Young Icarus ignored his father’s warning and flew too close to the sun, thereby melting his wax wings and falling to his death. But that part of the famous Greek Myth is not the actual deception.
According to perhaps the world’s foremost marketing genius (far from my opinion only), Seth Godin, for far too long, we’ve been taught to play it safe, stay in the comfort zone, don’t make waves and listen to the experts. In other words, stay low; don’t try and fly too high. But, that no longer works, unless by “works” we mean having a long and miserable career.
In his brilliant new book, The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?, Godin advises us to create art. No, not necessarily in the literal sense, as we think of the painter or sculptor, but in whatever we create, and how we do it.
It isn’t easy, nor is it supposed to be. And, that’s why there aren’t a lot of artists. But you can do it, and in this chat, he helps lay out the path.
Great discussion with an outstanding individual and inspiration.
Enjoy!
What did you think about his take on art? How about his thoughts on words such as “hubris?” And, “guts?”
Oh, and for those of you who also do interviews, did you notice his professionalism in how he saved my mistake and then “teed me right up” to help me remember what I meant to say?
Now, that’s an artist! 😉
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Thank you Bob – what a stunning interview. Seeing our contributions as art, as a way of touching others, is a powerful shift. Looking forward to reading Seth’s book (I’ve clicked your link) and planning a new flight path.
Dinah
Thanks Bob…..I very much liked hearing what Seth had to day….Being a Stone Sculptor for 23 years..I tell the people who come carve a stone for the experience…if we were to climb up on the studio roof and jump on the count of 3..and half way down gravity disappeared forever…..How Would You Fly?…..That’s how I approach everything I do as a artist…no matter how mundane….it’s getting in touch with the freedom of creativity that propels your imagination and senses into creating the amazing..Flop or not….some of my best pieces of sculptre have come from carving a part of a piece after it has completely cracked in half…I would have never seen the new piece that way from the start..Thanks Seth and Bob
Michele: Wow – thank you. You are an artist who is also an rtist. Love your thoughts. Thank you for sharing your artist’s wisdom with us!
It was by an anonymous French author, used by Blaise Pascal and later translated into English.
http://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/04/28/shorter-letter/
Chris: Thank you. I always love to have those quotes attributed correctly. Thank you!
{Note: Chris is referring to the often-mis-attributed quote: “I’m sorry, I didn’t have enough time to write a short letter (or, short speech).”}
As a musician, I have been trained to dig into my “artistic” talent. This interview challenged me to be artistic in every aspect of my life! Thank you!
Jennifer: WOW – I LOVE to hear that! Thank YOU!
Greetings.
Great interview with Mr. Godin. Its wonderful to get your perspective on things. It also is inspirational to see the thought process of this interview. I just finished Seth Godin’s Books, “The Dip” & “We are all weird”. Now Bob, you have convinced me to spend the time and money to get the The Icarus Deception.
The other two books were magnificent. I look forward to reading the Icarus Deception and being inspired. I’m in the process of starting 2 projects of importance to me. One is for a non-profit. The other is for my business. I’m thankful for the clarity of thought you put in this and I aspire to do the same.
Have a blessed day. I wish you continued success. I look forward to hearing from you.
Monty.
Monty: Thank you for joining our discussion. So glad you enjoyed the interview. I’ve read just about all of Seth’s books. He’s an amazing thinker; an incredible “artist.” I hope you enjoy his new book. Best wishes for great success in your projects!
Bob,
I always praise your interviews but this one? EPIC!
Bob Burg and Seth Godin talking together about Art and about making a meaningful difference in the World! WOW!
I also read Seth’s blog every day and I’ve watched most of his speeches on Youtube… YET I’ve never bought any of his books… Until NOW!
I believe that The Icarus Deception is the key for effectively leading this new economy in a way that benefits all involved!
Thank you for sharing your Art with us Bob! You’re making a meaningful difference!
Dinah: Thank you for your kind feedback. And, huge congrats on the new flight path. You’ll go even higher than the sun, my friend! 🙂
Bruno: What a great and terrific compliment, my friend. Appreciating you greatly!
Hi Bob!
Wonderful interview with Seth. I loved the ‘sub-shop’ analogy!
You GET IT! Cheers for having the ‘guts’ to have Seth on and
for making my day.
