The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I was so excited when I first began this book! I was writing down quotes as I listened to the audiobook (read by the author), energized by his super cool ideas about how we are in a post-industrial economy -- a connection economy. This all makes great sense to me. What doesn't make sense is Godin's new definition of art. It is stretched so thin that it becomes meaningless, in my opinion. Similarly stretched are his metaphors. When he tries to make "grit" a good thing from the artist's perspective, I follow along for a while -- sure, it is the rubbing against the way things are that leads to change and revolution and exciting art. But expanding that metaphor to cover everything and trying to make the grit in spinach seem like a good thing is a perfect example of a strange disconnect in this book. It seems like Godin's approach is all or nothing. You're a complete renegade or else you're a complete corporate tool. But what about technique? Once you find your art, shouldn't you work at it and hone it and get good at it, i.e., work the grit out of it? As I mentioned, it is the author himself reading the book, and he sounds angry! There was language that sounded to me like ranting and attacks against specific people, and normally I would think, well, I don't know this author's tone, so I can't really say for sure what his attitude is. But I can hear his voice! He is clearly perturbed and moves frequently between snarky and vicious. I found that draining to listen to rather than inspiring. This was my very first Seth Godin book, so I came from a neutral place. I don't have any pre-judgments about him. But now I have the judgment that this book is not crafted well. It is based on a fantastic and important idea, but the writing (and the reading if you get the audio edition)leave a lot to be desired. I did not finish this book. It was bringing me down! And that is such a shame because its premise really is wonderful. Those of you out there who are big fans of Godin, is there a different work you like better and would recommend? While he occasionally drifts off-topic and loses himself in metaphors--there's a digression about John Carter that seems to cut against his narrative and is factually bonkers--Seth Godin is on point so often that you have to stop and listen. Each one of his books is a kick in the pants, and I can only hope to create, ship, and collaborate as much as he urges here. And since he doesn't read reviews (or at least claims not to), I'll keep this short.
What do You think about The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? (2012)?
Terrific read: for anyone who'd rather pursue a passion than wait for instructions.
—reocarlos
Life altering in the support he ignites with his worldly thinking. Loved it!
—georgina
Not worth your time. Read The War Of Art by Pressfield instead.
—Grandmajo
