Extreme Lifehacking: How Timothy Ferriss Conquered TV and Horseback Archery
There’s a lot of buzz right now about the new TV show from Trial By Fire” … where Tim takes his famous extreme lifehacking and simplifying to the television screen.
I had a chance to talk with Tim Ferriss about the show recently, and it sounds pretty exciting. He takes topics — this first show is about how he learned horseback archery in Japan — that usually take years to learn, and tries to learn them in a short amount of time.
Tim has proven adept at this type of learning already with languages, martial arts, tango dancing, business, writing and selling a best-selling book, and blogging, among other things. He’s definitely got a knack for learning and tackling exciting challenges, and he serves as an inspiration for all of us.
“Trial By Fire” airs tonight (Thursday, Dec. 4) 11pm ET/PT on History Channel … check it out and help make the show a success! If it does well, he’ll be able to make more exciting stuff, so help him out if you can. I’d love to see the show continue. For more specific air times for the show, check out the History Channel’s schedule.
Check it out the preview here, and then read on for my interview with Tim:
Leo: Tell us about how and why you came up with the concept for this show. It seems right in line with your style of taking things to the extreme. :)
Tim: I’ve broken more than 30 bones and find great enjoyment in pushing the envelope. “How could I get paid for this and have some fun?” I recall thinking about two years ago. TV seemed a natural vehicle for documenting all the strange trouble I pursue, and the methods I use to deconstruct complex skills, whether language learning, tango, motorcycle racing, or — in this case — horseback archery in Japan. Sometimes it works with spectacular success, and other times I crash and burn. That’s all part of the fun and excitement.
Leo: What other topics do you have in store for us?
Tim: Everything depends on the viewership tonight at 11pm ET/PT on History Channel. Please Tivo as well if you can (some insist Tivo numbers are reported in addition)! If the “Trial by Fire” pilot rates well, it could become a fascinating series. Other ideas include: museum heists, scaling El Capitan after 48 hours training, setting landspeed records, free diving with Great White sharks in South Africa, big wave surfing, and much more. But one thing at a time: we need people to prove to History Channel that there’s a real demand for this type of content. Real drama based on deconstruction, skill hacking, and real stakes… not manufactured TV drama.
Leo: What’s your philosophy for learning something difficult in such a short time?
Tim: It’s not unlike some of the economic principles in The 4-Hour Workweek. Pareto’s 80/20 principle applies, for example — instead of focusing on language learning methods, it’s more effective to focus on high-frequency word lists and materials proven by diplomats. Material beats method, in other words. Second, don’t assume it’s difficult. People who specialize are paid to complicate things and make them seem difficult — if you can test their assumptions and field-test supposed best practices, you find out quickly that the unorthodox methods are often the most logical. The best in the world simplify complex subjects; the most common make the simple complex.
Leo: You mentioned that you have access to some of the best trainers/teachers in the world for this show … how can the average Joe put these methods into action without such experts?
Tim: First, I need to emphasize that it’s very possible to become world-class in many things. There is a science to becoming a Jack-of-all-trades in the most empowering sense. Look at Steve Jobs — he’s mastered the power of being a generalist who can synthesize.
Finding world-class performers who are willing to help you is not hard. It just depends on how much you fine-comb it. Getting the current most famous tennis coach in the world to give you tips might be hugely difficult, but don’t chase people who are on magazine covers. How about a world-class Olympian who never went pro? Someone who retired 15 years ago and became a semi-recluse, quietly producing the best college players in the US or perhaps a neglected Eastern European county? I’ve been seeking out this experts for more than a decade, since well before anyone knew who I was. If you are committed to learn and ask concise, specific questions, you’d be astounded by how generous even the best on the planet can be. This show will hopefully make that clear. The world truly can be your oyster… you just have to think big and ask for what you want.
Check out “Trial By Fire” tonight (Thursday, Dec. 4) 11pm ET/PT on History Channel.
- Spewed into the world on 4 December 2008 in Simplicity |
- Print |
- Awesome Archives
Brilliant comments (61)
Ryan McLean Says:
December 4th, 2008, 20:52 pm
This sounds like a great Tv show. Really cool idea and content. Kind of like a Man Vs Wild show when it is real people doing extraordinary things.
If I had the history channel I would watch it.
