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The Art of Non-Conformity

Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World

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The Art of Non-Conformity

By: Chris Guillebeau
Narrated by: Chris Guillebeau
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About this listen

A noncomformists guide to living life on your own terms from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Much like his popular online manifesto "A Brief Guide to World Domination," author Chris Guillebeau defies common assumptions about life and work while arming you with the tools to live authentically in The Art of Non-Conformity.

Inspired and guided by Chris's own story and those of others who have also pursued unconventional lives, you can devise your own plan for world domination--all while making it a better place.
Career Success Employment Personal Development Personal Success Career Inspiring

Critic reviews

"This is a direct, honest and truly scary book. I hope you have the guts to listen to what Chris has to say, and not become one of the monkeys he warns you about."
-Seth Godin, author of Linchpin

"Chris Guillebeau is the Indiana Jones of career experts."
-Gretchen Rubin author of The Happiness Project

"The Art of Non-Conformity is like a lightning bolt to the head. Read it and your brain will spark and sizzle."
- Neil Pasricha, author of The Book of Awesome

"The conventional world order has blown up, much to the relief of students, cubicle dwellers, artists and activists who knew there was a better way. This brilliant book will wake you up and inspire you as it guides you to create a new life on your own terms, earn a great living and positively impact your corner of the world."
-Pamela Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation

"Some people are content to report on others' success. Not Chris. He lives and breathes what others dare to dream, pushes the envelope of possibility, then shares his experiences, lessons, tools, ideas and strategies in a way that makes it all seem not just doable...but imperative. Go! Read this book now!"
- Jonathan Fields, author of Career Renegade

"Chris Guillebeau's delightfully rebellious book, The Art of Non- Conformity, teaches us how to live with gusto, on our own terms, and bring excitement into our lives. His encouraging and witty tone will inspire even the least courageous person to make bold steps. I love this book!"
-Barbara Sher, author of I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was

"Here's the way to find your own path, set your own rules and find your own purpose-and all with courage and grace, resilience and style."
-Michael Bungay Stanier, author of Do More Great Work

"Chris Guillebeau is an inspiration. Many people talk about living their dreams, and here's a young person who has actually done it- traveling around the world, giving back to the community, and getting paid to work on his own terms. The Art of Non-Conformity tackles the toughest problems associated with following your passion, and Chris supports the provided viewpoints with eye-opening statistics and anecdotes. He derives valuable life lessons from all of his experiences, and we have been privileged to go along for the ride."
-Alexandra Levit, author of New Job, New You

"Do not be surprised if you start noticing the guy next to you in the coffee shop or the woman seated across the aisle on your plane intently reading a battered copy of The Art of Non-Conformity. It's not just a book, after all, it's a beloved companion for those who know that life is an adventure worth exploring."
-Barbara J. Winter, author of Making a Living Without a Job
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed this book, plenty of food for thought! Narrated well by the author, I've just downloaded a 3rd book of his. Have a listen!

Inspiring listen

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The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss both explore themes of unconventional living, entrepreneurship, and personal freedom. However, they do so from distinctly different angles, offering unique insights and appeals to their readers.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss is a seminal work that challenges traditional notions of work and productivity. Ferriss’ approach is to create freedom so you can do whatever you want, whether that's traveling the world, mastering new skills, or simply enjoying life. He presents a toolkit for optimizing one's life, focusing on efficiency and automation to achieve personal and professional goals with minimal effort. His approach is grounded in practicality, providing actionable strategies to free up time and pursue passions. Ferriss empowers readers to use their newfound freedom in ways that resonate personally, whether that involves learning a new language or practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His tone, while occasionally provocative, aims to democratize his methods, making them accessible and adaptable to a broad audience.

In contrast, The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau leans heavily into the ethos of altruism and social impact. Guillebeau’s narrative is infused with a sense of mission, urging readers to not only seek personal freedom but to use it for the greater good. His approach often involves working tirelessly, sometimes over 100 hours a week, to achieve meaningful, charitable goals. This can sometimes come across as preachy, assuming a universal desire to 'give back' that may not resonate with all readers. Guillebeau’s audience seems to be those already inclined towards making a positive impact, which might limit the book's appeal to those who are primarily focused on personal gain.

While Ferriss’ work excels in demonstrating tools and mindsets for achieving efficiency and optimizing life, Guillebeau offers a deeper exploration of personal values, meaning, and community. Ferriss provides a broad array of applications for his principles, fostering a sense of empowerment and flexibility. On the other hand, Guillebeau’s work emphasizes starting small and building towards larger, altruistic goals, promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Ultimately, both books offer valuable insights into living unconventionally, but they cater to different motivations. Ferriss' The 4-Hour Workweek is ideal for those looking to maximize personal freedom and efficiency with a flexible, user-driven approach. Guillebeau’s The Art of Non-Conformity will resonate with readers who seek not only personal liberation but also a way to contribute positively to the world, even if it means working extremely hard. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of what it means to live a life less ordinary, each adding their unique flavor to the concept of non-conformity.

Choose your camp: Do you seek the freedom to explore and enjoy life on your terms, or are you driven by a desire to make a significant impact, no matter the effort required?

Great topic but this may not be the best example

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good

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This book Made me take 2 quests,
that's the way out the Matrix, anti-
statusquo!

Exit of the Matrix

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i don't give an F about every single life event of this author. i couldn't care less. The level of detail annoyed me so much, i just quit half through the audiobook. "i lived in West Africa and had an online business. We suddenly didn't have orders so I had to find another supplier. i went on to get 2 bachelor degrees. i got an A and two B-." there is so much filler crap stories in this book. I'm not purchasing any audiobook anymore unless it has 500+ reviews averaging a 4.8+ rating. i can't even remember the good and useful information it has. I'm done!

Story of his life

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