The Icarus Deception

How High Will You Fly?

By: Seth Godin

Narrated by: Seth Godin

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

What are you afraid of?

The old rules: Play it safe. Stay in your comfort zone. Find an institution, a job, a set of rules to stick to. Keep your head down. Don't fly too close to the sun.

The new truth: It's better to be sorry than safe. You need to fly higher than ever.

In his bravest and most challenging book yet, Seth Godin shows how we can thrive in an economy that rewards art, not compliance. He explains why true innovators focus on trust, remarkability, leadership, and stories that spread. And he makes a passionate argument for why you should be treating your work as art.

Art is not a gene or a specific talent. It's an attitude, available to anyone who has a vision that others don't, and the guts to do something about it. Steve Jobs was an artist. So were Henry Ford and Martin Luther King, Jr. To work like an artist means investing in the things that scale: creativity, emotional labor, and grit. The path of the artist isn't for the faint of heart - but Godin shows why it's your only chance to stand up, stand out, and make a difference.

The time to seize new ground and work without a map is now. So what are you going to do?

©2012 Seth Godin (P)2012 Random House Audio

Flying with Fear

It makes me afraid yet also gives me hope that my ideas could change the world. Thank you for facing your fears and writing an amazing book.

Terrible Narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Buy the physical book not the Audible version because the narration is terrible.

If you’ve listened to books by Seth Godin before, how does this one compare?

Like so many books of the nature the author is beating the same idea to death over and over with each new book.

Seth Godin likes to narrate his own work but unfortunately he really does't have the voice for it which really distracts from the information he is attempting to communicate.

How could the performance have been better?

Someone needs to tell Seth Godin that he is not the best person to narrate his own books and then hire a better narrator.

My favorite since linchpin

Of all the books seth godin had written, linchpin and this book, icarus deception are the best. Similar message, but with a different emphasis.

Great Godin!

What made the experience of listening to The Icarus Deception the most enjoyable?

This is an instant classic by Seth Godin. I've been a huge fan ever since Tribes. This book will challenge you and make you think. Must listen!

expected much more

I enjoy all Seth books I have read. Expected more from this one. Is not a bad book, but not as Great, as the others.

I liked the concept that eveybody on every profession, has the option to be an artist and totally agree with the concept or idea... Maybe is just to harsh, bad or assumes thing that I didn't like, but I get the idea that is to engage you for the end.

Fly closer to the sun.

This is one of my most recommended (audio)book! The Icarus Deception is perfect for students who do not need permission to make a ruckus on the timeline of now.

Validation for Artists

If you could sum up The Icarus Deception in three words, what would they be?

Validating, unstructured, worthwhile

What aspect of Seth Godin’s performance would you have changed?

Seth's voice is calming and easy to listen to, but can border on a monotone. He rarely changes up his rhythm or presentational style.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Icarus Deception?

The Icarus Deception gives fantastic insight into the role of the artist in the connected economy, and helps to validate the work of creative entrepreneurs who are emerging. It's not new or original information, but it's concise.

His best book

Godin books are almost always good, and rarely great. This one is awesome. It's stuffed full of aphorisms, so if you're feeling skeptical you can pick it apart as idealism, but I loved it.

The only thing to complain about for me is how slowly he reads the book. I'm quite glad the app allows me to adjust the playback speed -- even at 2x speed, listening and comprehension felt natural.

Great message, way too long-winded

I liked the message, but it could have been delivered better as a 20 minute Ted Talk than a 7 hour-long book.

Works for me.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Icarus Deception to be better than the print version?

Can't say

What did you like best about this story?

It puts the spotlight on you

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Icarus Deception?

When you try to produce to someone else's view, you will slowly loose yourself in that quest.

Any additional comments?

One could say that it is the same old message and maybe it is, maybe this was the tipping point for me and my situation but it is a solid book for driving home some fundamental points on creativity.