Derek Sivers, author of Anything You Want, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, and How to Live, is an ambitious creator with a laser focus on perpetually producing and creating. This unyielding ambition shapes the core of his decision-making, leading him to decline numerous opportunities to prioritize time for creation.
Beyond his creative endeavors, he possesses an insatiable appetite for diverse knowledge and alternative approaches to thinking and living. This hunger propels him to immerse himself in extensive reading and maintain a nomadic lifestyle, exploring different corners of the world. He resonates deeply with individuals who push boundaries and embrace personal growth.
His overarching philosophy aligns remarkably with Stoicism, emphasizing self-strengthening for a challenging future. Despite this alignment, he remains a skeptic, recognizing that opposing viewpoints may also hold truth. Intentionally shifting perspectives keeps his worldview dynamic and open.
Contrary to conventional paths, he doesn’t work for monetary gain. Some might label him as retired since his financial pursuits have taken a back seat since 2008. Yet, his ambitions remain fervently intrinsic and intellectual, dedicated to learning, creating, and contributing.
He finds solace in solitary workdays that stretch 12 hours or more, where ‘work’ is synonymous with indulging in what he loves—writing, learning, and creating. This intrinsic pursuit, whether in music, websites, books, or companies, mirrors the life of a novelist, driven by personal fulfillment rather than external validation.
This encapsulates a fraction of who he is—a deliberate, forward-thinking individual who cherishes silence, values time as a precious commodity, and maintains a simple and sincere life philosophy.