What do you think?
Rate this book
A Selfish Plan to Change the World: Finding Big Purpose in Big Problems
You are exactly what the world needs What if your search for meaning could solve the world’s problems? What if everything you are passionate about could save a life or change history? Justin Dillon argues it can, and A Selfish Plan to Change the World shows how.
In this paradigm-shifting new book, Dillon--the founder of Slavery Footprint and Made in a Free World--reveals the secret to a life of deep and lasting the discovery that our need for meaning is inextricably linked to the needs of the world. A Selfish Plan to Change the World delivers a revolutionary method for meeting both needs. Drawing upon his own unlikely transformation from touring musician to founder of a global movement and telling the stories of other surprising world-changers, Dillon shows how to create a life of deep purpose by stepping into the problems of the world. Taking readers on a journey from sweatshops in India to punk rock concerts in Ireland, Dillon exposes the limitations of the "giving back" approach involving donations and volunteerism to reveal the unexpected power of "giving in" to pursue self-interest in a way that alters the very dynamics of the world’s most challenging problems. A Selfish Plan to Change the World is your "self-help-others" guide to a life that matters, demonstrating how you can repurpose your existing talents, backstory, and networks to improve the lives of others. Changing the world no longer belongs only to martyrs and professional do-gooders. You can live an extraordinary life. You can change the world. All you ever needed was a plan.
In this paradigm-shifting new book, Dillon--the founder of Slavery Footprint and Made in a Free World--reveals the secret to a life of deep and lasting the discovery that our need for meaning is inextricably linked to the needs of the world. A Selfish Plan to Change the World delivers a revolutionary method for meeting both needs. Drawing upon his own unlikely transformation from touring musician to founder of a global movement and telling the stories of other surprising world-changers, Dillon shows how to create a life of deep purpose by stepping into the problems of the world. Taking readers on a journey from sweatshops in India to punk rock concerts in Ireland, Dillon exposes the limitations of the "giving back" approach involving donations and volunteerism to reveal the unexpected power of "giving in" to pursue self-interest in a way that alters the very dynamics of the world’s most challenging problems. A Selfish Plan to Change the World is your "self-help-others" guide to a life that matters, demonstrating how you can repurpose your existing talents, backstory, and networks to improve the lives of others. Changing the world no longer belongs only to martyrs and professional do-gooders. You can live an extraordinary life. You can change the world. All you ever needed was a plan.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2017
29 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 30, 2017
SO GOOD!!! I read a lot of "how to save the world" books, and this is instantly one of my favorites. Dillon talks us through his journey of making real change, while offering solid advice as to how you and I can leverage our own talents to make an impact.
I love that he thinks beyond his own success, not telling us the technical steps to achieve exactly what he did, but how to take your dreams and look at them through a different lens.
I've been a fan of Made in a Free world since Passion 2012 ( which even got a shoutout in the book! What!!), and have directly supported his cause ever since. I'm so, so happy that reading Dillon's book only makes me admire him and his team more.
I love that he thinks beyond his own success, not telling us the technical steps to achieve exactly what he did, but how to take your dreams and look at them through a different lens.
I've been a fan of Made in a Free world since Passion 2012 ( which even got a shoutout in the book! What!!), and have directly supported his cause ever since. I'm so, so happy that reading Dillon's book only makes me admire him and his team more.
December 21, 2020
I've been meaning to read this book for a few years now--ever since I took a class called human trafficking and global slavery, and I used Dillon's slavery footprint survey. I am glad I read this book. I have a lot of critiques of it in general which I'll get into a little bit, but I think the points were good, simple, and said in a way that really encourages people to do things which I think is really powerful.
My critiques are:
-Sometimes the little stories didn't really match up to the point
-There were A LOT of metaphors which is both good, bc at least one of them should hit, but also bad bc it was slightly overwhelming
-I really couldn't get over the feeling of just... the author just managed to fail/ oopsidaisies himself into success and a really powerful life goal, which I definitely respect, but was also high-key frustrating to read. He acknowledged his lack of experience, skill, and the fact that he is a white man, but even so his advice just kind of came off weird imo.
