“ Kagge’s lean, likeable style makes for an enjoyable whirl of a read.”
—The Wall Street Journal
“A philosophical adventurer—or perhaps an adventurous philosopher.”
—The New York Times
“With a sense of awe, Kagge wanders rather than narrates, movingintuitively between philosophy, science, and personal experience.”
—Los Angeles Review of Books
“Kagge’s wisdom offers salve and salvation.”
—Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Foreword: Grounding Myself in Nature xiii
1. Setting My Own Compass 3
2. Getting Up Early 10
3. Training Myself in Optimism 15
4. Learning Not to Fear Greatness 24
5. Not Mistaking Probability for Possibility 35
6. Courage Can’t Be Kept in a Thermos 43
7. Having Something to Lose 60
8. Learning Not to Chase Happiness 70
9. Learning to Be Alone 84
10. Enjoying Small Helpings 92
11. Accepting Failure 104
12. Finding Freedom in Responsibility 115
13. Making Flexibility a Habit 121
14. Being Proactive with Luck 132
15. Allowing Goals to Come to Me 141
16. Resetting the Compass 150
Notes 163
Acknowledgements 167
Image Acknowledgements 169