The Icarus Deception

How High Will You Fly?

By: Seth Godin

Narrated by: Seth Godin

What are you afraid of?

The old rules: Play it safe. Stay in your comfort zone. Find an institution, a job, a set of rules to stick to. Keep your head down. Don't fly too close to the sun.

The new truth: It's better to be sorry than safe. You need to fly higher than ever.

In his bravest and most challenging book yet, Seth Godin shows how we can thrive in an economy that rewards art, not compliance. He explains why true innovators focus on trust, remarkability, leadership, and stories that spread. And he makes a passionate argument for why you should be treating your work as art.

Art is not a gene or a specific talent. It's an attitude, available to anyone who has a vision that others don't, and the guts to do something about it. Steve Jobs was an artist. So were Henry Ford and Martin Luther King, Jr. To work like an artist means investing in the things that scale: creativity, emotional labor, and grit. The path of the artist isn't for the faint of heart - but Godin shows why it's your only chance to stand up, stand out, and make a difference.

The time to seize new ground and work without a map is now. So what are you going to do?

©2012 Seth Godin (P)2012 Random House Audio

Get this book if you want your eyes opened.

I don’t think I’ve been disappointed in a Seth Godin book yet. I think this book should be required study for every high school student.

But if you want to live like a sheep and wonder always what life is about, then you’ll pass on this book.

Seth, if you’re reading this post… You could have your producer turn up the reading volume!

I absolutely loved this book .

I have listened to all of Seth's books and really love his work. not only the messages but his delivery and style make them very entertaining. he really does make great art.

The Life Creative

A good meditation on the shift of paradigm the world is going through. Sort of a Hot, Flat, and Crowded from the perspective of creativity. Of course, those who are most creative have always pushed the edge of change in every field, Godin joins the chorus of voices pointing out that that is one of the most valuable qualities to have in the information age and throws down the gauntlet for the life creative.

Masterclass in Courage for Creators

Seth is the new daily tape in my head encouraging me as I flap my wings for take off and flight. Steady - brilliant - perspectives that run with me to bust through the fear and excuses that hold creators back. Thank you Seth!! I also read The Practice by Seth ... so empowering .. deep gratitude to him for putting his art out into the world... for me! ;)

“Fly closer to the Sun”

“The Icarus Deception” by Seth Godin challenges the conventional wisdom of the myth of Icarus, urging readers to reconsider the lessons it imparts. Godin argues that while Icarus was warned not to fly too close to the sun, the part about not flying too low is often overlooked. The book encourages readers to take risks and “fly closer to the sun” by embracing their creativity and individuality, instead of conforming to societal norms that prioritize safety and mediocrity.

Listened 3 times.

It's totally unique. A prod to create a ruckus. Not for cynics. Not for optimists. For realists. For leaders. If it resonates, take it, if it doesn't, try something else. There are enough books out there. For me, this is the Bible. For you, it might be something else.

A 6-hour sermon to say: "pick yourself"

Seth Godin is an inspirational writer but one of worst narrators I ever listened to. With a professional voice over and 50% shorter content this would be a fascinating audio book, but if you don't mind setting the speed to 1.5, it's still worth it.

Always a win

Seth Godin’s writings always inspire me to complete the things I’ve procrastinated doing based on fear and anxiety. I level up with every one of his books. This one is no different. Time to fly higher.

Seth doesnt disappoint

another inspiring listen. Similar themes to indispensible but still quite good. It also helps that he narrates this himself, you can hear the urgency in his voice at some key chapters of the book. Overall great.

Well put!

Narration was perfect, clear and it was broken down into manageable chapters to get the information.