My critiques are:
-Sometimes the little stories didn't really match up to the point
-There were A LOT of metaphors which is both good, bc at least one of them should hit, but also bad bc it was slightly overwhelming
-I really couldn't get over the feeling of just... the author just managed to fail/ oopsidaisies himself into success and a really powerful life goal, which I definitely respect, but was also high-key frustrating to read. He acknowledged his lack of experience, skill, and the fact that he is a white man, but even so his advice just kind of came off weird imo.
August 12, 2019
I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 3 because it's good for all of us to listen to all the material we can that causes us to be more empathetic and motivated to try to make a difference in the world.
The author tried to be a rock star, then gave up on that dream to pursue a new passion--ending child slavery in the world. The book describes some of that fight. I'd say this book is about 20% an autobiography and 80% an exhortation for the listener to think of a world-changing idea and then spend their life working on it.
The author says that he is very bad at fundraising. I can understand this. The book follows classical non-fiction patterns. He uses stories, metaphors, memorable lines and mnemonics. But it doesn't quite work. The mnemonics are completely unhelpful and the metaphors are confusing and unnecesary. It just isn't as impactful or persuasive as it should be. I'd suggest the author experiment with different examples to see what works better or focus on more plain English.
The stories about trying to get an anti-slavery event scheduled near the White House or visiting mica mines in Africa where children cut minerals out of the earth are quite captivating. The bulk of the material, telling us to get off our lazy butts and give up everything to make the world a better place, are less so, and sometimes the advice is even conflicting.
And I still utterly fail to see how this is a "selfish plan" in any way, especially when the author talks about how you have to give up your dreams to instead focus your time, energy, money and life goals on a higher purpose, just as he gave up his "rock dream" for his "soul dream".
Don't give me wrong. I care very much about world problems. I want to do my part and am interested in any project helping people to make a bigger difference in the world. I think this book may be more effective if it had more material related to the author and other people doing amazing things to change the world, with small sections encouraging us to be like them. I believe that effect would be more inspirational.
The author tried to be a rock star, then gave up on that dream to pursue a new passion--ending child slavery in the world. The book describes some of that fight. I'd say this book is about 20% an autobiography and 80% an exhortation for the listener to think of a world-changing idea and then spend their life working on it.
The author says that he is very bad at fundraising. I can understand this. The book follows classical non-fiction patterns. He uses stories, metaphors, memorable lines and mnemonics. But it doesn't quite work. The mnemonics are completely unhelpful and the metaphors are confusing and unnecesary. It just isn't as impactful or persuasive as it should be. I'd suggest the author experiment with different examples to see what works better or focus on more plain English.
The stories about trying to get an anti-slavery event scheduled near the White House or visiting mica mines in Africa where children cut minerals out of the earth are quite captivating. The bulk of the material, telling us to get off our lazy butts and give up everything to make the world a better place, are less so, and sometimes the advice is even conflicting.
And I still utterly fail to see how this is a "selfish plan" in any way, especially when the author talks about how you have to give up your dreams to instead focus your time, energy, money and life goals on a higher purpose, just as he gave up his "rock dream" for his "soul dream".
Don't give me wrong. I care very much about world problems. I want to do my part and am interested in any project helping people to make a bigger difference in the world. I think this book may be more effective if it had more material related to the author and other people doing amazing things to change the world, with small sections encouraging us to be like them. I believe that effect would be more inspirational.
June 8, 2017
Mind. Blown. Those are the two words I can conjure up having read Justin Dillon’s A Selfish Plan to Change the World. I read the book because I’m getting more interested in doing social justice work, but the problem with that is that I don’t know where to begin. Basically, not knowing where to begin is where Dillon’s book is meant to guide you from. As it turns out, the world has changed. Governments and non-profit agencies and charities have less of a role to play in the new world order, so it’s up to commoners such as ourselves to change things via open source means.
In Dillon’s mind, there are no more activists. He instead calls those who want to change the world “solutionists”. It’s not enough to merely protest for change. You have to become the change maker yourself. The how’s of doing this are a bit sketchy, but Dillon’s book is called A Selfish Plan to Change the World for a reason. First of all, the author is out to disable the entire notion that the only way that you can be a change maker is by being completely altruistic. Altruism is essentially doing good for no reward. Dillon claims that altruism doesn’t exist. He convincingly points out that even Mother Theresa had some self interest in the work she was doing to help India’s poor. (In her case, it was receiving love from other people that ignited her cause.)
Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
In Dillon’s mind, there are no more activists. He instead calls those who want to change the world “solutionists”. It’s not enough to merely protest for change. You have to become the change maker yourself. The how’s of doing this are a bit sketchy, but Dillon’s book is called A Selfish Plan to Change the World for a reason. First of all, the author is out to disable the entire notion that the only way that you can be a change maker is by being completely altruistic. Altruism is essentially doing good for no reward. Dillon claims that altruism doesn’t exist. He convincingly points out that even Mother Theresa had some self interest in the work she was doing to help India’s poor. (In her case, it was receiving love from other people that ignited her cause.)
Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
May 4, 2017
5 Stars, full stop. I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this [truly captivating] book. I found it extremely well written, inspiring, and instructive. For anyone who has ever asked "what can I actually do to make a difference in the world?" ......or anyone who aspires to leave a bigger mark but doesn't know where to start......or anyone who just needs a little hope and inspiration in a rapidly changing political and social climate...get ready to be moved. This book had the perfect mix of storytelling and application. Dillon brilliantly found a way to tackle a serious topic without the heaviness. I found myself reflecting, pondering and even laughing at times...and found it hard to put it down because of Dillon's gifts as a writer/communicator. I walked away challenged to consider new paradigm in terms of how I think about (and act on) meaning, calling and legacy. So many books are told from the lens of a theorist, but Dillon credibly speaks with the voice of practitioner...an everyday person who actually changed the world because he found his "riot". I'm going to buy this as a gift for every graduate in my life this Spring (and others who would value a dose of inspiration!)
August 1, 2017
The subject matter of this book is 150% up my alley, and I absolutely LOVE that cover, so I was super excited to snag this one and give it a read. I have known about Dillon and the work he does for a while, and it was so cool to hear more of his story and how he found his soul dream in the process. He weaves together his story with stories of slavery around the word really powerfully, drawing the reader in and really opening their eyes to what we can so easily miss in the world around us. This book is compelling, heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and necessary for our world today.
THE DEETS: I received this one from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my review!
THE DEETS: I received this one from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my review!
March 28, 2019
3.5 stars. This is best described as a self-help-others book. Dillon explores ways of finding meaning through helping to change the world, starting with whatever one is passionate about. He gives lots of examples (including extensively from his own life) and proposes strategies for finding ways to make the world a better place. Making change happen needn't involve some kind of martyrdom, rather it means using the gifts and interests you already have and finding ways to make these meaningful and useful to yourself and others. The book is a bit repetitive and there is some needless redefinition of terms, still this is an inspiring read pointing us all in the right direction.
May 16, 2017
I really really like this book. I felt it was missing more guidance to help people find their inspirations, or ask questions at the end of the chapter because I was SO INSPIRED by reading this that it would would have been super helpful to write my thoughts in the book! Highly Recommend.
Read the full review here: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
Read the full review here: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
September 19, 2024
Overall a very good and interesting read. One of the best parts about it is creating more awareness for modern slavery. For that alone I'd recommend it to everyone to help spread the awareness and make steps to put an end to it.
As for the rest of the book, I like the overall message and idea of "finding your riot," though the application message leaves a little to be desired. Basically find your passions and push into them. It could change overtime until you realize a better fit for you, your resources, and network, and that's okay, but follow your passions as much as you can and you will find purpose in them and yourself and/or other actions.
Still a worthwhile and recommended read, especially being a fitting length and not drawn out. It has potential to change the world, but lacks some elements to really fire people up.
As for the rest of the book, I like the overall message and idea of "finding your riot," though the application message leaves a little to be desired. Basically find your passions and push into them. It could change overtime until you realize a better fit for you, your resources, and network, and that's okay, but follow your passions as much as you can and you will find purpose in them and yourself and/or other actions.
Still a worthwhile and recommended read, especially being a fitting length and not drawn out. It has potential to change the world, but lacks some elements to really fire people up.
May 27, 2017
I received a complimentary copy.
It is so hard to think about all of the worries and woes that this world has without being overwhelmed with a need to do more to help. What if you are poor or can not get out to find the right ways to do so? What if you are stuck in a situation where you just think you can not help out at all? This book does not direct you, but can open a few more choices that may help you rest your mind and find a way to be more helpful. Obviously we cannot all be like the author or have the advantages to do so, but even the smallest seed can grow strong!
