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Wage Slave Rebel Dispatch
Required Reading for the Rebellious
Note: All of these books and essays are completely free.
As a reader of WSR, you’ve probably recognized — consciously or subconsciously — the power of the written word to change your mindset and inflame your passions to the point that you can no longer ignore them or simply settle for what’s expected of you. That’s exactly what most people need. We, as a society, are indoctrinated with the nobleness inherent in “work” and “responsibility” and “self-discipline.” We are taught that there are things we hate that absolutely must be done, no matter our feelings about them. While this is true to an extent, I’d argue it’s a much lesser extent than we’ve been told. To base the foundation of your life on tolerating work you hate doing is ridiculous at best and pitiful at worst.
What is the primary means through which we adopt this nonsensical theory about life? They’re passed down from our parents and grandparents, from watching them work and remain miserable all their lives, from watching them miss out on life and from watching them talk about doing this or that and never taking one step toward it. We believe it because, no matter how little sense it makes, it’s all we know.
This is why the internet has become such a vital part of the lifestyle design, location independent, and digital nomad communities. It’s only by seeing the greatness lived out by others that we are able to see the potential greatness in ourselves and start working toward our dreams. What seemed an unrealistic exception to the rule 10 years ago now seems relatively easily accomplished thanks to the thousands of people sharing their stories and their freedom.
I would never have made my leap into freedom without having read the stories of other like-minded people with the same aspirations. If you want to break free, here are the essentials for getting a perspective on who you are and where you’re going, written by a collection of people who dared to challenge the status quo.
In Praise of Idleness
By Bertrand Russell
In this day and age of incessant emailing, texting, talking, working and doing (especially as it relates to the “American Dream”), it’s almost unthinkable that anyone has ever or would ever praise the virtues of self-examination, leisure and cool reflection. This essay does an excellent job of defending and promoting the benefits of living a lifestyle devoid of busywork.
(Click here to read In Praise of Idleness)
The Zero Hour Work Week
By Jonathan Mead
In this auto-biographical how-to book, Jonathan Mead tells you a little about his background and his journey from mediocrity to success. The entire point of this book is to teach you how to get paid for being yourself. In it, he also highlights the journeys of others, including their advice for the aspiring freelancer/entrepreneur/lifestyle designer.
(Click here to read The Zero Hour Work Week)
A Brief Guide to World Domination
By Chris Guillebeau
If you want to know how to change the world and do things that actually matter, A Brief Guide to World Domination is the manifesto for you. Within its pages Chris reveals “the clear alternative to being unremarkably average.” After reading this book and all the true stories from Randy Pausch, Leo Babauta, Kiva, etc., you’ll be more inspired than ever to start on your journey to living the life you want.
(Click here to read A Brief Guide to World Domination)
279 Days to Overnight Success
By Chris Guillebeau
At a time in my life when I had no idea what to do or where I was going, this manifesto helped pull me out of a 2 month slump and inspired me to launch Wage Slave Rebel. In it, Chris Guillebeau describes how he grew one of the most wildly successful blogs, established his brand and became a full-time writer in just 279 days and how his lessons can be applied to any project.
(Click here to read 279 Days to Overnight Success)
Do you know of any other free books or essays our community should be reading? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/guldfisken/ / CC BY 2.0
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Lots of good reading material right here. I just downloaded the Zero Hour Work Week yesterday and I'm hoping to dive into it today sometime.
And it's amazing how possible it really is to become independent. Sometimes I forget about this. We are all so close to making it, it just comes down to staying focused I think. Like for me… If I can set up 20 blogs per month, I'm free. That's it.
I'm rambling on now, but cool and useful post! Talk soon…
Just 20 a month? That's a pretty sweet deal. I'm really hoping you do a follow up post about your business.
I took i got them all but somehow I've missed In Praise of Idleness. Thanks for the link JD.
In Praise of Idleness has become, for me, an essential especially or all the wannabe outsourcers and the workaholic types.
Hey there Mr.
Great collection of links, I loved Jonothans 0 hour work week, just finished reading it this morning. I always love reading the stories of people who made it and achieved what I want to achieve!
Keep it coming
Diggy
I've noticed a pattern of these beautifully designed, well-written, horizontally laid out ebooks. Every one I've found has been an easy and important read. Zero Hour Work Week is no exception. It's a great resource, ESPECIALLY for those who have never heard of lifestyle design before.
Great reading material here. I haven't read the first two so thanks for sharing.
There isn't a day that goes by when I am not amazed how fantastic the internet is for bringing the world closer together. It is awesome to connect with you J.D.
Thanks, John. With you, too!
Hey JD -
Good list of resources. I actually downloaded both Chris' 279 Days and Jonathan's Zero Hour Work Week before I read this post but now I'm even more interested in what they have in store considering they are on your short list of recommended readings….
Paul
I've been trying to think of some more to include. I might add on to this list later on and stick it to the top of the site as a "Library" page. Just a collection of free, quality reading material.
I've read Chris' work is fantastic. I'll have to check the other downloads. Thanks for the list JD!
Chris' are by far my favorite. They have a special meaning for me as they were able to push me forward when nothing else could motivate me.
Awesome collection here, JD! I love that all of the links are free as well… clever idea
Chris G's manifestos were some of the first manuscripts that I read when entering the blogosphere. His attitude is something that I constantly look up to, and respect. I haven't yet been able to check out Jonathan Mead's latest… nor your first mention. But, I am downloading them and putting them in line to read!
Karen
In Praise of Idleness does a great job of explaining how the world out to be in relation to work. It's pretty old, but more relevant than ever especially since technology has started blurring the lines between work and home.
Chris' manifestos are awesome. I started with 279 Days and that is probably the only reason WSR exists.
GREAT list. Everything by Chris is good, and I just finished reading the Zero Hour Work Week and thought it added a lot of value. Thanks JD!
For being free, I was surprised ZHWW had such a great design and was completely copyleft. That will probably make it more and more ubiquitous within the lifestyle design community. We might have just read an instant classic for our niche.
JD – thanks for putting this together. I'll add a couple more that have helped me out.
Creative Time, by Mark McGuinness [how to optimize your time and free-up your day] link: http://wishful.fileburst.com/creativetime.pdf
Recession-Proof Graduate, by Charlie Hoehn [about self-marketing, working for free, and networking] link: http://charliehoehn.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/r…
Thanks, Alan. REALLY appreciate this comment. I'll check out both of these. Maybe I'll make Required Reading a monthly feature. These will help start next month's list.
Hey there JD,
"To base the foundation of your life on tolerating work you hate doing is ridiculous at best and pitiful at worst." WOW! I could not have said it better myself. This is a fantastic post and some great resources/food for thought. I am looking forward to checking out those links in more detail.
Thank you for sharing!
-Dena
Thanks, Dena. It's nice that things I write can resonate with people. I really appreciate it.
Really great list here. I'm a big fan of Chris' stuff, but I snagged the other 2 after reading this.
Chris only publishes quality. I almost hate him for it. His manifestos have probably been the most influential works in my life thus far.
Thank you sir for the great resources. Your truly and inspiration! Much appreciated for sure!
Thanks! I had actually visited Meandering Bohemian before and was deeply inspired by a quote that was published. Really wish I saved the page. I'm digging through the archives now. Thanks for stopping by!