**spoiler alert** In this review, I鈥檇 like to focus on the takeaways. While the categories of these takeaways might seem generic, the way Elon Musk ap**spoiler alert** In this review, I鈥檇 like to focus on the takeaways. While the categories of these takeaways might seem generic, the way Elon Musk applies them is far from it.
1. Leading with a Vision:
Three aspects stand out prominently: A. Musk鈥檚 unwavering commitment to a long-term, future-centric vision, far beyond the typical 3-5 year scope. B. His skill in tying everyday directives to this grand vision. At SpaceX, for instance, he consistently links directives to the overarching goal of making humans a multi-planetary species. C. The frequent repetition of this long-term vision, almost like a mantra in all arguments and discussions.
2. Audacity in Knowing and Challenging Details:
Contrary to most leaders who focus on 鈥榖ig topics鈥�, Elon dives into the nitty-gritty. His immersion in details enables him to challenge institutional policies and misconceptions effectively. A striking example is during his Twitter days, when he was told server migration would take six months. Unconvinced, he personally visited the server warehouse, armed with nothing but a pocket knife, and challenged each 鈥榣ogistical鈥� issue. This hands-on approach led to the migration of approximately 2,500 servers in just 10 days, saving immense time and resources. He鈥檚 also known for his visits to factories, sleeping on the floor, and questioning processes firsthand.
3. Fail Fast:
This concept, while now common wisdom, was applied by Elon to almost impossible goals. Instead of shying away from the risk, he embraced it, allowing for 100 million dollar failures in pursuit of his vision. This audacious approach, backed by his detailed knowledge and relentless focus on his vision, has been a key factor in his success.
4. Simplify:
Isaacson highlights Musk鈥檚 practice of challenging every process. By asking his teams to strip everything down and only add back what鈥檚 absolutely necessary, Musk enforces a radical, efficiency-driven reevaluation. This approach, aiming for a mere 10% reinstatement, exemplifies his belief in constant evaluation and optimization.
鈥斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌�-
Unlike other biographies, where the pinnacle of the person of interest鈥檚 life has passed, Musk is just beginning. I would consider this book Part 1, and awaiting Part 2 a couple of decades from today....more
I enjoyed Anne's tone, side tracking, humor. The key word in the title is *some* instructions, so don't attempt to read this book if you expect to reaI enjoyed Anne's tone, side tracking, humor. The key word in the title is *some* instructions, so don't attempt to read this book if you expect to read a fully fledged 'how-to' book on writing....more
I am doing some research for a fantasy book I'm writing; and I stumbled on this letter. Specifically, I found it while searching for an explanation foI am doing some research for a fantasy book I'm writing; and I stumbled on this letter. Specifically, I found it while searching for an explanation for LOST's episode 15 of season 6 "Beyond the Sea".
This piece is very insightful, showing the creative process in which the epic LOST story, mythology, and narrative came to be.
Other than being insightful, it was very entertaining to read about what was happening behind the scenes....more
This biography touches on all aspects of Einstein's life. Personal, scientific, political, philosophical, you name it and it is there.
It was very intThis biography touches on all aspects of Einstein's life. Personal, scientific, political, philosophical, you name it and it is there.
It was very interesting to learn that his approach to science stemmed from a deeper religious-like belief in "simplicity","beauty", and the absence of "randomness". The speculation that the presence of a deeper conviction, religious or otherwise, was one of the reasons of Einstein's revolutionary success in his field was a thought that I pondered a lot.
I was really surprised at the number of times he failed and got rejected. This guy doesn't quit and is relentless. Like a punching bag.
I believe there is a lot of lessons to learn from his life. There is certainly also a lot of interesting thoughts to think about too.
The book has major swings, with some chapters forcing me to laugh out loud in public places. Other chapters were so boring that I struggled to keep foThe book has major swings, with some chapters forcing me to laugh out loud in public places. Other chapters were so boring that I struggled to keep focus. Nevertheless, I don't regret reading the book. Tina Fey can be ridiculously funny when she puts her head into it.
Other comments: * Tina uses a lot of Hollywood references in her book. I personally am not an avid follower of E TV or other celebrity gossip/news sources. So I wasn't in a 'prime' position to appreciate some of the sections in the book * The book dedicates a solid portion to gay rights, which, personally wasn't the reason I bought the book for nor was it an area of interest. I guess her upbringing in a community that was exposed to such topics basically dictated that she write about it. So...I don't blame her, but it wasn't relevant to me. * Some other chapters were unfortunately pure bummers... especially towards the end. You can see that Tina wanted to just reach a page quota, especially in the chapter dedicated to respond to random fans/enemies.
I would give this book 6 stars if it were possible.
That sixth star doesn't go to the author. It goes to the late Steve jobs who's journey has been inI would give this book 6 stars if it were possible.
That sixth star doesn't go to the author. It goes to the late Steve jobs who's journey has been inspiring.
As Steve Jobs once said: "The reward is in the journey". I thank Jobs for allowing Walter Isaacson take us on this spectacle ride, which covers business, technology, inspiration, struggle, triumph, and almost any other touching emotion a human being can go through....more