
Read
March 10, 2024Author Chris Guillebeau writes about the importance of finding and pursuing a quest. In his case, Guillebeau visited every country on the planet. Others walked, biked, or ran in various places and with various obstacles. Still others adopted quests that were more spiritual, political, or commercial in their contours. The Happiness of Pursuit is a combination of how-to and why-to advice seasoned with travel anecdotes as it offers practical and motivational strategies for framing and completing these quests. To be honest, none of the quests motivated me much more than to be mindful of having some challenging goals, but I did enjoy reading this book for its travel-related episodes and adventures.
November 14, 2021
Several reviewers of this book say they didn't get as much advice or guidance on finding their own quests as they were expecting. But I thought there was an abundance of guidance, advice, resources, checklists, and stories for inspiration. What more could you want? Motivation comes from within.
Your quest is yours alone. Only you know what it is, and if you haven't found it yet, it's not the author's fault. You just haven't found anything that's more compelling than the daily grind.
And that's okay. Not everyone needs a quest. Why put yourself through all that when you don't have to? Walking 3000 miles in the rain? Spending 30 years getting a symphony together? Running 250 marathons? That sounds HARD.
Ultimately, those who quest don't usually ask for it. It just takes a hold of you one day, and you get to the point where you can't ignore it anymore.
But you *can* ignore the author's constraints on what he considers valid quests. If it gets you out of bed in the morning, that's all that matters.
Your quest is yours alone. Only you know what it is, and if you haven't found it yet, it's not the author's fault. You just haven't found anything that's more compelling than the daily grind.
And that's okay. Not everyone needs a quest. Why put yourself through all that when you don't have to? Walking 3000 miles in the rain? Spending 30 years getting a symphony together? Running 250 marathons? That sounds HARD.
Ultimately, those who quest don't usually ask for it. It just takes a hold of you one day, and you get to the point where you can't ignore it anymore.
But you *can* ignore the author's constraints on what he considers valid quests. If it gets you out of bed in the morning, that's all that matters.
October 21, 2015
I was sent this book because I signed up for the street team and I'm SO glad I did because this book changed my life. I didn't think I was going to be able to read it in a day but I did because there is just so much good advice and it's written so well that I couldn't stop.
Basically, this book is about pursuing a quest, centered around your passion or interests, that will challenge you and bring meaning and happiness. Chris has so much advice to share from his own life, but he also share's other people's experiences so that it really feels like anything is possible. All of the chapters are dead on: mortality being motivation, defining "home", dealing with people who don't understand, deciding whether or not a quest needs a partner, etc.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially adventurers, people looking for a change, and people who think "there must be more than this".
Basically, this book is about pursuing a quest, centered around your passion or interests, that will challenge you and bring meaning and happiness. Chris has so much advice to share from his own life, but he also share's other people's experiences so that it really feels like anything is possible. All of the chapters are dead on: mortality being motivation, defining "home", dealing with people who don't understand, deciding whether or not a quest needs a partner, etc.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially adventurers, people looking for a change, and people who think "there must be more than this".
April 17, 2019
I think maybe I would have felt inspired by this book in high school, when the only person I had to think about was myself. No job, no responsibilities. But now? Nope. The woman who abandoned her four kids to fulfil her “quest” to see as many bird species as she could? I just kept thinking that there were better ways to “find your life purpose” than the ways suggested in this book. (Like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, for starters! I did just read The Happiness Trap.) I suppose it didn’t help that I also just finished reading a book about how small steps are the best way to bring about lasting change in your life... and that speaks to me much more than giving everything up for some chosen “life quest” like traveling to every single country in the world just to check them off your list. Again, maybe the timing just wasn’t right for me, but I didn’t find this book inspirational at all.
April 17, 2020
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t really warm to this book. It wins my current award for “books I looked forward to reading that were really kind of meh.”
I just felt a kind of preachy smugness in the writing, and it seemed to be a bit boring and obvious. It wasn’t very cerebral or thought provoking to me. Oddly, because normally I enjoy this type of self-help book, despite the descriptions of expansive quests and experiences enjoyed by many of the book’s subjects, I reached the last page feeling rather unmoved rather than inspired.
I just felt a kind of preachy smugness in the writing, and it seemed to be a bit boring and obvious. It wasn’t very cerebral or thought provoking to me. Oddly, because normally I enjoy this type of self-help book, despite the descriptions of expansive quests and experiences enjoyed by many of the book’s subjects, I reached the last page feeling rather unmoved rather than inspired.
August 27, 2018
I love books about goal-setting, and this book is even better, because it's about quests. Quests provide a clear challenge and bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives. With inspiring examples of quests, ideas on how to structure them, and a call to action, this was a motivational read.
