The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss - Latest Comments in The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Marc — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:08:56 -0000

Umm... yeah... I really disagree with that dudes definition of duty. That sophmoric, dimestore philosophy doesn't go far in the real world and I can't agree with it even in priniciple. Egoistic simplicity. A big part of ones duty is what other people expect of you. Being philosophically opposed to this makes you an asshole, philosophically of course. I'm not saying you have to sacrifice everything for everyone else, but within reason.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Jose Paul Martin — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:04:53 -0000

On the point of work, love and happiness... here's an interesting quote:

"One of the saddest things is that the only thing that a man can do for eight hours a day, day after day, is work. You can't eat eight hours a day nor drink for eight hours a day nor make love for eight hours—all you can do for eight hours is work. Which is the reason why man makes himself and everybody else so miserable and unhappy." —William Faulkner, interview in Writers at Work, 1958

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Sybir — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:12:54 -0000

Duty is...the balance of your soul. It is what you are commanded to do...not what others require you to do. It is not family based....it is not country based...it is personal.

It is what you hold sacred to you.

We all strive to appease and over achieve. Or, at least, some do. Duty demands that you hold sacred to your truths, no matter what the time or consequence.

And to those energy vampires, stuck in their own whirlwind of chaos and immediacy...take a moment, step back....

...and

just...

...breathe.

Thank you for the reminder.
Namaste.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Edward Shepherd — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:04:33 -0000

On the 'protecting time' subject:

Tim, I realized that you managed to pinpoint my problem with this blog - --
that most of what I have spent the last 40 years of my life doing ... was what was 'expected' of me. What 'others' expected but not what I wanted ...

I never decided to step outside of other's expectations simply because they were always 'high' ... and therefore must be correct. Right? Because anyone that chooses to improve themself will obviously have lofty goals and expectations.
And ... well ... I am successful in my own 'area' compared to most , but not compared to what I know I can accomplish.

Sorry I don' t have the skill or the time to edit this for a worthy description of what I am trying to say , but there was a need to thank you for your diligence and hard work ... in helping us ... those of us that are looking for a REAL life ... to achieve not just a lifestyle ... but rather , for those that dare take the chance - Life.

You have made a big difference in my thinking ... far more than any other author. I have managed to change the entire direction of my future based on your writings.

Thank you Tim

###

Thank you so much for this kind comment, Edward. I hope that my writings help in even some small way :)

All the best,

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Steve Noble — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:25:09 -0000

Well done Tim on topping the list! You blew them away! Shame I can't make tomorrow but drink a pint in London on my behalf to celebrate.

Steve

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Ves — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:56:38 -0000

Hi Tim,

I am Reading your book, about 200 pages are after me.

Now is 45 minutes after midnight on Sunday evening.

I just felt a strong urge to send you this message an thank you for a GREAT book.

You managed to get me going after time and time of being in between. And I mean truly got me rolling!!!

My on line project got a whole new energy level and power thanks to you.

I would love to have an opportunity to further talk to you and if you are ever are in Toronto, Canada, lunch would be on me. There are some fine restaurants here. :)

Again main thanks and hope to be in touch!

Warm regards, Wes!

###

Thank you, Wes! I'll let you know next time I'm in Toronto :) Good tango, I hear...

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Joseph — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:04:21 -0000

Ralph Ellison, on the main character in Invisible Man:

"The major flaw in the hero's character is his unquestioning willingness to do what is required of him by others as a way to success... you have to make your own decisions; you have to think for yourself... The hero's invisibility is not a matter of being seen, but a refusal to run the risk of his own humanity, which involves guilt."

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

thirtyplus — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:34:57 -0000

Hmmm. I think Tim Ferris For The Win :)

I like some of the other choices (Salvadore Dali et all) but I really do think Tim is the best. He's achieved a lot in a very short period of time. Steve Jobs has had decades and a multimillion dollar marketing department (one of the best in the world, IMHO) to do the same thing.

Makes me wonder what Tim could do with a multi-million dollar marketing department ;D

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Charles — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:30:53 -0000

@Tim
Of course, I don't expect you to be a muse matchmaker, and I hope that no one else does. If you were to figure out and disclose an ideal one-size-fits-all muse, it wouldn't last long as it would quickly become a flooded market.

How about sharing some of the successes that your readers have had with their muses? Then other folks can comment about what has worked--or not worked--for them and kick around some ideas.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughtful reply. I do appreciate the forums you provide--including this one.

Have a blast in the "Motherland". I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Jose Castro-Frenzel — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:06:53 -0000

Great Answer on the Muse Question, I must admit I had similar questions. Oh what I did want to ask was did you manage to find somewhere to stay in Beijing? I have been stumped on this. BTW, 2012 Olympics are going to be in London. If you want to stay there when the time arrives let me know, my cousins and aunt live there. I will be there for a month at that time. Anyhow, thanks for your time.

The Nicaragua Guy from Dallas,

Jose Castro-Frenzel

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Dalia Anderson — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:44:20 -0000

So, I voted for you in the wired poll of self promoters, because you asked to. Otherwise I would vote for Richard Brandson instead, but he did not care to ask.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

J. Colin — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:43:57 -0000

You got a couple votes out of me.....I think you might be a winner, although Jesus was one hell of a self-promoter his book might be a bit more behind the times.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Cheryl — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:25:07 -0000

This is funny, my friend and I were just talking about this today. I work in IT and it seems like men are natural self-promoters and women, well, we just do the work and the men take credit for it. And I know that's not always true, but...

