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15th out of 134 books
—
13 voters
Life Is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment
by
Peter Buffett (Goodreads Author)
From composer, musician, and philanthropist Peter Buffett comes a warm, wise, and inspirational book that asks, Which will you choose: the path of least resistance or the path of potentially greatest satisfaction?
You may think that with a last name like his, Buffett has enjoyed a life of endless privilege. But the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett says that the on...more
You may think that with a last name like his, Buffett has enjoyed a life of endless privilege. But the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett says that the on...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
April 27th 2010
by Crown Archetype
(first published 2010)
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Jul 06, 2010
jennifer
added it
this book was the one present my dad, who is very sick, wanted to give me for my birthday last week. he heard about it on XPN. despite what the author says many times, dude has a lot of unexamined privilege. and quotes every profound thing you'd find on a greeting card at whole foods and/or a college introduction to thinking seminar.
all that said - there is a certain sweetness in someone telling you not to be limited by self or society and to live the things you want to see happen. and the focu...more
all that said - there is a certain sweetness in someone telling you not to be limited by self or society and to live the things you want to see happen. and the focu...more
I'd probably give this more like 3.5 stars. I liked it, it was interesting, was inspired by Buffet's words and path in life. Anyone can read this book, but it's a must read for the affluent. The title could have been "How to Raise Decent Children When You're Filthy Rich." The author, Peter Buffet, is the son of Warren Buffet, whose mantra when raising kids was basically, "a silver spoon in a child's mouth, may someday become a silver stake in their back".
Growing up, the Buffets lived a comforta...more
Growing up, the Buffets lived a comforta...more
Interesting to compare Peter Buffett's take on privilege and opportunity with that of Malcolm Gladwell as discussed in his book Outliers. Buffett seems to argue that privilege can be both a blessing and a curse depending on the upbringing of a child and extent of parental involvement. Buffett thinks that while a certain set of circumstances create opportunities for those highly successful people in the world, much of the credit should go to the individual for pursuing a passion and working dilig...more
two quotes I liked from this book:
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." Joseph Campbell
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the 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 issue...more
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." Joseph Campbell
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the 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 issue...more
Read it in 12 hours (on my way to Berlin!) its nice to get an insight on how children of privileged parents are brought up and handle life! I had no clue who this guy was and only discovered as i started to read it. If I had known he was W Buffets son I may not picked it up as I wud have assumed that he was trying "to explain". But I had already read years ago that his father had announced they would give their wealth away to charity and nothing to their kids. This book reminds us that happiness...more
Lots of very good advice on basically living a moral life re: money. I liked it a lot, but, interested as I was in Buffett's perspective, I got a little tired of how he drew most of his examples from his experience with music. It's clearly a huge part of his life, and I understand why he used his own life -- write what you know, right? -- but wish he had wandered a bit farther afield in drawing examples to illustrate his points.
Done. Excellent book! I know a lot of people who need to read this and reexamine their lives, their values, and their expectations. Especially those sons and daughters of so and so and so.... Written by the son of Warren Buffet, I must say I was thoroughly impressed. Read it twice, with a highlighter pen on the second round. I know, I'm really nerdy like that! :p
I admit that I was drawn to this book because of the endorsements from Bill Clinton and Bill and Melinda Gates...and I'm glad I did. This book brings the wisdom of by-gone ages to my wealth-driven generation. I read this book in about 4 hours, it's only 250 pages. If you feel like you are having trouble finding your bliss you should give this book a chance.
Quick read with some interesting thoughts to share. Nothing groundbrekaing but nice reminders of how to live your life to the fullest. My dad went to hear him speak and enjoyed his talk. He bought a copy for me and Dan and one for my sister and Grant. :)
"We don't get to choose where we start in life, we do get to choose the person we become."
"We don't get to choose where we start in life, we do get to choose the person we become."
Peter Buffett comes from a unique place in the world - born to parents who become rich but who expect their children to makes their own lives. Reading about his journey to find out who he is and what he should do with his life was enlightening and interesting. A good read for an introspective time in your life.
Mar 03, 2012
Gretchen Pruett
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone!
Recommended to Gretchen by:
Sharon Parker
This is the book that I would have loved to write, if I could write. Peter is eloquent, pithy and full of meaningful insights. I intend to give this book to both my children, as it sums up all that I tried to convey as a parent. I think this book is destined to become a classic.
This held my attention on a plane trip, but I found that we are mostly on the same page already. What is quite interesting is Peter Buffett's own experiences as the son of Warren and how his family has dealt with issues of wealth and privilege. They set an example worth emulating.
