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Primitive: Tapping the Primal Drive That Powers the World's Most Successful People
"Marco Greenberg's Primitive captures insights and advice that everyone can use to thrive in the constantly evolving workplace."--Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of When, Drive and To Sell Is Human
As a close advisor to visionary startup founders and established CEOs, Marco Greenberg discovered something about the most successful people he knew: They had remarkable instincts, and they trusted them. They had an intuitive grasp of when to ignore convention. No matter how sophisticated, they could access something else--something primitive.
It's a loaded term. But as Greenberg dug deeper, he saw a mindset that helped certain people to overcome challenges that stopped others cold. From a former roadie for the rap group N.W.A to a rock-star brain surgeon, from young tech billionaires to a top-ten college football coach, Greenberg demonstrates how a range of successful people--those he calls "primitives"--ignore what they "should" do and instead tap a primal drive to power ahead. At a moment when old institutions are being swept away, we can't afford to play by the same civilized rule book. Primitive helps us understand how some of our deepest, inborn traits are essential to navigating this world of dizzying change.
The key is to go ROAMING: to be Relentless in pursuing our biggest goals; to have the courage to be Oppositional; and to choose an Agnostic approach rather than specialize. To adopt a Messianic spirit, so your work becomes not just a job but a true calling; to embrace the advantages of being Insecure; and to reap the benefits of sometimes acting a little Nuts; and finally, to realize that being Gallant and noble in following one's passions delivers the ultimate rewards.
At any stage of your career, making primitive moves can be the key to success in work and in life.
As a close advisor to visionary startup founders and established CEOs, Marco Greenberg discovered something about the most successful people he knew: They had remarkable instincts, and they trusted them. They had an intuitive grasp of when to ignore convention. No matter how sophisticated, they could access something else--something primitive.
It's a loaded term. But as Greenberg dug deeper, he saw a mindset that helped certain people to overcome challenges that stopped others cold. From a former roadie for the rap group N.W.A to a rock-star brain surgeon, from young tech billionaires to a top-ten college football coach, Greenberg demonstrates how a range of successful people--those he calls "primitives"--ignore what they "should" do and instead tap a primal drive to power ahead. At a moment when old institutions are being swept away, we can't afford to play by the same civilized rule book. Primitive helps us understand how some of our deepest, inborn traits are essential to navigating this world of dizzying change.
The key is to go ROAMING: to be Relentless in pursuing our biggest goals; to have the courage to be Oppositional; and to choose an Agnostic approach rather than specialize. To adopt a Messianic spirit, so your work becomes not just a job but a true calling; to embrace the advantages of being Insecure; and to reap the benefits of sometimes acting a little Nuts; and finally, to realize that being Gallant and noble in following one's passions delivers the ultimate rewards.
At any stage of your career, making primitive moves can be the key to success in work and in life.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2020
12 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 8, 2023
Embracing the Primitive Mindset: A Review of the Book "Primitive"
In the book "Primitive," the author challenges conventional notions of success and encourages readers to adopt a more primitive mindset that focuses on personal fulfillment and making a lasting impact on the world and others. By examining the key ideas presented in the book, we can explore the transformative power of embracing a more primal approach to life and work.
One of the central themes of "Primitive" is the importance of reconnecting with our childlike sense of curiosity and playfulness. The author suggests that by engaging in activities that bring us joy and allow us to connect with like-minded individuals, we can break free from professional ruts and revitalize our lives. Playing around with people we enjoy being around becomes a way to exercise our childlike spirit and escape the monotony of everyday life.
The book also emphasizes the concept of following one's bliss and the idea that by pursuing our passions, we can open doors that were previously closed to us. It encourages readers to consider alternative paths and careers, even if they have spent years mastering a particular occupation. By taking frequent breaks to reassess our situation, we can explore different lanes and make daring career transitions, never being afraid to sprint toward something new.
