The world has changed. Many haven't noticed yet, and are training kids based on the world that existed 50 some years ago.
The 4-Hour Workweek and the Rules of the New Rich
Tim Ferris noticed that the world had changed and he was living according to "rules" set before his birth, during the height of the Industrial Age. Realizing that reality was agreed upon, Tim set forth to create a new reality for himself. This new reality included world travel and learning new things such as martial arts and tango dancing. Not only did he put forth to learn these things, but to become a master.
Tim has learned to surf a world where everything is fast, and nothing is permanent, and still live life with gusto and integrity. It wasn't all so easy though. At the beginning of the book, Tim tells his story. He explains how he followed the subscribed path to building a business. The business was successful in that it was profitable, but it was killing him.
The 4-Hour Workweek Business Model
From there, Tim began to tease out what was really true about a successful business, and what was a should. One of his greatest discoveries was automation. That is, in this new era in which we live, so much of what we do can be automated or delegated to someone else.
Tim spends a very large chunk of the book discussing the fine details of automation. From the internet, to e-mail, and outsourcing, it's all covered. Tim also gives specific providers of automation and outsourcing so the reader can follow along in real life, step by step.
What's very nice about the book is that Tim also gives very specific information on how to create liberation within a 9-5 work situation. He outlines how to make one's workday so efficient and so productive that the worker is able to negotiate a more liberating work agreement. That is, work from home and working flexible hours, mini-retirements, etc.
The 4-Hour Workweek and the Spirit of Inspiration
Many people think this book is about the previous two paragraphs. Many think the book is a blueprint of how to build a set it and forget it business. But the real genius of the book is that it's about the reader. Who is the reader when not caged by the rules of agreed upon reality? What would be the ultimate go for it? He discusses the demons that will arise as one begins to break free.
The book is full of inspiration and humor, as well as very practical information. It's a quick read and a resource to return to. It's a blueprint for the new age which is already upon us. It should be required reading for Freshman English, high school and college. The book opens the door for a new world.
Ferris, Timothy. The 4-Hour Workweek, First Edition. New York: Crown Publishers, 2009.
Cassandra Truax - Cassandra might be considered a jack of all trades. Starting out with a BA in Spanish with a minor in Environmental Studies, she decided ...