Jeff@MySuperChargedLife Says:
December 4th, 2008, 20:54 pm
I love how Tim lives life to the fullest! He is a continual learner that is always seeking to explore more of what life has to offer. I look forward to seeing Trial by Fire!
I agree with Tim’s comments above that the best in the world take the most complex things and make them simple. If you can do this, then you can make as much as you want.
Adam@PitelSPOT Says:
December 4th, 2008, 21:10 pm
Tim Ferriss spoke in my class at Princeton today (the day his show premieres!) Click my name for more info about the talk he gave.
kathy Says:
December 4th, 2008, 21:43 pm
“Think big and ask for what you want.” Words to live by. Even though my mom always told me that it never hurts to ask, I’m still learning to do this. Tim has shown us that it works in very big ways.
The Daily Minder Says:
December 4th, 2008, 21:46 pm
Interesting stuff. Be good to see how it goes. Tim is a clever boy.
TDM
A Dawn Says:
December 4th, 2008, 22:05 pm
I don’t watch TV and never heard of this program. Thanks for mentioning it. Sounds like it will be a good show to watch.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com
Steve Says:
December 4th, 2008, 22:11 pm
If the show is anything like the preview, it’ll rock! I’m sure this could draw in some fans of Suvivorman, Man Vs Wild like Ryan McLean mentioned, and similar shows.
Trevor Says:
December 4th, 2008, 22:45 pm
Wow. Looks like it’s definitely going to be an awesome show.
Timothy Ferriss is an awesome author and for him to do this is even more awesome!
Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:
December 4th, 2008, 23:00 pm
Looks pretty cool - I’ll have to tell my husband about him - he loves his stuff!
Goal Geek Says:
December 5th, 2008, 1:17 am
I thought “The 4-Hour Work Week” was awesome even though the title alone kept me from it for almost a year. It’s not remotely as shallow as I thought it would be. Ferriss’s “lifehacks” are very practical, but on top of that, his enthusiasm is contagious. Highly recommended.
FrugalNYC Says:
December 5th, 2008, 2:01 am
Did anyone catch the show? I read 4 hour work week, really enjoyed it and would not mind putting it to practice :). I may be a step closer since I read the book.
Hannes Says:
December 5th, 2008, 2:54 am
If there’s a demand for such content? Hello, I’m drooling here!
J.D. Meier Says:
December 5th, 2008, 3:39 am
Add wrestling Grizzly bears and I’ll have to watch. Then again playing shark bait on TV ranks up there too.
I’m a fan of seeking the best of the best and learning from the World’s masters famous or not. (stand on the shoulders of giants.)
There’s something extreme about extreme learning. Focused, consolidated learning from experts always seems to produce the best results in the shortest amount of time. I’ve seen it time and again.
Great interview and great lineup.
Michael | Go Success Now Says:
December 5th, 2008, 3:58 am
I believe many of us kind of envy Tim how he lives his life. No limits. That’s something. People are struggling to get what he does, but the society makes you think otherwise, get a job, get paid, then get you vacation and then you may actually travel like this and do what you like. Or sometimes you retire and try to do this, but you are to old already.
He is something like: I came, I conquered, let’s move on to the next task.
If we didn’t get the chance to see the show, is there anywhere else to see it?
James @ Organize IT Says:
December 5th, 2008, 5:05 am
This show looks really interesting, judging by the trailer. Hopefully I’ll be able to actually take something from it, rather than it just being a straight-up TV show. Anyone know if it’s coming to the UK?
Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:
December 5th, 2008, 5:16 am
I’ve read the book (bought it when it came out) and have listened to some of Tim’s speaking events and always enjoy his boldness and clarity of thought. Will definitely watch the show.
Sophia Says:
December 5th, 2008, 7:26 am
Ferriss states himself that this form of archery usually takes a life-time to learn. He might be passionate about learning the mechanics quickly but will he even get the smallest insight into what the archery has been about for centuries?
I think this quick-learning might be practical for some things but it will always be the short-cut. Missing-out on the learning and the process he will learn the “vocabulary” but not the culture and deep psychology that makes the archery so riveting and that might have drawn him to it in the first place. I´m sure he´ll learn to stay on the horse alright, but I also think he will be missing the soul of it.
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet Says:
December 5th, 2008, 7:29 am
Loving Timothy’s book!
Don’t have a TV, but perhaps someone will record it for me ;)
Johnny Says:
December 5th, 2008, 7:51 am
Extreme learning is an interesting idea. I agree that very focused learning can yield great results in a short period of time. I’ve seen it training martial arts. Several days of truly focused training can make people immensely better. But I can’t see going from total newbie to world class in a short period of time, unless there’s already a pre-existing natural aptitude.
Nonetheless, the show sounds like it’ll be great. I can’t wait to watch it.
Israel Says:
December 5th, 2008, 10:27 am
Watched the show, liked it. I hated the transitions and cheesy music but overall it was cool to see him complete the task.
Ili Says:
December 5th, 2008, 11:09 am
impressive on the one hand, but on the danger of sounding like a spoil-sport: is it really worthwhile to hasten + learn one thing after another, all on the pareto-maximum of 80%? I can’t judge on Japanese archery, but lets take language learning: memorizing a high-frequency-words list gives you a communicative skill, but not much else. certainly useful + nothing wrong with that, just like you can gulp down spaghetti with ketchup for functionally satisfying nutritional needs. however, you might also immerse yourself in a language, enjoy the delicacies of word origin, figures of speech, shades of meaning… just as you would enjoy the subtle and complex taste, the various ingredients and the texture of a really good spaghetti sauce. might be more sustainable than that constant thrill seeking?
Rosalie Says:
December 5th, 2008, 11:22 am
I’m in with Ili, whoever that is… just look at that array of “exciting challenges”: surfing, shark diving… if TV pays that guy for doing that, fine - but make him a hero to look up to? I somehow find it more inspiring if people learn one skill thoroughly and pass it on to underprivileged kids or do a maybe non-exciting but useful engineering job of developing eco-friendly business solutions…
Leo, I enjoy reading your blog for it’s down-to-earth attitude, but this is spoiled kid’s amusement - thumbs down!
Sam Page Says:
December 5th, 2008, 11:30 am
@ Rosalie: I have to agree. If I want to read about Tim Ferriss, I can go directly to the blog to get his (puffed up?) thoughts and meanderings (which is why I keep him in the mix of my RSS feeds).
But, Leo, I certainly don’t expect—nor do I want—that type of content here on Zen Habits.
dr aletta Says:
December 5th, 2008, 11:35 am
It’s a lot of fun watching Tim fall of the horse and thrilling to see him, after much persistence, achieve the mark. Isn’t that what we all do? In striving to be a good enough equestrian, mother, psychologist, wife… I am often struck that these pursuits have more in common than not. All challenge body and mind beyond the comfort zone and calls for balance of mindful focus with the long view and sound ego with humility.
Paul Says:
December 5th, 2008, 12:26 pm
Generally, I respect Tim for his work, but he pushes the limits of being a “gimmick” because I guarantee he spends more than 4 hours/week selling himself and his concepts. In that regard, he a sales guy like everyone else.
The Bold Life/Tess Says:
December 5th, 2008, 12:41 pm
This guy is amazing. 30 broken bones? Ouch. Tim makes me realize how much fun and adventure there is to life if we only make time for it!
My daughter works for an airline so I can travel free. I need to do more! Thanks for the inspiration!
Umbratikus Says:
December 5th, 2008, 13:39 pm
Working hard to earn that Swiss Army Bag, eh?
Scott @ Live Awesome Says:
December 5th, 2008, 13:43 pm
This looks like an extremely interesting show, and no doubt it will be a deviation from mainstream television (a good thing!) People like Tim show that things in the world are not always as hard as they seem and that it is possible to conquer any challenge. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Rebecca Says:
December 5th, 2008, 15:37 pm
Wow, I am sorry I missed the show. This is the first I have heard of it. I read Tim’s book and found some of the concepts in it interesting so I would have liked to have caught the show. Bummer! Maybe they’ll repeat it?
MizFit Says:
December 5th, 2008, 17:14 pm
Id not heard of the show either but am a big fan of his.
and yours.
and in awe.
great interview!
tzumeister Says:
December 5th, 2008, 19:36 pm
two brilliant soundbites in that all too brief interview:
a) Jobs mastered the power of being a generalist who can synthesize
b) Second, don’t assume it’s difficult. The best in the world simplify complex subjects; the most common make the simple complex
tim isn’t just sharp you might say he’s practically sharp.
or, so that doesn’t offend, that should be rephrased to, his wit is only sharped by his application of these techniques
great stuff men!
John Says:
December 5th, 2008, 19:43 pm
I was surprised to see this article on Zen Habits. Sorry - I think this is a poor fit for the site.
