June 24, 2008

A Brief Guide to World Domination

367

Dear Fellow Worldchangers,

Greetings from Seattle, Washington. I present to you your own copy of my promised manifesto, modestly entitled A Brief Guide to World Domination.

Click Here to Open or Download the PDF Report

Tech Notes: The report should work in all computers with Adobe Reader installed. If for some reason it doesn’t work, please send me a quick note with details of what went wrong.

Copyright: I am the copyright owner of the report, so that means you can’t sell it or steal it. But otherwise, you are welcome to quote from it or share it with others. You can also upload a copy of the document to your own site, as long as you include a link back here and don’t change the content.

Fellow bloggers, please link to the manifesto here at this page:
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/a-brief-guide-to-world-domination

A Few Things You’ll Learn in the Report

The Two Most Important Questions in the Universe
Why Ruling and Changing the World are Interrelated
The Clear Alternative to Being Unremarkably Average
True Stories from Zen Habits, Kiva, Randy Pausch, and more
The Most Important Work We Can Do
Life Lessons from My Singapore Airlines flight to Tokyo

Want to Help?

The manifesto is free and has been downloaded more than 100,000 times from all over the world. If you’d like to see it go out to more people, please click the Stumble It button below and leave your review – or simply share it within your own circle of influence.

Also, feel free to leave your comments in this post.

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Did you enjoy this article? Please pass it on to others at StumbleUpon, or share your own thoughts in the comments section.

Image by Hedrok

Comment on this article

367 Responses to “A Brief Guide to World Domination”

June 24, 2008

Janice Cartier

Chris,

I was pleased to read a preview of the Manifesto late yesterday afternoon. You’ve positioned your paper just beautifully and executed it well. (one small note: the contrast on the green on green boxes was a little hard to read)

I saw a Tony Robbins clip from his talk at Ted that Micheal Martine of Remarkablogger brought to my attention. Tony’s premise, speaking as the why person ( the person people go to when performance doesn’t match expectations), is this: the determining factor is emotion. We have 4 basic needs, but two more very important ones after that. Those two are growth and the need to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. His suggestion was to tap into authentic emotions and kick butt on all the needs, but really bring those top two into our daily picture. It was a riviting 20 minute talk.
I believe you are both after harnessing a powerful drive.

Your two top questions?

I have always answered the first of those, what I want out of life , is to have an interesting one and to meet interesting people.

The second, which is so much harder to answer, what can I offer that no one else can…hm, it has to my artist’s perspective but that is not so unique so it is something more maybe a creative intelligence and pattern observation from my POV. Not that no one else can, but we each bring our own perspectives. See ? Very hard to answer. So the backstory must come into play I suspect.

I apologize for such a lengthy comment. I look forward to the discussion and what others have to say. Good luck.
June 24, 2008

Chris

@Janice,

Thanks so much for your detailed review and comments! No need to apologize.
June 24, 2008

Daisy

Got the manifesto and will comment again after it’s read!
June 24, 2008

Aura Mae

I want to live in a city where I can walk to market and other services. I want to explore and enjoy the world as it unfolds around me. I want to chronicle my observations to share with others.

I can give the world my own perspective on life and happiness. Happiness does not happen in a vacuum. We impact the world with the tiny choices we make every day. You can choose to view the world with a bemused admiration or with anger and frustration. I find I am happier when I choose to be amused by my fellow humans rather than seeing them as enemies and obstacles.

As someone who spent many years living a life of quiet desperation, I can sing from the mountain tops: I have been depressed and I have been happy. Happy is better.
June 24, 2008

Psiplex

What do you really want to get out of life?
- Wisdom to see beneath the surface and understand the spiritual mechanics of life that drive everything else and how it all works together. I would then like to pass this on through what I do as an electronic musician and pilgrim.

What can you offer the world that no one else can?
- Some life experience of the Universe running through me as part of the whole connected force. Perhaps there are some aspects that others may find useful in their journey. A palm for those on their way from the pilgrimage and a pointer for those trying to get there.

What Can I really offer?
- To look inward and constantly be aware that I am connected the whole of life. To learn from this and share, because what I find within myself is universal for all people.

What will you make of it?
- To be grateful for each present moment and from this abundance, give and share joy, wisdom, revolution and revelation. Give and share from experience as you have a sole insight into your experience. Never stop learning from babes and old souls with humility and humor.
June 24, 2008

Frogsinatree

Chris,

I loved reading your guide in bits and pieces throughout the day yesterday and today. I am going to read over it and over it again. It is nothing new to me, to be honest, which is what I think I love most about it… it just re-affirms everything that I am currently working on and working towards. Thank you for that!

Gosh, your quotes are fantastic. I am sure a “quotes person” myself and found them powerful and truly inspiring. I have to say, you have a talent with writing and with words. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

To answer your questions:
#1 – What do you really want to get out of life?
I have had the answer to this question for quite some time now… a co-worker and personal life coach once asked me: “You are on your deathbed and you call your child to your side to tell them the most important thing in life… what do you tell your child is most important in life?” And my response then, and today to your question is: Happiness. Do what makes you happy. Live in a place that makes you happy. Love the person who makes you happy (and be with him/her). Happiness.

#2 – What can you offer the world that no one else can?
Because we are all individuals, even if I was to say the same thing as Psiplex or Aura Mae or anyone else who responds to your question, it would still be different and something that no one else can offer. For me, I know that I can offer the world my love, my patience, my out-of-the-box mindset, my passion and desire to be different than what society and others deem to be “normal” and I can effect change.

My goal at this point is still a work in progress but the gist of it is this – I am currently working on my Bachelor of Education (Teacher’s College Degree) and once I have that completed I plan to travel to Africa as a volunteer to help educate women and children. That’s my general idea at the moment. I don’t know which African Country to visit or how I will afford to do it, but I think as long as I focus on giving back and helping others, then the rest will fall into place (I hope!).

Thank you for taking the time to write this report! I have posted your link on my Facebook page and on my Blog… and I am super excited about your upcoming book.
June 24, 2008

A Brief Guide to World Domination | LifeDev

[...] this. Good friend Chris Guillebeau has written an exceptional guide on how to achieve your goals, A Brief Guide to World Domination. It’s truly awesome. It’s also free, so there’s really no reason why you [...]
June 24, 2008

jeff

Nice work Chris. I like the mix of personal ambition with world-changing influence.

I plan on non-conforming and try to break away from the money problem every movement entails, by doing a world-changing movement that requires no money, the point of which is to get people to avoid needing money! There are too many free things out there today to require an organization to have to ask for money.

I have had the idea for a long time but reading your manifesto has helped me narrow it down and encourage me to get going. Thanks
June 24, 2008

mousewords

Wow. Totally wow.

This morning, I was reading an article about horse racing. I saw the quote, “You have to show that you really want it.” It inspired me; I wrote it out & tucked it in my pocket. Then I came in here and read your Manifesto. To say it inspired me is an understatement!

Brilliantly written! And I agree–I could give the same answers to the questions, but they would be different, because everyone’s unique.

So here’s mine:

#1: What do you really want to get out of life?

~I want to “go home.” For me, that means a combination of things–the nearness of certain people, a location I love, surroundings that inspire me, an environment I feel free in. “Going home” is the way I put it when I talk to myself.

I do want to travel and explore; but if I could only do one thing, “going home” to this place in my vision would be enough for my happiness.

#2: What can you offer the world that no one else can?

~My unique voice–and my belief that everyone can make their own dreams come true. That’s my goal, to inspire others to look inside themselves and realize that they have so much to offer, and they can do more than they think. And to know that nothing is impossible.

If I needed more proof that I must put your words into action, your last line (before acknowledgements) sealed it up for me:

“Be the change,
Chris”

…That’s MY name! Thank you.
June 24, 2008

Breve guía para la dominación mundial [PDF]

[...] Breve guía para la dominación mundial / por Dharivs hace pocos segundos [...]
June 24, 2008

Trackback from Awake At The Wheel | Personal Growth | careers | entrepreneurship

[...] You can download Chris manifesto completely free here. [...]
June 24, 2008

Andrew

Having plenty of difficulty reading the even-numbered pages in Adobe Acrobat 8 – the initial page appears (usually text with circles?) and then the text becomes almost black-on-black. When I get home I’ll check this on my home PC, but is anyone else experiencing this? Unfortunately it’s unreadable on those pages.
June 24, 2008

Nazim K

I loved your PDF. This has had a big impact on my life.

I hope you do accomplish your goal of going to every country. Other than that, you’re a great writer and very inspirational. Enjoy yourself Mr. Remarkable Guillebeau!
June 24, 2008

Marshall

Exceptional!

