This is just one of the many praises listed on the back cover for Seth Godin's Linchpin. I can attest that this statement is absolutely true--- I'd add "Bible" in there somewhere as well.
I started reading Linchpin after listening to Seth's e-books and reading his blog daily. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
I'm so attached to this book however, I've only gotten halfway through so far. Almost every 5 pages, he says something so compelling that I get inspired and have to set the book down and create something new, change my resume, add to my blog, etc. He makes you want to become a better version of yourself. To realize your strengths and do something with them. I've become particularly obsessed with his theme of art throughout the book. He writes about how we are all (or can be) artists, in various different ways, that art is not restricted to paint, charcoal, and canvas.
"Art is anything that's creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator."
There are artists all around us, artists who work with numbers, business models, and customer conversations.
"Art is about intent and communication, not substances."
I suppose I have never thought about art in this way before. But it makes perfect sense. Art can be:
-an engagement or interaction with a person
-solving an interesting problem without a map, in a new way
-reimagining an opportunity
I'm really excited to think about the broader form of art. It's a relief and a freeing feeling as well. However, Seth also reassures us that in order to be truely remarkable, we have to exert emotional labor and work hard. It's a tough world and in order to stand out, we have to let our genius come out and lean forward in the race. If it isn't hard then it's not worth working for. And..."If it wasn't a mystery, it would be easy. If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth much."