“Finding world-class performers who are willing to help you is not hard.”
He forgot to add “… provided you have a shed load of money and only wotk 4 hours a week.”
Adrian Burd Says:
December 5th, 2008, 23:02 pm
Well, I don’t have TV so I won’t be watching this. However, from what I’ve read I do find it extremely superficial. Forgive me for being the skeptic, but I strongly suspect that Mr. Ferris will get only a cursory ability in this skill. He may impress someone how knows very little about any particular skill, but I suspect someone who is competent will not be impressed.
Now, I will eat my words if Mr. Ferris learns, say, geophysical fluid dynamics in 1 week to a level of competence to publish an original paper in a peer-reviewed journal or (less challenging) pass (let’s say get a B or better grade) an advanced undergraduate exam in GFD from somewhere like CalTech or MIT. Then I will think he has something. Otherwise, as far as I can see he is a physically talented dilettante and nothing more - oh, he’s probably a very good salesperson and probably a very likable person.
Vincent Says:
December 6th, 2008, 1:12 am
I really give my respect to Tim. I am always thinking how is it possible for him to accomplish so much stuff in such a short time. The show will definitely be interesting.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Hannes Says:
December 6th, 2008, 6:34 am
First horses where introduced to Japan in 500 and tha’ts how far the tradition goes.
http://current.com/items/89559399/yabusame_japanese_horseback_archery.htm - They are japanese allright.
Source: http://nagaeyari.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/horses-in-japan/
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 9:05 am
I find this kind of thing incredibly annoying. Why on earth would anyone want to rush through learning something? If you don’t enjoy the thing you’re trying to learn enough to take your time with it, allowing it years, if not decades, or even a *lifetime* to fully sink in, then why bother. The world is in enough of a rush, there is enough superficial stuff out there. I lose a lot of respect for this site when I see articles like this.
Hannes Says:
December 6th, 2008, 9:26 am
So what’s bad in learning fast if he actually masters it? Should one learn slower?
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 9:37 am
I’m saying, why rush it if you enjoy it, and if you don’t enjoy it, then why are you learning it? Is the point of life to “master” as many things as possible (though I doubt anyone can master anything by taking footnote tips from those who’ve spent their entire lives focusing on something, like a tennis pro), or to become so fascinated by something that one wants to learn it inside out, in every nuance? It takes *time* for things to be absorbed and learned to the point of mastery. Anything that is learned in a week, then dropped in order to learn something else, will be forgotten just as quickly. This guy is not “becoming a master.” He is becoming the star of yet another gimmicky TV show that will be forgotten as fast as he forgets how to shoot a bow.
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 9:46 am
…In other words, I like to learn things qualitatively, and because I love learning them, not quantitatively. I don’t want to know everything there is to know, in a superficial way — I want to know two or three things deeply. I don’t care if it takes a lifetime to learn those two or three things — as long as I love doing them, then I want to learn them as deeply as possible. *That’s* what it takes, IMHO, to become a master at something. Time, passion, and love.
Which is why I think this post is so antithetical to the usual message at Zen Habits. Leo is usually all about taking time to focus on one thing at a time and take the time to learn things thoroughly. I’m surprised Leo falls for this kind of Tim Ferriss crap — it makes me lose respect for his site, because it doesn’t ring at all true to what he’s about — it seems like he’s just riding the Tim Ferrisswheel because TF is popular.
Rosalie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 10:42 am
if Mr.Tim enjoys fast-track-mediocracy, let him do that - but let me consider it a childish & arrogant consumerism attitude!
@Hannes & the other believers
- so you believe it is possible to “MASTER” everything in a short time, given some “lifehacking” and “simplification” and by being a clever guy? well yeah, I guess people spending a lifetime training, are just a bit too stupid to do it fast as well, ain’t they?
here’s a test of confidence for you: Mr. Tim “lifehacks” clinical surgery - after all, with some tips from world-class surgeons and simplification he’ll “master” it in a few weeks - and then you let him remove your appendix - how about that? ;)
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 10:45 am
Well, this site is organized by one person, who chooses what goes into his site. When he writes articles trying to drum up support for a crappy TV show, I find it demeans the overall message of the site. I agree that I don’t have to love every article here, and I don’t, but there are some that annoy me enough to wonder what Leo’s motives are.
