The Icarus Deception

Do you want to understand the new world that we live in a little better?

Do you have a sense that there is more out there for you?

Make no mistake. We are going through a revolution! The Industrial Age has begun to cede to The Digital Age in a major way. And with this change, many notions that you have been led to believe all your life are now wrong. The rules have significantly changed. What you were told by your parents is safe is not safe any longer. The flip side is also true–what you have been led to believe is impossible is no longer that way. If I had told you ten years ago that a slightly overweight Korean singer in his late thirties would become a huge music star you would have laughed at me. But today it’s true, and it is because of the new world that exists.

Is it easy to get over in this new world? No, far from it. But things that were not possible now are possible. You have to be really good at what you do to be successful, and even if you are, there are no guarantees. BUT, working all your adult life in a job that is “secure” is no longer particularly safe.

There is great possibility in our midst if you have the courage to embrace it.

All of these notions and more are explored in Seth Godin’s book, The Icarus Deception. If you are ready to think, dream and possibly shake things up, you should read the book.

Oh, and what does the title refer to? Icarus is a Greek mythological figure who used wings that were created from feathers and wax to fly. His father, Daedalus, warned him not to fly too close to the sun, or the wax would melt, causing the wings to fall apart. Of course, Icarus ignored his father, flew too high, and fell to his death into the sea below. The deception is that this myth does not hold true today. You’ve been warned by your parents not to fly too high. Just get a good stable job and you’ll be fine.

Well guess what? The sun that melted Icarus’ wings has been destroyed by our new, connected economy. So fly as high as you like.

Get inspired. Read this book.