Another thought-provoking idea in "Primitive" is the notion that debate and criticism are catalysts for generating imaginative ideas. The author suggests that constraints and barriers can be seen as opportunities for creativity. By challenging ourselves to think beyond limitations, we can develop truly innovative solutions and discover unexplored territories.
The book also explores the concept of the agnostic primitive, individuals who constantly seek new uses for their existing knowledge and skills. They are not afraid to quit situations that no longer fulfill them and pivot towards new opportunities. Quitting, in this context, is not giving up but rather making a conscious decision to move towards something more fulfilling. By staying agile and adaptable, agnostic primitives accumulate a diverse set of skills that may lie dormant for years but can find surprising and exciting uses later in life.
"Primitive" highlights the dangers of remaining too comfortable within our own specialization or organization. Civilized individuals who stay in the same specialty or organization for an extended period may lose touch with the outside world and fail to adapt to new developments. The book encourages readers to actively craft their jobs and find pleasure in their existing roles by connecting with the value of their work.
Moreover, "Primitive" calls for a shift in perspective, urging individuals to consider how they can help others along their journey. Whether it is a struggling coworker, a recent immigrant, or a depressed friend, the book reminds us of the importance of extending a helping hand whenever possible. It suggests that true fulfillment lies not only in personal achievement but also in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
In conclusion, "Primitive" offers a thought-provoking perspective on success, career, and personal fulfillment. By embracing a primitive mindset, characterized by curiosity, adaptability, and a focus on helping others, individuals can break free from professional ruts, discover new paths, and leave a lasting impact. The book challenges readers to reassess their careers, embrace uncertainty, and pursue their passions with unwavering dedication. Through its engaging ideas and practical suggestions, "Primitive" inspires readers to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life
In the book "Primitive," the author challenges conventional notions of success and encourages readers to adopt a more primitive mindset that focuses on personal fulfillment and making a lasting impact on the world and others. By examining the key ideas presented in the book, we can explore the transformative power of embracing a more primal approach to life and work.
One of the central themes of "Primitive" is the importance of reconnecting with our childlike sense of curiosity and playfulness. The author suggests that by engaging in activities that bring us joy and allow us to connect with like-minded individuals, we can break free from professional ruts and revitalize our lives. Playing around with people we enjoy being around becomes a way to exercise our childlike spirit and escape the monotony of everyday life.
The book also emphasizes the concept of following one's bliss and the idea that by pursuing our passions, we can open doors that were previously closed to us. It encourages readers to consider alternative paths and careers, even if they have spent years mastering a particular occupation. By taking frequent breaks to reassess our situation, we can explore different lanes and make daring career transitions, never being afraid to sprint toward something new.
Another thought-provoking idea in "Primitive" is the notion that debate and criticism are catalysts for generating imaginative ideas. The author suggests that constraints and barriers can be seen as opportunities for creativity. By challenging ourselves to think beyond limitations, we can develop truly innovative solutions and discover unexplored territories.
The book also explores the concept of the agnostic primitive, individuals who constantly seek new uses for their existing knowledge and skills. They are not afraid to quit situations that no longer fulfill them and pivot towards new opportunities. Quitting, in this context, is not giving up but rather making a conscious decision to move towards something more fulfilling. By staying agile and adaptable, agnostic primitives accumulate a diverse set of skills that may lie dormant for years but can find surprising and exciting uses later in life.
"Primitive" highlights the dangers of remaining too comfortable within our own specialization or organization. Civilized individuals who stay in the same specialty or organization for an extended period may lose touch with the outside world and fail to adapt to new developments. The book encourages readers to actively craft their jobs and find pleasure in their existing roles by connecting with the value of their work.
