If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would be "hopeful". Buffett finds the silver lining in the economic downturn, and encourages his readers to pursue what others might see as pipe dreams. He questions societal standards of success, discussing the value of the kind of privilege that one is born into (The sons and daughters of wealthy parents can suffer from behavioral issues just as undeserved kids do, but from parents' narrow focus on vanity and success as defined by society.), and encourages one to go after a career that is the truest expression of him/herself, but through it all, maintain a keen sense of perspective.
It's pretty broad, but I loved most of the messages here and some sentences were beautifully written. At the end, he mentions his favorite quote (which I happen to have plastered on my wall) by Goethe:
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
I do think that some parts were fluffy, but others may enjoy that type of light reading. I also feel that the autobiographical aspects of the book go a little overboard; at one point, there is a 5-page diversion about Buffett's music career, weakly tied to the message being discussed. All in all, though, it was a decent read.Get more detail about Life Is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment.
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