Book Review: The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

Title        :  The Art of Non-Conformity

      (Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want & Change the World)    

Author   :   Chris  Guillebueau

ISBN      :   978-0-399-53610-6                                          

Price      :   Php659 (Powerbooks)

Release  :   September 2010

I bought the copy from Powerbooks in Robinson’s Manila – the store’s only copy which was, apparently, none-existing in their system when I asked the store clerk.  After several minutes of browsing through the shelves for some other interesting titles, I found it, unexpectedly.   I can’t help myself and had to show it to the store clerk whom I asked earlier.  She was apologetic but hey, no problem.  I have my fair share of working with crappy systems too  -- one of the reasons why I’m trying to find a copy of the book.

So, on with the book …

The flagship promotional line of the book goes something like:

“If you've ever thought, "There must be more to life than this," The Art of Non-Conformity is for you.”

I think no other description fits the book more than this line.   

The author made it clear, right from the very start, what his agenda in writing the book.  Personally, here’s my take on what he was trying to achieve -- that is, to help  his intended audience  (me, me and some other bunch of cubicle zombies) to at least get a head start on re-assessing how they are living their lives and take action to change it.

Here are some of the good and interesting points in the books.

•        Suggested exercise on writing down a “Perfect Day” – sort of hourly detailed schedule of your ideal day.  The goal is to give you an insight about yourself, what you enjoy doing, what you value in life and perhaps, identify what you want to accomplish in life.
•         Stories of real people who defied conventions.
•         Some of the author’s personal experiences while travelling all over the world.
•         Stop-Doing List (instead of the usual To-Do List)
•         The author’s take on formal education and the alternative.
•         Giving back to others, not out of guilt but out of gratitude for being born under better circumstances and having better options.
•         The author’s concept of “Legacy Work/Project”- … building something that will provide tremendous value to others and even outlast your own life.  He stressed how important it is to start on this as early as possible and not when we are close to hitting the dirt.

With fair enough warning from the author, the book is not for everyone.  For some, it may sound indulgent and frivolous.

For those that are fortunate enough, for those not unfairly burdened by financial obligations and needs, for those who have at least one shot at completely turning their lives around, for those who are living in quiet desperation, I would very much recommend this book.

My favorite line in the book:  “When faced with uncertainty about taking a leap of faith, take the leap.”

For more information about the author of the book and his works, click the link to his website located in the section: My Road Maps and Pit Stops.