I got this on the suggestion of Malcolm Ocean (http://malcolmocean.com/), and it is probably the most inspiring thing I have ever read. Marshall first describes the loneliness of greatness in such haunting terms that I was brought to tears, but stays determined that this is indeed a worthwhile cause. The rest of the book is fantastically good advice about how to do just that.

Yes, as other reviews have said, the editing is sloppy, and often times there is is extensive amounts of the same information entirely copied and pasted, but the information contained in this book more than makes up for it. Give it a try, and push through. You won't regret it. ( )

This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about making change and being successful. Personally, I think the whole star system is retarded. It's what I put in this little box that should matter.

Anyway, I rate based on the total package: content, formatting, and typos or errors within the book. Otherwise, this would have received 5 stars easily. There are typos throughout and in parts it feels unfocused and goes off on a tangent now and then. But I think it's the best three hours of reading I've spent all year. I've followed Marshall's blog for some time now and I admire his integrity and his principles. "Don't take shit" is only part of his message. This book contains a good deal more than that. For me there were a few quotes in Ikigai that really struck home. Actually, I've written them down in my big notebook of inspiration that I use to kick myself in the ass from time to time:

"Are your values set for life? If not, how to change them? No, my values are based on my experiences and my expected outcomes. If my expectations turn out to be false, I change." -- More people need to understand this.. Values are based on what you know. If what you know changes, shouldn't your values be adjusted accordingly? Me? I loathed the idea of self-publishing. I believed it was a shitty way to publish done by only desperate or lazy writers. While I still see a lot of lazy crap passed around, I've learned that self-publishing is simply another option in a drastically changing industry. It's a legitimate, valid way to publish when done properly.

And..."Sit for an hour each day in the morning before anything else in front of paper or a word processor. Either type, or sit and don't type, but don't do anything else. A book will come from this. Want to write a great book? Free yourself to write a bad book first." -- Sound advice and you know, I can tell you from experience, this works. I have that bad book sitting in a file box, safely away from readers' eyes. I'd have never continued to write if I hadn't got that atrocity out of the way.

I don't agree with everything Marshall says within the book, but I see merit and the intelligence behind every idea. For example, tracking every moment of my life every day and making note of how I spend every hour and every dollar is far too organized and taxing on my brain. BUT I know that this is an excellent way to budget, save and to increase productivity. It doesn't suit me right now, but I've filed away his tips for later, when I might be able to actually do it successfully.

For those of you who haven't heard of Sebastian Marshall, this isn't fiction and it's not your typical nonfiction book either.
Ikigai is a collection of essays written by Marshall and others that offer tips, motivation, encouragement and insight. I think anyone, in any profession and any situation will find something useful in Ikigai. Another bonus is that Sebastian is giving his share of profits to charity. Personally, I'll be keeping this book, referring to it from time to time when I need motivation or I need help strategizing (yes, people with goals need a strategy. I realize this now.) and as a reference. Marshall recommends several books and authors that offer a different point of view on life or that tell a fascinating history. Knowledge of any kind is always useful. Buy Ikigai and read it. Maybe you'll still be among the stupid when you're through, but there's a chance you'll no longer be one of the oblivious.
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The book is about greatness, successful and how to optimize yout effectiveness, career and passions. ( )

Phenomenal. Strategic, tactical and useful advice. Read if you want to brush up/develop your own personal philosophy and system of values by picking the brains of someone who has done just that. ( )