Moreover, "Primitive" calls for a shift in perspective, urging individuals to consider how they can help others along their journey. Whether it is a struggling coworker, a recent immigrant, or a depressed friend, the book reminds us of the importance of extending a helping hand whenever possible. It suggests that true fulfillment lies not only in personal achievement but also in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
In conclusion, "Primitive" offers a thought-provoking perspective on success, career, and personal fulfillment. By embracing a primitive mindset, characterized by curiosity, adaptability, and a focus on helping others, individuals can break free from professional ruts, discover new paths, and leave a lasting impact. The book challenges readers to reassess their careers, embrace uncertainty, and pursue their passions with unwavering dedication. Through its engaging ideas and practical suggestions, "Primitive" inspires readers to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life
June 7, 2022
As my usual purview is in literary fiction, Greenberg’s book was outside my regular scope. Additionally, I tend not to enjoy business books. In this case, however, I was presently surprised. Greenberg’s narrative style, word choice, and pacing are impressive without being hard to read. His writing is concise but pleasing.
I was worried at the start that the “Primitive” mindset might come across as overly aggressive or even harmfully patriarchal, but I was quickly proven wrong. Greenberg’s advice and anecdotes employ diverse pronoun-use, characters, and approaches. He even addresses the complexity some of these approaches might face when issues of gender and race play a role in a given corporate environment. His treatment is balanced and fair, allowing for nuances that shouldn’t be overlooked when bringing up difficult realities.
Returning to the main message of the book, Greenberg switches between no-nonsense advice and illuminating personal stories, with the result of a very educational read that is not boring in the least. I flew through the pages and felt that I was bettering myself as I did. This book has something for anyone looking to improve themselves, whether in business or personal capacities. Even literary folk like me have much to gain from Marco Greenberg’s “Primitive” insights.
I was worried at the start that the “Primitive” mindset might come across as overly aggressive or even harmfully patriarchal, but I was quickly proven wrong. Greenberg’s advice and anecdotes employ diverse pronoun-use, characters, and approaches. He even addresses the complexity some of these approaches might face when issues of gender and race play a role in a given corporate environment. His treatment is balanced and fair, allowing for nuances that shouldn’t be overlooked when bringing up difficult realities.
Returning to the main message of the book, Greenberg switches between no-nonsense advice and illuminating personal stories, with the result of a very educational read that is not boring in the least. I flew through the pages and felt that I was bettering myself as I did. This book has something for anyone looking to improve themselves, whether in business or personal capacities. Even literary folk like me have much to gain from Marco Greenberg’s “Primitive” insights.
August 27, 2022
Primitive is a thought provoking and entertaining book that describes in the right amount of detail multiple ways to be more successful in your career and life. What I loved about this book was that Marco didn’t tout that there is only one way. Instead he shares multiple paths to success with entertaining antidotes and thought provoking questions while conveying his own vulnerabilities from his life and career. Often business books use the same well known research and antidotes to prove their points. There are some of those in this book; however, there are many that I hadn’t read before.
I also love that he didn’t feel the need to pad the book to reach some arbitrary page total. I was never bored and I will be returning to my notes often to reflect and apply them to my work.
I also love that he didn’t feel the need to pad the book to reach some arbitrary page total. I was never bored and I will be returning to my notes often to reflect and apply them to my work.
September 23, 2022
The book highlights the organizational need for some team members to be "Primal"; relentless, oppositional, agnostic, messianic, insecure, nuts, and gallant (ROAMING). People with this profile are balanced with civilized people that are HOMING; Hierarchical, occupational, measured, insulated, nonconfrontational, and grounded.
February 18, 2023
Interesting read for those wanting to understand how those that have high levels of success think and put themselves into a goal or their work. The examples used showcase different methods, strategies, and lifestyles that can have enormous success. Helpful to reimagine your own perspective and strategies for success - personally and professionally.
August 4, 2020
I really loved reading this book, and I am not a 'business book' person. I think because the structure was more a compilation of short stories, that really appealed to me. I also LOVED how Marco used she/her pronouns when describing hypotheticals, this was such a delightful breath of fresh air, something you rarely see in text, especially business books. Highly recommend, especially during 2020 when we're all having a bit of a reflective, existential, moment.
January 14, 2025
Life changing, explains a lot about successful people. It read like a normie self help book and there was a lot of fluff in it, but I suppose that’s the point of this type of book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews