The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?

Reading this was book was so exhilarating. It challenged me to push through fears and take some risks in my artwork. I've already got this book as a present for my brother. I've been telling everyone I know about it.

Great book that challenges us all to think beyond what we do and how we do it. To lift our gaze to again, think and dream about what might be possible. I've been challenge to create art.... That feels both strange and scary and yet possibly, the only way forward!

Industrialisation, cloned us to be servants climbing corporate ladder, this is no longer the way to success. Seth shifts our focus to Art doing something that inspires you. If you're looking for a new way to find meaning this may be the book for you!

Seth has perfectly captured the pulse of how our economy is evolving, and what it means for each of us.

I wouldn't say that he has written a book about how he thinks the world SHOULD be, but rather, a book on the way things are naturally changing and what it requires in order to be part of the first wave of the "connection economy".

Not everyone will care to be a part of this change - and that's ok. But if you are fascinated by art and human connection, if you feel discontent to live a life that feeds the machine and want to be challenged to think differently about your purpose in the world, this is the most important book you can read right now.

We all have fears and anxieties. To overcome my own I read, I write, I listen to other people speak, I learn. My ability to move forward arises when I do things to distract my mind from when it's not feeling all that confident and pumped up with excitement, this book is made for exactly those moments.

Seth's book lays a playground for the mind of those looking, not yet willing, to move forward and create the art they so desperately want to create. Everyone is familiar with the one part of the Icarus myth: fly too close to the sun and your wings may not be strong enough to take all the heat, hence you will hit the come down. However Godin makes us remember the forgotten part of that myth: Icarus was also warned not to fly too low as flying too low is even more dangerous, because it feels deceptively safe.

In this book Godin sends out a call for courage and art explaining both how to move forward and why it is so necessary in this modern time, when technology is fundamentally changing societal needs and the way we interact and produce goods and services.

Definitley a good read. The only drawback that (Kindle) readers may find is the fact that almost 20% of the book is spent in acknowledments (and a lot of self promotion) for those who supported the launching of the book. Nevertheless, Godin is swift and skilful enough in his writing that by the end of "his part of the book" you are good to go with plenty of motivation in your mind!

This is like a modern (includes tech) version of The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. I pick it up and read one or two little sections when I need inspiration- and it WORKS!! Thanks, Seth! You're insights are so helpful!!

This brilliant book ties it all together for we artists - All of us - absolutely no matter what your discipline. I turned right around and am reading it again with my teenager. Excellent - Read it! Do it!

Readers can always count on Seth Godin to provide a swift kick in the pants--to challenge the status quo, to take risks, to refuse to settle, and, certainly, to ship! In The Icarus Deception, Godin challenges the traditional definition of art and stereotypical perception of artists. He makes a compelling case for art resembling everything from writing a blog to unclogging a bathroom sink and challenges employees, regardless of vocation, to speak up and truly perform in their job roles rather than resigning themselves to keeping their heads down and following orders. As is par for Godin's course, this book is audacious and will likely ruffle some (Icarus) feathers. However, if readers are non-defensive and open-minded, they will at least be motivated and, if the timing's right, may just change their job titles to "artist."

Being an artist is an excellent way to address the changes in job requirements we can expect as we move from an industrial to an information age. Everyone needs to be insightful and creative. When I talk about some of the concepts from the book with friends, some suggest that Mr. Godin's suggestions are elitest. I argue the idea of creating art is an attitude and not a competition with a winner and loser (as Mr. Godin says in the book), so why not promote the idea of "thinking outside of the box" - it is something we do with our children.

"Art is the truly human act of creating something new that matters to another person. The only refuge left, the only safe path, is to be the one who makes art." (Seth Godin, taken from the book)

Drew Tewell, author of The Dream Job Program: Get the job you want.

Inspiring

Encouraging.

Simple.

Thought provoking.

Those are the words that best describe this book. It's my view that the author's point was made about half way through, but, repetition drives home the point.

Was a great choice for my summer reading list and is a great book to read anytime.

I endorse the concepts in this book and recommend you read this book.

The Icarus Deception... I originally rec'd a preview as a result of supporting it in Kickstarter. What a deal! After reading only the forward and first chapter I was hooked. As always, Seth Godin has dozens of one-liners that will individually set your brain on fire. In its entirety, it will provoke.... and for many of you it will create CELEBRATION. Someone has written what you've known all along - the fence is gone. To everyone with a dream, to each of you that is an artist-in-hiding, grab this book and savor every word. Then - GO!

Seth explains how playing it safe -- being a cog and "fitting in" -- isn't actually less safe by the day. But there is hope. You have something special to contribute: your art. This book will motivate you so search your heart for what that is and how to bring it to the people who value it.

Where Eagles Dare is a movie/action film dated 1968 and has nothing to do with Icarus, his father (Daedalus), Greek mythology or else. Or does it?
Reviews are helpful. Earned media is the most trusted media between the paid, owened, earned media trilogy. For sure (am I taking chances, here?), in the socially interconnected globe we live in, there are people that do not know Seth's writings. Fact is that, the only recommendation I could give to a suspicious "wanna-check-out-if-this-book-is-worth-reading" is the following: give it a try.
Read it. Understand it. Make it yours.
Yes. It is worth.
Dare to fly high. Dare to fly. Where Eagles Dare.

Seth Godin's books used to inspire me. The Icarus Deception says everything it needs (and knows) to say in the first 20 pages. After that it's just embellishment. I still enjoy reading Seth's blog and I often quote him when talking about Permission Marketing, Purple Cows and Linchpins. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to quote from The Icarus Deception.

