The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?

Seth Godin brings a new perspective to work, challenging each of us to see ourselves as artists instead of workers. At first, I was skeptical and thought that this may only apply to entrepreneurs and not to those of us who are employed by others, but the book came so highly recommended by several people that I gave it a chance - and I'm very glad I did.

As I finished the book, I immediately changed the way I look on work. When someone criticizes something I've produced, I don't get frustrated. I've given my work as a gift, and if I've given it, then I have no control over what the recipient does with it. Many an artist has been criticized and misunderstood because they are "ahead of their time".

As a worker, criticism reflects on me. As an artist, criticism reflects on the beholder of my work.

Thanks, Seth!

Validating, unstructured, worthwhile

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.

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.

Could have significantly condensed the key points, and supported it with more empirical and cross-sectional references. Too many self-derived conclusions, and the author was particularly hung up about the term "artiste".

The author's reading came across as 'preachy'; could have used a more enlivened reader.

No.

It had interesting ideas that could be further unpacked in a more objective manner. As it stands, the book became a personal pulpit for the author.

The narrator and the link of art/business...

Previous works of Goodin-enjoyable and applicable to business.

I have been reading other works, not listened to any before. This one was excellent and will lead me to seak out others for my commute.

The tale of Icarus.

At times the discussion of art in business does go on a bit long, but it is so worth the listen! The message hit home. Excellent book for anyone wanting to succeed.

Have you ever watched a movie when, after 20 minutes or so, you knew it is a waste of time, but you stick with it, just to figure out at the end that it hasnt become better? I had the same sensation with this book.

The main idea is that the "safty zone" of the industrial economy is not in the comfort zone anymore, as making a living is now harder than ever. Because we are living in a "connection economy" it is necessary that we create art, which makes art the new safty zone.

But this idea just makes for a series of maybe 3 blog posts, though this posts would have been worth your attention. The book however is just the main idea surrounded by endles bouts of the same in different words.

I just had the feeling that Mr. Godin is following the unwritten mantra of da intern guru that you need to get out a new book at least every 18 months or so in order to not fall out of the attention grid. And as a book is supposed to have a certain length, he had to fill it with something.

To be fair, there are a few good points, such as that when making art, do not fear to mess up with "the machine" (the still prevailing industrial economy) and that you should figure out who your audience is and ignore the rest as you cannot please everybody. Or: art is a process, not a goal. the goal isnt winning, it's playing. or: dance with the inner voice of fear.

Yet useful "how to information" is scarce and mostly self-evident and full of sentences like "when your art fails, make better art".

I dont want you to prevent you from reading this book, maybe it's just the right one for you, but in order to get 15 minutes of gems, you have to dig through seven hours of listening.

the performance is not sooo bad, but i have listened to so many audible books already that i have my preferances.

there is no character to be cut out.

I wished that in order to write his next book, Mr. Godin would listen to "Mastery" by Robert Greene, which is not a gem, but a crown juwel amongst all the books I have read so far. It goes so much more indepth as the Icarus Deception and is more inspiring more insightful and enchantingly well read.

This book slaps you in the face with a new reality. The 9 - 5 job is dead and we are all in a new frontier with the connected economy. We've been brainwashed by corporate America about what success should be and if we follow the rules, we will be adequately rewarded. I tried this for 14 years at my corporate America job and now that I'm embarking on my own and starting my own creative agency. This book has inspired to make more art and focus on relationships that are key to have in the connected economy.

Seth told me I was a fraud and how could I possibly think I would be successful starting my own business. It was precisely how I was feeling starting my own business! It was encouraging to hear that it's normal and it needs to be embraced for you to move forward instead of living in it's shadow.

His passion about his message.

It was not. This is a book to listen to on the treadmill and then digest what you heard over a couple of days

Seth Godin is a genius and knows how to read the tea leaves on the wall. Then he puts it together masterfully. Made me think quite a bit and if some portions do not apply to my life now, they did in the past and know I will benefit from his words in the future.

Yes... Hearing Seth read his own material adds the right tone and considerations for given aspects of the material.

This book kept me engaged the entire time. I looked forward to my 45 minute commute to and from work so I could listen to more. I believe totally in the foundation and premise of his position. There were great metaphors and stories to go along with each point. I will likely read this again. I also recommended to both my wife and my daughter.

As noted above, the right tone and inflection can make all the difference ein the world. I was particularly appreciative of his book and even more appreciative of him reading it to me. I really connected with the book, the stories, and the main concept he offered.

Yes

I absolutely loved this gem of a book. It came at the perfect time when I was contemplating scary work and waiting for someone to give me permission to do it. It's happening now and Seth's thinking was a major catalyst. Another recommendation is Seth's Startup Business School podcast (free) - also brilliant! I'm listening to it for a second time. You can find it in iTunes.

Its all great.

n/a

I really don't understand other reviews that complained about the speed of Seth's narration - I thought it was perfect?

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!