It is so hard to think about all of the worries and woes that this world has without being overwhelmed with a need to do more to help. What if you are poor or can not get out to find the right ways to do so? What if you are stuck in a situation where you just think you can not help out at all? This book does not direct you, but can open a few more choices that may help you rest your mind and find a way to be more helpful. Obviously we cannot all be like the author or have the advantages to do so, but even the smallest seed can grow strong!
June 11, 2018
This book is a life disruptor that all millennials should read.
Justin Dillon is an entrepreneurial innovator with a unique gift for storytelling, where he weaves true accounts of social warriors with his own journey; along with sound, actionable advice on how every one of us has something to contribute to the world. Justin effectively delivers a most powerful message: you don't need to be anyone other than yourself to change the world.
This is my first review because I cannot recommend this book strongly enough and want to share it with everyone.
Justin Dillon is an entrepreneurial innovator with a unique gift for storytelling, where he weaves true accounts of social warriors with his own journey; along with sound, actionable advice on how every one of us has something to contribute to the world. Justin effectively delivers a most powerful message: you don't need to be anyone other than yourself to change the world.
This is my first review because I cannot recommend this book strongly enough and want to share it with everyone.
June 12, 2017
A self proclaimed "self help others" book - this is great reading for those looking for the right mix of inspiration, instruction manual and food for thought. It would be lazy to call this a book for career planning - though I think folks who are looking into new careers and opportunities would benefit from it. The author does a great job challenging all readers to think about how they can become change makers.
March 3, 2022
[Audiobook] A decent helping of white saviourism, studded with terms like “find your riot” and soul dream” and read in a sultry I’m-a-rock-star-baby voice. It’s not all bad. I just think it’s more written for privileged people who have time and money on their hands and feel guilty about their privilege. Not so much for folks with lived experience or who have no choice but to advocate for themselves.
May 28, 2024
Optimistic and innovative, yet in some respects naive. Engages with some interesting ideas. Does not even attempt to address some of the problems that complicate its premise. Might actually have been more inspiring were it more fully autobiographical of the artist's own effort and did not try to make applying what he learned outward to others as its premise? Hopefully I remember to come back to this and give a more in depth review later.
November 7, 2017
Useful bits buried in the self-congratulatory see-what-I-did prose... found it difficult to get through the first 50 pages (personal requirement to give books at least the first 50 pages to hook me) due to the constant 'look at me'... sigh. Not something I'd currently recommend to anyone out right.
Review based on a galley/advanced reader copy received as a Goodreads giveaway.
Review based on a galley/advanced reader copy received as a Goodreads giveaway.
Read
January 25, 2020I won an advanced reading copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily.
So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a “take-one, leave-one” free library box so someone else may enjoy this book too.
So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a “take-one, leave-one” free library box so someone else may enjoy this book too.
May 16, 2017
This is a Goodreads win review. This author has founded a company Made In A Free World. he has found purpose in his life fighting child slavery, and human trafficking. He also tries to alleviate poverty.
February 22, 2018
Interesting premise. Well written although a bit repetitive in places. The reader was very good and entertaining. I learned a lot about how to change the world versus save it - I definitely want to be a changer rather than a saver!
December 4, 2017
Loved this book, the story, the vision, the plan, the action. Find your riot, indeed. Yet another well-timed read for me--an inspiration and push to keep going.
January 7, 2018
I thought this was a great book, very inspirational!
February 20, 2018
This is a great philosophic look at how we can help others while helping ourselves. Which is the best scenario for everyone.
October 29, 2020
It's really interesting when Justin explain through experience the art of 'giving back' to be 'giving in'. Beautiful insights that we are born as solutionist for the life unconsciously.
February 25, 2021
Inspiring
December 5, 2022
college read
April 18, 2018
A Selfish Plan to Change the World inspired me to start looking for another way to do life. I highly recommend this book for everyone. Justin Dillon did a great job showing how you can find a way to sustain yourself while also changing the world which was a refreshing change from "sell everything & volunteer for life" for someone who likes to have a bit more security built in to their life when possible.
May 24, 2020
One of my new favorite books! This man gives a great perspective on the reality of our common struggles with charity and a nice desire to help others versus something that goes beyond that, something that causes us to get real, realize that we are all selfish and that it is okay, it is natural, it is a necessary part of life, and it is something we can harness to make some of our most meaningful contributions.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews