"How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big"
21A - Reading Reflection No. 2
1) What is the general theme or argument of the book?
The theme or general argument of “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big” by Scott Adams is
to keep failing and to keep embracing it. Scott tells readers that he believes he is one of the world’s biggest failures.
He honestly doesn’t understand why people keep inviting him to give speeches and talks about success, or why he
was asked to write this book (ironically enough). He mentioned very unconventional pointers to success, some of
which include the argument NOT to follow one’s passions. Another tip Scott shared was to focus on systems, not
goals. He believe goals are lame and self-deprecating. This book was filled with Scott’s witty sarcasm and entirely
interesting perspective on success.
to keep failing and to keep embracing it. Scott tells readers that he believes he is one of the world’s biggest failures.
He honestly doesn’t understand why people keep inviting him to give speeches and talks about success, or why he
was asked to write this book (ironically enough). He mentioned very unconventional pointers to success, some of
which include the argument NOT to follow one’s passions. Another tip Scott shared was to focus on systems, not
goals. He believe goals are lame and self-deprecating. This book was filled with Scott’s witty sarcasm and entirely
interesting perspective on success.
2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
The book connected with the course’s themes of perseverance and originality. Dr. Pryor often mentions that being
an entrepreneur takes a lot of trial and errors, and the book conveyed this same message. There will be more failures
than successes as an entrepreneur, but all it takes is desire, luck, and good timing to win big and make it all worthwhile.
Hearing this message again only further emphasized the tenacity required to be hugely successful as an entrepreneur.
an entrepreneur takes a lot of trial and errors, and the book conveyed this same message. There will be more failures
than successes as an entrepreneur, but all it takes is desire, luck, and good timing to win big and make it all worthwhile.
Hearing this message again only further emphasized the tenacity required to be hugely successful as an entrepreneur.
3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
If I had to design an exercise for this class based on the book, I would have students practice their creativity skills by
drawing up a small little comic about failure and success. Scott Adams is the creator of Dilbert, “one of the world’s
most syndicated comic strips”, according to his book’s inside cover. It would be cool to have students experience Scott’s
day-job in the process of reflecting on success and failure and how that ties into their entrepreneurial pursuit.
drawing up a small little comic about failure and success. Scott Adams is the creator of Dilbert, “one of the world’s
most syndicated comic strips”, according to his book’s inside cover. It would be cool to have students experience Scott’s
day-job in the process of reflecting on success and failure and how that ties into their entrepreneurial pursuit.
4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that
differed most from your expectations?
differed most from your expectations?
My biggest surprise moment was reading about Scott’s concept of the “selfishness illusion”. He basically argues that
there are three different kinds of people in the world: 1) selfish, 2) stupid, and 3) burden on society. He says the best
option is to be selfish because nobody wants to be the other two. Ha! Scott defines selfishness as choosing to spend
time on your fitness, eating right, pursuing your career, and spending time with loved ones. I like how he is giving an
entrepreneur “permission” to put him/herself first and to not feel guilty about it. I was not expecting to read about
selfishness in a book about success, but then again, it makes sense that those who are successful have dedicated a lot
of their time and attention to their own desires and “systems”.
there are three different kinds of people in the world: 1) selfish, 2) stupid, and 3) burden on society. He says the best
option is to be selfish because nobody wants to be the other two. Ha! Scott defines selfishness as choosing to spend
time on your fitness, eating right, pursuing your career, and spending time with loved ones. I like how he is giving an
entrepreneur “permission” to put him/herself first and to not feel guilty about it. I was not expecting to read about
selfishness in a book about success, but then again, it makes sense that those who are successful have dedicated a lot
of their time and attention to their own desires and “systems”.
Hi Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI read the same book and had similar thoughts like you. I like your idea to create an assignment for the students and have them draw up a comic about failure and success. That would be interesting to see because not everyone is an artist especially me. What makes since though is that even if the drawings look funny or are not what people understand they still fall under the description of a comic. Comics are meant to be more funny than serious so whatever you draw that looks funny would be a comic. I also think it makes more sense to be selfish than stupid or a burden on society.
Great Post!
Wow, I didn’t expect to see another Scott Adams book. You covered a lot of the points of the questions, and it sounds like the book would help build the tenacity needed for entrepreneurship. There’s not much to say for improvement, although I don’t think I would agree with Adam’s statement on their being only 3 types of people. I think having strong boundaries is probably the better word to use, but he ends up semi-promoting selfishness.
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