"Why pursue a quest? Because each of us in our lives is writing our own story, and we only have one chance to get it right."
"Why pursue a quest? Because each of us in our lives is writing our own story, and we only have one chance to get it right."
February 9, 2020
Slightly longwinded, telling and retelling the story of his (the author's) journey to every country in the world. Decent read nonetheless, and it's always inspiring to hear of the countless people who have set big goals and given their all to achieve them.
The end of the book was bittersweet, and this was the very point Chris was trying to make about life-quests: they don't always end well and when they do, you might miss the journey itself.
The end of the book was bittersweet, and this was the very point Chris was trying to make about life-quests: they don't always end well and when they do, you might miss the journey itself.
June 16, 2020
there are many good things about this book but the title is a bit off the mark
January 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a slow read for me. Author is a bit long winded, but I loved the premise. This book told multiple different stories of individuals who took on quests of varying sizes. Some took huge risks while others made small changes in their everyday routines in order to live a more fulfilled and exciting life. I even got a few good one liners of advice from it. Would recommend to anyone looking to get out of a slump, get advice on how to accomplish big goals, or simply looking for encouragement on how to live a life worth telling stories about
This was a slow read for me. Author is a bit long winded, but I loved the premise. This book told multiple different stories of individuals who took on quests of varying sizes. Some took huge risks while others made small changes in their everyday routines in order to live a more fulfilled and exciting life. I even got a few good one liners of advice from it. Would recommend to anyone looking to get out of a slump, get advice on how to accomplish big goals, or simply looking for encouragement on how to live a life worth telling stories about
May 31, 2024
Interesting ideas but a bit repetitive and drawn out.
December 24, 2025
read as an audiobook during work. my attention span was in and out. but it worked out bc there were lots of little stories so you could miss bits and pieces. such an inspiring book serving as a reminder to live out your life without regret or fearing what others might have to say. so many good quotes from this book!
February 3, 2018
Interesting collection and reflections on the perspective of life projects as quests. Inspiring and easy to read. Have a browser handy so you can look some of the questers up!
January 14, 2020
loved the journeys featured in this book , real inspiration for the every day joe. the book as a steady flow revealing another persons journey as you go along . filled with information and inspiration this page turner is a winner for you to get up and just “ put one foot in front of the other” ...
June 25, 2016
Have you ever felt discontent in your life? Have you ever wanted to do something inspired? Are you feeling like something is missing? If any of these sound like you, this may be the book for you.
In this book, Chris Guillebeau introduces to some amazing people who have felt empowered to take a quest. In doing so, he interviews people who have done all sorts of unique things with their lives. I loved reading the stories and hearing about the amazing challenges that they have achieved in their lives. Not everyone has the ability to take on a major task or the resources. In the back of the book is a chart that helps you take a small step towards a quest. The book fills you with ideas and and how to make your ideas a reality.
If you feel like there could be something more in your life, then this may be the book for you. I love that Chris uses the information from his interviews to create some themes and ideas about what is that makes these people happy. The book certainly will leave you wanting to and making a commitment for making great things in your life happen.
For anyone who enjoys a book about adventure, I would recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from blogging for books, but all opinions are my own.
In this book, Chris Guillebeau introduces to some amazing people who have felt empowered to take a quest. In doing so, he interviews people who have done all sorts of unique things with their lives. I loved reading the stories and hearing about the amazing challenges that they have achieved in their lives. Not everyone has the ability to take on a major task or the resources. In the back of the book is a chart that helps you take a small step towards a quest. The book fills you with ideas and and how to make your ideas a reality.
If you feel like there could be something more in your life, then this may be the book for you. I love that Chris uses the information from his interviews to create some themes and ideas about what is that makes these people happy. The book certainly will leave you wanting to and making a commitment for making great things in your life happen.
For anyone who enjoys a book about adventure, I would recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from blogging for books, but all opinions are my own.
November 30, 2016
Yesterday I started and finished “The Happiness of Pursuit” by Chris Guillebeau. Guillbeau visited every country in the world by the time he was thirty-five (a fact he reminds readers of every few pages) and the book is supposed to be an exploration of how you too can find your own quest. According to Guillebeau, quests are projects that have a clear goal, a specific end point, and a defined set of milestones. Examples of quests are Guillebeau’s journey to visit every country in the world, a project to visit every basilica in the US, a project to walk across the US, a quest to never travel by car again, and the list goes on. This could have been an interesting read, but instead is just a poorly written book with no critical reflection and or ability to mention any African country without using stereotypes or using actual country names. When he talks about North America, he mentions specific town and city names (Manitoba, St. Louis etc) when he talks about an African country, he simply talks about visiting Africa. Here are (some) examples:
The rest of this review can be found on my blog Seriously Planning here: https://seriouslyplanning.com/2016/11...