Anyway, I went and voted. There was a Tim Ferriss and there was a Timothy Ferris. I gave you both up arrows, assuming you're both the same guy. Talk about self promoters!

Have fun,
Cheryl

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

timferriss — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:16:55 -0000

@Charles:

Thanks for the comment. I've considered writing a muse-related post on a number of occasions, but each time, I've come to the conclusion that I don't have much to add outside of what I wrote in the 4HWW. I really covered exactly what I know, and I don't want to just duplicate content on the blog, hence my suggestion about the forums.

Here is what I believe to be the crux of the issue: people use get hung up on choosing the muse, when they would recognize that you always need to make important decisions on incomplete information. Choose a few potential muses and start micro-testing. There is a very good chance that a few will not test well, but that's how you find the winner you can scale and roll out.

Designing a muse takes some effort, and because of the personal nature of automation, I cannot give most people the answer to: what muse should I choose? It requires some hard introspection, and any answer I might give cannot replace that.

I'll see what I can do, but these are still my general feelings. Most people want me to help them identify the one muse that will work without fail from the outset, and that's now how the world of testing works. Most fail, but the book teaches how to fail cheaply and quickly so you can find the successful tester sooner rather than later.

As for the US economy, I think it's a great time to look at selling to markets with stronger currencies. Why not test a UK-based Adwords campaign and double your profit per unit? Hmmm.... I think it's a great time to start something.

Hope that helps!

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Family Travel — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:55:31 -0000

thanks for the karma and rainbows!

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Jose Castro-Frenzel — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 02:25:55 -0000

Great Job Tim!!!

I submitted a vote in your favor. You have kicked ass and I am cheering you on amigo.

Have a kickass time and enjoy every second of it : )

Best

Jose Castro-Frenzel

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Juniper — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:58:09 -0000

Ahhh, saying "No" is so difficult for me. I am looking at this ridiculous pattern in my life right now. I have this idea that I can please all the people all the time-HA! My astrologer is helping me to bust this dead end. It is hard for me to acknowledge that not everyone is going to dig me (sad but true) so I might as well stay true to myself and stop trying to do the impossible. My hope is to truly embrace my authenticity and to find "my people".

If I don't own my power someone else will-yikes!

Much Love

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Charles — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:03:00 -0000

I was vote #1160 for Tim. FWIW, I had to scroll down within the iFrame to find Tim's listing with the 1000+ votes.

@Tim
I've read where you stated that muses are very personal and you direct people to the "automation" section of the forums. Would it kill ya to dedicate a blog post to muses? Perhaps you could put together a 'best of' from the forums for inspiration. I think that inspiration is what a lot of us are struggling with.

I own the book, and have access to the forums, but I am interested in seeing your blog visitors/fans have a crack at the subject. I don't believe I am being selfish, as I have read a number of comments asking for help with their muse(s).

Finally, I'm no chicken little, but all of the news about the poor economy in the U.S. will probably make people less likely to take chances with their livelihood.

###

Hi Charles,

Hope that helps!

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

armando espinosa — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:50:50 -0000

Mr Ferris,

I bought your book and now I have regrets the introduction was not so bad with this kind of title( it"s the best of the book) but it"s clear that did it only to win extra money. I want my money back could you do something about it? I'm an Mexican based in Paris France one advice never suggest about not traveling in specific country"s you closed the doors in all Latin America(exception of Argentina I understand why) and you are not wellcome in my beautiful country anymore.. (not make sense because you included one story about the mexican fishman in your book and in the end you suggested not travels to Mexico)..

Very sad Mexican reader

###

Dear Armando,

Thank you for your comment. I'm not exactly sure what you mean. I don't recommend that people go to Mexico City without being aware of the dangers, but I love Mexico as a whole. I'm sure your bookseller will gladly refund your money if you'd like, but please understand that perhaps they mistranslated my words in the book.

All the best y que le vaya bien,

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Seduction Chronicles — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:32:21 -0000

That whole voting things was kinda disorganized and weird, but I clicked you on a few of them.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Natasha — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:05:16 -0000

Hey Tim,

Just thought that you would like to know that I was in Borders (Auckland, New Zealand) and they had displays of your book by every counter. You're truly international baby!

Natasha from NZ

###

Sweeeeeet! Thanks, Natasha :)

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Heidi — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:20:32 -0000

I like, "Time is Your Total Capital." I felt that should have been in title case..I'm going to go vote, even though it is a termite nibbling away at the foundation of my life. :)

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Peadar Coyle — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:09:11 -0000

Completely what I needed to read before my finals.

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

chris — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:28:36 -0000

I need help finding products to sell that are around 200.00 range. I've been searching for the past week and feel paralyzed. I've looked through drop shippers, products from China (although I'm concerned about supply issues), and wholesalers. Can anyone help? I'm tempted to go through network marketing, yet its something I'm not really interested in unless I can talk to someone that's successful at it. HELP!

###

Dear Chris,

Some of the folks on the "automation" section of the forums should be able to help.

Best,

Tim

Re: The Lazarus Philosophy: The Danger of Expectations and The Beauty of Duty

Ravenwood — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:14:21 -0000

Good stuff. Didn't know you were a Heinlein fan. One of my pastimes is reading through all the quotes on Wikipedia and reveling in how alien they would be to today's politicians. Naughty stuff :)

Oh, and I put up the interview with Aubrey de Grey, the life extension guy. Quite interesting.