Broekpak Says:
December 6th, 2008, 10:58 am
Hey i think you should be looking into NLP, in NLP they teach you how to reprogram your brain and when you can reprogram your brain you can weed out the old habits, and develop new thinkin strategies.
cause after 2 years of reading lifehacker blogs wich didnt work for me, i felt the urge to look for something better, i wanted the core of it all, and that is NLP.
because of NLP i can choose how i feel at any time of the day also you can use techniques to not feel pain.
look into richard bandlers - 30 years of NLP seminar for more info
i advise you to look into
Marshall | bondChristian Says:
December 6th, 2008, 15:00 pm
Wow, heated debate down here. I’m always up for a debate.
Tim is just pushing limits. Clay Collins used to write at The Growing Life about removing stepping stones. Everyone assumes you have to go through a particular process, learn from experience so to speak. I’m in agreement with Clay and Tim in that the intermediate steps are not always necessary. Sometimes they just feel better to use because - oh, this is going to sound mean - we’re scared. We’re scared to skip stages in life. I’m not proponent of skipping through life just to complete things. That’s not what life is about. Life is a process after all.
But if the purpose is to experience it, why not blast through things? Tim’s not saying he’s going to understand every nuance about everything he does. Tim even mentioned this when he wrote about the 80/20 Principle. Sure, he won’t learn the 20%, but is that 20% required for mastery? He wants to focus on what’s primary important and move on.
If that’s consumerism, perhaps all of life is consumerism. We can only consume what we’re living at the moment. We can’t hold on to anything.
Just some thoughts…
Marshall Jones, Jr.
from bondChristian
Mason Oliver Says:
December 6th, 2008, 15:08 pm
Way to go, Leo! Why remove my post and leave these other combative and insulting posts up? What did I do?
All I said was that there is no archery tradition in Japan, and they’re not known for riding horses, either. I can submit websites as well as the next guy. Check it out:
http://real.history.com/2006/03/14/no-horse-archery-tradition-in-japan/
Why pick on me? I’m as interested in the truth as the Ham guy.
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 15:30 pm
Marshall: Are you not also “experiencing life” when you take your time and enjoy what you’re learning? Isn’t it fear that also drives the urge to constantly experience new things? Fear of boredom, loneliness, emptiness, and countless other things that plague us when we slow down and really pay attention to what we’re taking in?
Stephanie Says:
December 6th, 2008, 15:39 pm
And yes, Marshall, I believe mastery requires 200% — 80% doesn’t cut it. The mind is capable of much, much more than this. And by “more” I don’t mean more things understood in a superficial (80%) way, but with more focus and attention on individual tasks — bring your attention to 200% and you’ll become a master of the (few) tasks of your choice in your lifetime.
Leo Says:
December 6th, 2008, 16:09 pm
Hi guys … looks like I’ve missed some interesting comments.
I won’t respond to every single one specifically, but just in general to those who have questioned why I wrote the post:
First, I think Tim Ferriss is a great guy who does really interesting things with life — he challenges a lot of accepted notions and comes up with cool solutions. So if he’s doing a TV show, I’m interested.
Second, I just thought the TV show sounded interesting. We’ve talked before about lifehacking, about methods of learning, things like that, so I thought people would be interested. From the majority of the comments, I think many readers were interested.
However, some of you weren’t interested. That’s OK … not every post will fit every reader. I understand that. I just hope that you’ll find other posts you enjoy.
Thanks everyone for your input and feedback … I’m definitely listening and I take all of it into consideration for future posts!
ankur kakkar Says:
December 7th, 2008, 10:50 am
Hello sir , this is the first time that i am reading your blog and i must confess to being totally impressed.
I am an engineering student , currently in the final year and it is my ultimate aim to become an author .
When i read your blog, your life story i found it to be in complete resonance with my thoughts and with my vision of an ideal lifestyle.
I have become an instant fan of yours , and it would be a dream come true if i am ever able to follow in your footsteps.
Thanks,
regards,
ANKUR KAKKAR.
Nicolas Soergel Says:
December 7th, 2008, 11:52 am
I live in Japan for about 8 years and I have seen Yabusame life. Shooting arrows three times in a few seconds on a horse which runs as fast as it can AND hitting the target is a real challenge.
I wish Tim all success. I like his concept but the 80/20 rule is somehow against the sense of perfection his Japanese teachers are practicing. I guess that for them it is not about hitting the target but the beauty of movement and the esthetics.
