Chris Guillebeau and the Art Of Non-Conformity

 A few weeks ago I discovered a blog called The Art Of Non-Conformity. It is written by a travel writer and entrepreneur named Chris Guillebeau, and if you are at all interested in living a life that is neither normal, boring, average, ordinary, nor expected, I urge you to read it.

His tone is humble, softly-spoken, and gracious, but Chris is on a mission to change the world, and to help other people change the world and realise their dreams. In his quiet, non-confrontational way, he presents two ideas that are both radical and simple: firstly, that we don't have to live our lives the way other people expect us to; and secondly, that it is possible to follow our dreams, earn money, AND help others, all at the same time.
Most of us have been taught that the latter is too good to be true. And some of us have always known, deep down inside, that that is a lie. Why can't we help others, do what we love to do, and get paid for it? Where in the universe is that written? And who says that we can't rewrite it?

I have subscribed to Chris's twice-weekly E-mails and read two (so far) of his free e-books. A link to his blog, The Art Of Non-Conformity, is on the left of this web page. If you are an artist, I recommend his free e-book A Brief Guide To World Domination. Chris uses the metaphor of taking over the world to express the idea that you can have it all: money, fulfillment, and a good conscience. This isn't some motivational tract or hollow, feel-good spiel. It is intelligent, practical, well thought-out, and every word rings true.

In fact, I don't think it matters whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, a traveller, or something else entirely. If you want to lead a extraordinary life, Chris Guillebeau has something you should listen to.