Great read that demystifies the perception of the Buffett family and provides a first-hand account of personal growth in an environment riddled with "inherit the family business" mentality. Thanks to Peter Buffett for sharing his incredible life journey with all of us.
Peter Buffet writes a moving, inspiring, and thought provoking book which challenges the reader to move out of one's comfort zone in order to live a happy, fulfilled, and meaningful life. This is a beautifully written, worthwhile read--full of wisdom.
This book could be required reading in senior high school. Peter has so many nuggets of wisdom I found myself writing them down in my quote book. For example, [Seize your life with passion and boldness...whatever you decide to do, commit to it with all your strength...and begin it now. What are you waiting for?] This book is one I would give away as a graduation present to those going off to college. The chapters are short but filled with down to earth wisdom. I liked the way he analyzes success...more
This book was OK. I didn't love it, but I enjoyed the insight on privilege and entitlement. There were some parts that were inspirational, but overall, I felt this book was better suited for recent high school or college graduates.
Aug 02, 2011
William Teo
added it
書裡找不到秘方讓你的人生屬於你，因為還你必須努力。 但書裡卻有讓你可以把握屬於你人生的人生觀。
未經檢視的人生不值得活。你的人生但憑你去開創。
未經檢視的人生不值得活。你的人生但憑你去開創。
A pleasant surprise.
As the author states, the book is quite personal, and in effect, much of it is the result of his "thinking out loud". I found his analyses and conclusions to be sound, insightful, and profound.
As the author states, the book is quite personal, and in effect, much of it is the result of his "thinking out loud". I found his analyses and conclusions to be sound, insightful, and profound.
الكتاب فيه معلومات مفيدة خصيصًا في الفصلين الأولى , الكاتب يتحدث عن نفسه كثيرا وهذا لم يعجبني
اتوقع لو لخص الكتاب في عدة نقاط يصبح رائعًا ..
جعلني اعيد التفكير في اختياري للطب كمهنة ومستقبل
مفيد جدًا للمراهقين والشباب الصغار
عنوان الكتاب حكمة رائعة
وبما اني ملولة ف82 صفحة الاخيرة تصفحتها فقط
اتوقع لو لخص الكتاب في عدة نقاط يصبح رائعًا ..
جعلني اعيد التفكير في اختياري للطب كمهنة ومستقبل
مفيد جدًا للمراهقين والشباب الصغار
عنوان الكتاب حكمة رائعة
وبما اني ملولة ف82 صفحة الاخيرة تصفحتها فقط
書裡找不到秘方讓你的人生屬於你，因為還你必須努力。 但書裡卻有讓你可以把握屬於你人生的人生觀。 未經檢視的人生不值得活。你的人生但憑你去開創。
This is a common sense book about finding a career path that fits a person's interests and passions. What I found most interesting were the glimpses into the Buffets' household.
The central theme, is passion! Finding your passion is crucial to living a successful life. I hope kids will understand this when they discover my book "13 Habits that made me Billions"
Only made it to page 100. Far too preachy for my liking. While I did find a few nuggets of wisdom, for the most part I found it to be self-indulgent and repetitious.
Lots of common sense in this very readable book. The Buffetts really knew how to raise children!
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on mistakes...perhaps because I read it just after I had been notified of mistakes I made in a newsletter article.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on mistakes...perhaps because I read it just after I had been notified of mistakes I made in a newsletter article.
Good book about defining your own measure of success and not just choosing financial benchmarks. In addition, the perils of being privileged.
I bought this on mainly based upon the author as it seemed interesting. Not a bad book, somewhat biographical and some good nuggets of wisdom.
Sometimes long winded. But interesting insight into a mans life who hasn't let his family's fortune ruin his dreams.
Nothing too profound here, but a useful pause as we prepare to send two young women into the wider world.
I am in some kind of reading mood! This was very good. Can't wait to pass it on.
this book is pretty good! At times it was a lot like other books of it's kind however it's always good to read stuff from another's perspective.
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Emmy Award-winning musician Peter Buffett has an acclaimed career that spans more than 28 years as a professional composer, musician, philanthropist and author.
From 1987 to present, Buffett has released 15 records, and has been signed to such labels as Narada, Epic and Hollywood Records. Most of his releases had been instrumental recordings until 2006 when Buffett began experimenting with vocals a...more
More about Peter Buffett...
From 1987 to present, Buffett has released 15 records, and has been signed to such labels as Narada, Epic and Hollywood Records. Most of his releases had been instrumental recordings until 2006 when Buffett began experimenting with vocals a...more
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“It didn't matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.”
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“Money followed; it never led.”
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