Four Hour Work Week with Timothy Ferriss

Although this is an outstanding book and presents an exciting concept, it may not be for everyone. Basically, the author discusses the value of work and time. There are numerous realistic and practical recommendations for managing time and commitments that can be applied to your life right now. These simple suggestions can turn into a considerable saving of time and an increase in productivity.

Without a doubt, there is a high level of excitement and encouragement in these pages. There is also a sense of urgency as the obvious point about life being short is brought home in a significant way. The principles of Thoreau are mentioned and applauded, showing how the author was influenced in his own mind. Like Thoreau, there is a call to minimalism, a getting back to basics to go steadily forward. This is all sound advice but isn't earth-shaking. However, put within the context of the rest of the book, these suggestions can make a big difference in a person's business outlook and chance of success.

The title is a bit misleading and doesn't seem to include the average blue-collar worker. This book is really for white-collar workers who want to escape their jobs but who already have some type of financial backing behind them. Even though the author's concepts and principles are easy to grasp, not all of them will be easy to implement.

Thinking outside the box is a must for any reader to appreciate this book. That's not a bad thing; it only tells you that these pages may not be practical for everyone. But there is a lot of really terrific stuff in here. The author has some genuine and exciting ideas about how to eliminate unproductive efforts from the workplace, thereby shortening the workweek. There are some excellent ways to define and achieve personal goals. Also, the reader will find some solid plans for starting a business. There are lists of resources to check out and that definitely increases the value of this book.

Outsourcing is a big strategy mentioned. Using overseas (and cheap) labor can free up the daily workings of a business while generating a steady profit. In theory, this is a good idea, but outsourcing is really counterproductive to our nation's economy. There is a feeling of getting ahead at whatever the cost and that idea might not sit well with most people. Also the idea of outsourcing, and paying other people a pittance, really undermines the principle of getting paid what you're worth. There seems to be an inconsistency here. It's like saying that it's fine to use cheap labor to get ahead, but what about those people who are doing the work at below cost? Is it because they haven't read this book yet and don't know they are being used as a stepping stone to someone else's success?

Overall, the book has a lot of insights and enthusiasm. Readers who are looking for motivation and a jumpstart can learn from these pages. As with any book, take what you can use and ignore the rest.