May I suggest that there is a follow up on Zenhabits with Tim telling us more about the experience.
Thanks for the great article.
Nicolas
Don Says:
December 7th, 2008, 23:49 pm
Hi,
Wow! A very spirited debate. I certainly not on the side that believes that this post was a waste. I respect the opposite opinion and can see how they could come to their conclusion but I think this topic is interesting.
Even if you don’t agree Tim Ferris, I would challenge you to take a moment and see if there is anything that you might be able to use from his teachings. Taking something, deconstructing it, and making it simpler can benefit us all. There is a time a place for everything though. So may not want to use this in all or even most of your task.
For instance, take speed reading. Speed reading is a great tool to use. It saves a ton of time when you can breeze through articles, post, memos, ect.. On the other hand I wouldn’t speed read a novel or anything that I am reading for relaxation.
A new language. Are you learning it for work or pleasure ? If it is strictly something you are doing for your job, I would definitely learn it as fast and effiecently as possible. If it was for pleasure then I would take a different approach.
I think Tim is not trying to become a life long master of these task. I think the challenge and the fun is to just to conquer it at this moment is his life.
As far as the show. I like the basic concept of it but I really didn’t like the first episode. I think he chose the wrong topic to start. I wished he hadn’t picked something with such rich tradition to it. I feel as though it may have been a slap in their face. Like I pointed out above, there is a time and a place. I don’t think there is ever a place for something like this. Arrogant Americans is something that pops to mind for some reason (I am a proud American by the way). I do hope that they move forward and produce some of the other ideas.
Please continue these types of post. I think they are useful even for the ones that don’t quite appreciate it. I certainly learn from the post that I don’t like. Sometimes I just choose not to continue reading. I always come back for the next post though : )
Don W.
Jennifer Ryan Says:
December 8th, 2008, 1:10 am
I was thankful to receive Tim’s twitter message at the time this episode was airing so I caught it just in time! I’m a follower of Tim Ferriss because he is so incredibly honest and “full on” with everything he does. I would love to have lunch just to pick his brain. (I am a Psychotherapist, afterall!)
I love that Tim says, “Don’t assume it’s difficult.” His response was to your question about learning difficult things in a short amount of time; however, this simple sentence can provide many lessons in many scenarios of life. Life really is a mindset - it can be difficult…. or not.
Thanks for this post! A great read.
Takumi86 Says:
December 8th, 2008, 11:53 am
I never really watched this show before but after seeing those video, it attracts me a bit to download it on some other forum that offering you free tv-show download
Bronson Page Says:
December 8th, 2008, 13:33 pm
Trying to master in five days an ancient sport to which these men dedicate their entire lives is beyond foolhardy. It’s an act of hubris, and that’s exactly how it came across. If Tim could show a little more humanity, rather than trying to be a self-important, programmable robot, we could all relate to him a little more, and the show would be more fun to watch.
Mike OD - IF Life Says:
December 8th, 2008, 15:25 pm
Great post. I loved the 4HWW….his mentality fits so in line with mine. The power of the mind is amazing….”The world truly can be your oyster… you just have to think big and ask for what you want.” So true….many people expect to fail and never try or are just afraid of failing….where those that succeed just keep going and aren’t afraid. Great reminder to make today whatever I want it to be, I’m only limited by my own thoughts. Thanks Leo.
Jon Hartman Says:
December 9th, 2008, 2:00 am
I totally missed it, but emailed them asking for a re-airing. Anyone heard anything about a rebroadcast?
kiwi Says:
December 9th, 2008, 10:14 am
Tim has to offer some interesting insights, but for me (after reading his book) he is a shallow guy that is the *opposite* of Zen-Life. A Narcisist really.
In these days loads of people can learn a lot and fast too. I can too. Load of you can too. But that is not the essence. You will never become a painting master, a karate master, this way. Someone who soulfully loves his/her profession will never be like this. Kindergarten competition.
This just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
MiniLifeHacks Says:
December 9th, 2008, 12:27 pm
I am a very spirited learner, and take every advantage of it learning anything I can.
I read the first chapter of this book, up to the point when he explained how he “won” a karate tournament by pushing people out of the ring. As a life-long martial artist myself, I promptly shut the book. I immediately understood what the theme would be… from most of the posts above, it looks like I was right. He’s shallow and learning these things for bragging rights and publicity and all the wrong reasons.