Cheers,
AlishaTV
Alisha: Thank you. And, thank you again. You know exactly what to say! 😉
Wow! Bob, this truly is an epic interview! (Bruno beat me to it!) You turned me onto Seth a few years ago, and following him has truly revolutionized my thinking on many, many levels. I too read his blog everyday, and have read many of his books. Something about Seth’s message just feels right for me…as in long searched for truth revealed. (Same goes for you!) I was scribbling madly trying to keep with all the amazing insights you two were generating and sharing. (Love the embrace the resistance as your beacon of being onto something valuable, dangerous and game changing idea) I credit Seth with constantly pushing me and reminding me that I need to take more risks, reach higher, believe I have something special to share, and that the world needs each of us to create our art. Thank you, thank you, thank you for for being so awesome, so giving with your own wisdom, but also in sharing and connecting us to others who have such amazing things to offer us. Feeling super juicy and energized after that interview! 🙂
Sean: Thank you for your very kind words and amazing feedback. Thank you also for all the credit you are giving me; however, I had the easy part…I got to interview the master and simply take in the information as everyone else did. I’m so glad you’ve found him and his information to be of value to you since finding out about him, and I’m honored to be the person who first suggested him to you. Thank you, my friend!
Wow Bob,Thanks for that inspiring chat. I went to Art school and graduated with a BFA. However I have really been in the “real art school” since 1978. Now I know I am a real” Artist.”I feel like I now have a PHD. I loved listening to a short little chat that acknowledges I’m on the right path.What comes after the PHD? I guess we have to create it!Thanks again.
Stephanie: Thank you. How cool. You are still another artist who has become even more of an artist. Interesting what you said about “real art school.” I agree, and certainly didn’t become a real student until after my formal education. I’ve been a student ever since! Thank you for sharing with us!
I also learn from Seth Godin everyday. I also listen to anything Bob Burg sends me. Time well invested.
Marty: Thank you. VERY greatly appreciated!
Bob:
This interview really hit home with me. Taking on this new home based business has been a challenge and I am ( almost said frustrated ) confounded by my lack of success. I learned something very valuable in that my greatest tool is the internet and I just need to have the guts to be persistant and not give up. Great interview and thanks again.
Michael: I’m very pleased that you were inspired and encouraged by the call. Remember also that it’s important to continue to learn the skills you need. So, indeed, stay persistent and don’t give up…and also be sure that you’re doing the right things right so that your persistence will pay off! Please let us know how things are going!
Loving this interview and the analogy.
The foundation of my life’s philosophy turned movement (Create.Live.Be™) is based on my 25+ years experience as a Graphic Designer turned Visual Communicator. We are all gifted with the ability to create, as we are made in the image of The Creator. The people who have the guts and faith to tap into the creative abilities are the ones who continue to shape the world we live in and move the human race forward.
Jim Rohn — one of my absolute favorite creative thinkers — shares this powerful concept in the following post, Life Is Art http://www.christinelbowen.com/life-is-art
Thank you for this priceless interview!
CLB
Christine: Thank you. Always enjoy hearing from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom with us!
Sooooo enjoyed listening to 2 of my favourite members of my board of mentors!!
Jill: Honored, my friend. Thank you! 🙂
This was a very nice interview. It was too short but each minutes was filled with a lot of great information and insight. I tell you some many books so little time. Each day that I learn something new I realize more that a open mind is a great gift. Thanks for sharing.
Zurriane: Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the interview. Absolutely too short. Could have asked him questions for hours. And, yes, those open minds are a great thing! 🙂
Brilliant! Excellent … Time Worthy! Thank YOU! Reaffirms my mission! Jo
Jo-Ann: Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it and found it to be of value!
Agreed. Seth is marketing Genius!
Michelle: I couldn’t agree more…with your agreement…about that upon which we both agree. 😉
“If there are people in the world that trust you and want to hear from you, making a living isn’t particularly difficult.” Best quote EVER! Thank you (again) for adding such value to my life.
Mwuah!
susan
Susan: Thank you. Wasn’t that an amazing quote by Seth. So many golden-nugget takeaways from him during the interview. Thanks…and “Mwuah!” back at ya’! 🙂
Hi Bob, awesome, and very inspiring! Thank you for featuring Seth Godin and the Icarus Deception on your blog. It’s funny, last night i randomly tweeted, “I aim for the sky, I don’t know why.” ~~~~~>> Like it’s a wrong thing…
It is true that when we live our truest and highest self, our life and everything we do is a work of art and a gift to others. It is our nature and our calling to do so for this is how God made us. Not everyone realizes this though.
More power to you!
Jeannie
Jeannie: Thank you! Powerful thoughts, my friend. Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
Thanks Bob,
I greatly admire you and the guests you interview. Thanks for this and have a great week!
Lois: What a kind compliment. Thank you!