Absolutely loved it. The book helps people understand that what we do shouldn't be just for money. The art we produce is satisfying because it is something we have created. There is no greater feeling than to create something and see it finished and know that what you've created is great.

Is a great book, full of inspiring ideas and very well written. Every page is full of knowledge. After you read the book you could not remain indifference about the end of the industrial economy. It's time to be brave, to fight the statu quo and show our art.

The Icarus Deception delves deep into the human psyche and asks questions everyone faces at sometime in their lives - why am I here and what's stopping me from stepping out into my true potential? Read it if you want to be challenged, inspired and motivated to have a big life for 'arts' sake...

In the Table of Contents Seth alludes to the idea he will encourage us to be vulnerable and get naked and then as all great leaders are able he gives us an example by stripping down and dancing for us. This book might not work for you but it will absolutely get you thinking with a different frame of reference we all too often don't allow ourselves. This is a very important book, it just may take a few years before most people realize how important it is. I definitely suggest you read it and get a head start on understanding why it is so important that we act differently in our pursuit of success.

Reading this book is the perfect way to start the new year.

The world we live in has changed. Dramatically. Most of us have been too busy to notice. The once "comfortable" life - the safe 9 to 5 job no longer exist. To succeed in this new world you have to abandon everything that worked in the old one. Unsettling, to say the least. But once again, Seth lights the way.

I couldn't put this book down and my guess is If you have been wanting to strike out on your own, to make your own "art", but have lacked the confidence to do so, this book just might be the catalyst you need.

Sometimes you need a push off the high dive!

In his inimitable style Seth Godin writes another winner. Easy to read and logical packed full of great advice. His advice will help advance you with your career or find a new one, perhaps one you are passionate about. This is a must read and, more importantly, a must do.

If you attended UW-Madison during the late 1970s, as I did, you probably remember Art Nesson, the beer-soaked, bucket-toting State Street leviathan, more commonly known as "Art the Window Washer."

Holding a squeegee like a straight-edge razor, the intimidating Nesson would stand in front of local shops until proprietors would pay him to make their storefronts sparkle--or just to stop scaring customers away. "What Is Art?" queried the front of a popular Madtown t-shirt. The back: "Art Is A Window Washer."

Seth Godin's new book--I bought an advance copy via his Kickstarter Project--makes much the same point: Art is a window washer, and a baker, and a lawyer, and a cowboy and a steeplejack. That's because art and work have become synonymous in "the connected economy." We're all artists now, measured by the ideas we "create," not by the widgets we "manufacture."

While that may sound liberating, the opposite is strangely true. The blank sheet of paper is every bit as terrifying as Art Nesson was standing outside of the Triangle Market. Godin's book, which I recommend, urges readers to conquer those fears, burst out of their comfort zones and "fly closer to the sun." I can't think of more valuable resolutions on this New Year's Eve--whether you're trying to break out of a rut or break through as the next Steve Jobs.

Years ago, a friend turned me on to "The Dip" (also written by Godin), which inspired me to go back to school--a petrifying prospect at the time. But that decision has opened many new doors for me, including the opportunity to teach at a major university. "Icarus" reminded me that I have to keep reinventing myself, no matter how scary that is. As Godin writes in his new book, we need to embrace "the pain of possibility, vulnerability, and risk. Once you stop feeling it, you've lost your best chance to make a difference."

Whatever your art is, make it matter. Ars longa, vita brevis.

Excellent, probably the book that has connected with me most in the past 24 months. Highly recommend reading it if you're thinking about whether you have a craft to give. The whole lizard brain thing is fascinating and helped me understand why myself and others have a tendency to doubt capabilities.

There are within this book some great action steps, some out and out demands and some subtle suggestions to uncover your art - to find it every day...my favourite quote comes right after the one from the founder of the Acumen Fund...enjoy this read

The Icarus Deception should be required reading for every high school student before they decide what major they choose for college or what career path they select as they enter society. Godin offers an excellent view of the real world and today's market place.

Ok, so I was a backer for this mighty Kickstarter of Seth's and paid for 8 copies that I am going to gift to others who need a kickstart of their own. Having been a long time fan of Seth's work, The Icarus Deception builds on from his previous work in asking you to deliver your best work, whatever that is.

I was distracted throughout the book asking myself "Is what I do Art?", "Do other's see my work as Art?", "Is my Art good enough?" so my reading was broken up with a lot of staring out at the middle distance with a furrowed brow. It was not a smooth, pain free read but I really appreciated Seth's prompts to get deep and dirty with what your Art is. This is a book that asks you questions and wants you to deliver answers so if you are looking for a all-rainbows-and-fluffy-bunny read and glib platitudes designed to keep you playing nice, move right along.

What I would suggest if you are hung up on the word "Art" that is used in the book to frame Seth's idea of producing your best work and if you are questioning even if you are capable of art, read the case studies at the end of the book first. I have my own business in a creative field and even I was feeling challenged by the word "Art". When I hear that, I think immediately of painting, my initial experience of "Art" when I was 4. So if you are getting all jammed up with the "No, No, I can't do art, I am not artistic", flip to the rear of book, see how Seth showcases others as expressing their "Art" and then it will be all made clearer for you. The "Art" relates to bringing your best, being unique, approaching challenges creatively and with your own personal flair. And not falling in with the status quo.

Loved the book, happy flying.