The rest of this review can be found on my blog Seriously Planning here: https://seriouslyplanning.com/2016/11...
June 5, 2018
I liked the general premise. Finding quests in your life is a great idea, having them be measurable is good, having "big" things to attempt to attain is great. However, the book itself was very repetitive.
First, I think the great majority of the book could have been one long blog post. He didn't cover a long wide range of techniques and tricks to find/do quests, it was primarily a rambling way to convince you that you should have one, they're good for you, should be measured, etc.
The actual number of quests he described through the book was somewhat short. He repeated his own story (in various ways) over and over again. He gave a list of various people's quests as well, but fewer than I would have expected, and kept going back to the same people/quests as examples through the book. And plenty of those stories were somewhat contrived, feeling either not like a great "quest", or perhaps just a little bit crazy. Cool to be crazy, but when you don't have a massive list of quests, it becomes odd.
Anyway, I liked the concept. As a blog post, I would have given a big high five & recommended it to people. As a full length book, I just felt the content was thin in comparison to the book length.
First, I think the great majority of the book could have been one long blog post. He didn't cover a long wide range of techniques and tricks to find/do quests, it was primarily a rambling way to convince you that you should have one, they're good for you, should be measured, etc.
The actual number of quests he described through the book was somewhat short. He repeated his own story (in various ways) over and over again. He gave a list of various people's quests as well, but fewer than I would have expected, and kept going back to the same people/quests as examples through the book. And plenty of those stories were somewhat contrived, feeling either not like a great "quest", or perhaps just a little bit crazy. Cool to be crazy, but when you don't have a massive list of quests, it becomes odd.
Anyway, I liked the concept. As a blog post, I would have given a big high five & recommended it to people. As a full length book, I just felt the content was thin in comparison to the book length.
January 6, 2021
Eine Mission für sich zu finden kann das Leben bereichern. Wichtig ist es dabei einen Plan zu haben und den Weg zu genießen. Das Hörbuch zeigt Geschichten auf, die andere Menschen gegangen sind und dient als Inspiration. Das ist hilfreich selber zu überlegen was eine Mission sein kann. Was ist deine?
#blinkist
#blinkist
May 18, 2016
Solid advice and inspiration for people considering doing something big and crazy, like visiting every country on earth or walking across Turkey.
September 21, 2017
I WANT TO DO ALL THE THINGS.
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a boost of inspiration and helped me to think outside of the box.
October 28, 2017
A former entrepeneur decides to set a life goal of visiting every country in the world, and in the process of communicating his progress and talking with other people, he discovers that pursuing a large lifetime goal is, well, a process, almost no matter what your goal is.
This book seems to me a lot like Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces, but identifying universal aspects of setting and achieving large life goals instead of universal aspects of stories. And much more readable rather than stultifying.
Guillebeau has advice about why people often give up on their goals, and thankfully lots and lots of interesting stories about his own pursuit as well as interesting life goals of other people he has interviewed. I think that saves the book. The advice is solid and would be helpful if one was picking and working on their own life goal. I do, in fact, have at least one life goal (eat the meat of as many different animals as possible), but it has not become an obsession. Yet.
The author's overarching point is that having a significant life goal that requires focus, dedication, and sacrifice can actually make one happier. As humans, we are miserable when bored. It reminds me of a quote from Erich Hoffer in The True Believer: "In running away from ourselves we either fall on our neighbor's shoulder or fly at his throat." It's much better to pick something to occupy ourselves with than to become miserable and have nothing better to do than visit that misery upon others.
This book seems to me a lot like Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces, but identifying universal aspects of setting and achieving large life goals instead of universal aspects of stories. And much more readable rather than stultifying.
Guillebeau has advice about why people often give up on their goals, and thankfully lots and lots of interesting stories about his own pursuit as well as interesting life goals of other people he has interviewed. I think that saves the book. The advice is solid and would be helpful if one was picking and working on their own life goal. I do, in fact, have at least one life goal (eat the meat of as many different animals as possible), but it has not become an obsession. Yet.
The author's overarching point is that having a significant life goal that requires focus, dedication, and sacrifice can actually make one happier. As humans, we are miserable when bored. It reminds me of a quote from Erich Hoffer in The True Believer: "In running away from ourselves we either fall on our neighbor's shoulder or fly at his throat." It's much better to pick something to occupy ourselves with than to become miserable and have nothing better to do than visit that misery upon others.
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