Derek Sivers

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Ignoring current affairs

  “Oh fuck current affairs. I go out of my way to not hear about current affairs. The less, the better. I feel bad for people who keep up on current affairs.”

  Our noteDerek explains his strong stance against consuming news and current events.

• Digital social connection

  “The power of the internet is amazing - that we can at once socialize, converse, delve into the lives of others - all from the solitary comfort of our home or office :)”

  Our noteA reader comments on Derek's essay about being a solitary socialite through the internet.

• Reevaluating your path

  “The bottom line for me is that "staying the course" might sound tough and hard-core, but it's often unwise.”

  Our noteDerek explains why sticking to a single plan for too long can be a mistake.

• Refining thought process

  “I thought a lot about what's worth doing, fixing faulty thinking, and making things happen .”

  Our noteDerek explains his focus during the ten years after selling his company.

• Audience motivation

  “People listen to a talk, or read an article, because they want to learn something new. They want a little "oh wow" moment.”

  Our noteDerek explains why people consume content and what they are looking for.

• Focus on results

  “If your goal is to run fast through the forest, you do what works for you. In that case, only results matter, and other people's opinions are distractions if you already have a solution that works.”

  Our noteDerek discusses how personal effectiveness matters more than external opinions when pursuing a goal.

• Subjective truth

  “Applying "True" to subjective/personal matters is where things get mucky. If your goal is to run fast through the forest, you do what works for you.”

  Our noteThe author explains that personal motivation is subjective and should be judged by utility.

• Power of parables

  “I think it is a fine parable up until the last paragraph. I think it would be better to let the parable hang without that question because your question points to what I think is your view.”

  Our noteDerek reflects on how adding a leading question to a story can limit the reader's interpretation.

• Altruistic motivation

  “I don't think running faster is why I'd go for a long run everyday. I like the thought of fixing the trail for other runners.”

  Our noteDerek explains that his motivation for running comes from helping others rather than personal performance.

• Embracing emotional depth

  “Some people avoid loving pets or even people, because they're scared of the eventual heartbreak and loss. But avoiding sadness is like listening to music with only major chords. The minor chords are so beautiful.”

  Our noteDerek reflects on why we shouldn't avoid the pain of loss.

• Avoiding initial reactions

  “It's a drag when I have to look past my initial reaction, and actually get to know something or someone.”

  Our noteHe describes the resistance we feel when challenged to move beyond our first impressions.

• Understanding different values

  “Different values than I'm used to - different trade-offs, but OK. I get it. I kinda like it.”

  Our noteDerek explains the shift in perspective that happens when you stop dismissing and start listening.

• Value of spontaneity

  “Unless we're actually shut out of great things for lack of planning, following no plans is the ideal way to make the best of each moment.”

  Our noteDerek reflects on why avoiding rigid plans can lead to better experiences.

• Sharing your journey

  “Back home, post pictures, videos, the GPS map of where you walked while listening, and especially your thoughts.”

  Our noteDerek encourages sharing the synthesis of an experience after completing a deep learning mission.

• Openness through randomness

  “Randomness keeps your mind open and observant. You can't predict, so you see clearly. You can't use old solutions and rules-of-thumb.”

  Our noteHe explains how removing predictability forces a person to see the world more clearly.

• Deflect and settle

  “Instead of block and battle, deflect and settle. That's better anonymity.”

  Our noteDerek describes the mindset of managing one's online presence quietly.

• Focus on message

  “Then, instead of wondering who you really are, they can focus on what you're really saying.”

  Our noteDerek explains the ultimate goal of creating a believable online persona.

• Deflecting the spotlight

  “Just saying "Thank You" always sounded a little self-absorbed to me. By acknowledging their kindness explicitly, I get to shine some light back on them.”

  Our noteDerek reflects on how to respond to compliments without sounding arrogant.

• Insufficient effort for change

  “To make a change, most people don't do enough. If you do something small and sensible, it's like moving one brick to the other side. You're still unbalanced.”

  Our noteDerek explains why small, sensible changes often fail to break long-standing habits.

• Empathy in business

  “All of these are just considerate - looking at things from the other person's point of view, and doing what's best for them.”

  Our noteThe core philosophy of being considerate in business interactions.

• Marketing as personal connection

  “I tell all my clients when they are on stage they are marketing as that is moment when each member of the audience decides if they like you or not”

  Our noteA reader shares how they explain the essence of marketing to their clients.

• Public persona as character

  “Your public persona - the image you show the world - should be an extreme character. It can be a version of yourself, or it can be a mask.”

  Our noteDerek suggests that a public image should be an exaggerated version of oneself.

• Direct action

  “She walked right up to the fearsome bridge guard and said, "I'm going to cross now.”

  Our noteThe youngest girl realizes that stating her own immediate action is the ultimate truth.

• Simple archiving

  “I just put everything into a text file. Whether on the web or whatever, plain text is my favorite archive format.”

  Our noteDerek describes his preferred method for storing and organizing his thoughts and research.

• Action vs ideas

  “Ideas not acted on are like seeds not planted, you get no crop. LOL”

  Our noteA reader comments on the necessity of acting on inventions to see results.

• Freedom from pleasing

  “So when you come into a certain age and power yourself, it's liberating to realize you don't have to please these people anymore.”

  Our noteDerek reflects on the liberation of outgrowing the childhood need for external approval.

• Subjectivity of actions

  “Actions have no inherent meaning. To yell "come in" instead of answering the door can be offensive to one person and endearing to another.”

  Our noteDerek explains how the same social action can be interpreted differently depending on cultural context.

• Thoughts as counter-balance

  “The new thought is not meant to be correct. It's a counter-balance, to correct for my tendencies.”

  Our noteHe clarifies that useful beliefs don't have to be objectively true if they correct a personal bias.

• Actions over truth

  “You might never know the absolute truth, so what matters are your actions.”

  Our noteDerek emphasizes that practical response matters more than verifying every piece of information.

• Duty of gratitude

  “So I think of it as my duty , when someone has made a difference in my life, to let them know .”

  Our noteDerek views expressing gratitude as a personal responsibility when someone impacts him positively.