I’d say your story is compelling but would be even better if you included some things you have given back. The other three examples that you gave demonstrate how these people have achieved greatness and given to other people through what they have done.
June 24, 2008

Jarrod - Warrior Development

Very useful read. It is always great to read that something trying to inspire people to go out there and be useful to the world (and stop living a nothing life).

I hope many people take it into action.
June 24, 2008

Trackback from Accidental Creative

[...]Chris Guillebeau has issued his manifesto called A Brief Guide to World Domination. (No one forward this one to Kim Jong-il, cool?) [...]
June 24, 2008

Trackback from Make It Great - Phil Gerby

[...] a fantastic little manifesto called “A Brief Guide to World Domination,” available as a free PDF download. At 29 pages, it’s hardly all encompassing, but it is certainly brief. [...]
June 24, 2008

Kate

Wow! Your writing and especially this MANIFESTO is helping me to CHANGE MY LIFE! Here are my answers to the two most important questions in the universe:

#1: I want to live a life full of color and art. I want to live a long life with my family and friends. I want to earn plenty of money by selling my art and/or art services so that I can donate significant amounts of money to worthwhile causes. I want to help people succeed and live healthy lives.

#2: I can offer the world my keen eye for color. I can offer my experience with color selection (for living and work spaces) for optimum health and well being. I can offer colorful and sacred artwork.

In the near future I hope to combine my “wants” with “what I can offer the world” to make a new vocation….I feel called to this work! I feel so hopeful. I am truly grateful for your writing Chris! I cannot thank you enough for helping me change my life! MANY MANY THANKS!
June 24, 2008

Crystal

Truly delightful, from beginning to end.

My heart and head were racing right all the way through, with much reading aloud (and loudly) to the husband and many side conversations as we sorted through your stories and observations.

As for those two important questions, I answered the first one for Bob Younce’s Dream Meme:

My dream is to enjoy useful, engaging, and lucrative work with the flexibility to live comfortably, give generously, travel regularly, sleep in, hang out, get fit, and cook (and eat) luxuriously until the end of my days.

But for my unique contribution to the world? That’s a most excellent question that’s going to take a bit of work to suss out. I’ll strive to come up with an equally excellent answer.

Buckets of blessings…
June 24, 2008

goodstewarsdhip

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I have been inspired by your words.
June 24, 2008

Chris

It’s great to see so many thoughtful comments already! I look forward to reading more tomorrow.

@Andrew (much earlier),

Sorry to hear of the technical problem. I’ll have my “tech support” (that means me!) send you a copy via email. If anyone else has that problem, I’ll do the same– just let me know.
June 24, 2008

Mark

Chris, Many congrats on completing and presenting this! It looks marvelous, and I can’t wait to dig in. Inspiring stuff, for sure.

All the best ~Mark
June 24, 2008

Trackback from Swaroop C H, The Dreamer

[...] So when Chris mentioned on his blog that he has a manifesto coming up soon, I was eagerly waiting. He calls it a “A Brief Guide to World Domination: How to Live a Remarkable Life in a Conventional World&#822…. [...]
June 24, 2008

Marlina

I’ve just read your manifesto again today. Once again, congrats on the launch! Very thought-provoking and well-written.

1)What do you really want to get out of life?
Peace and happiness.

2)What can you offer the world that no one else can?
I did a lot of thinking about this since I first read the preview and to be honest, I’ve been thinking about this all my life. I’m afraid that I don’t know the answer yet – there are a lot of things I can offer, but it’s not something terribly unique.

But I’m not bummed out about it, like you said “the world is waiting for you to figure out what you can contribute” and you know what? I’m enjoying the journey of self discovery and finding my role in the world. That said, I do have a strong feeling that I’m on the cusp of a life-changing moment.

**There were problems rendering some of the pages when read from a browser (I’m guessing this is a browser PDF plugin bug) but if downloaded and read on a native reader, everything loads fine.
June 25, 2008

Andi

Interesting read, is the link to the Ideal World exercise by Paul working for everyone else?
June 25, 2008

Sheila

It’s kind of endearing the way you present these notions as if you’re the first person in the world to have figured them out. Pretty much everything there I kind of nodded along to and said “Yes, true, indeed, absolutely” but there wasn’t anything that had me going “Wow! I’ve never heard THAT before!”

Well except maybe this part:

Contrary to what you may hear from the latest
self-help book, true success does not come
from passive visualization or wishful thinking.
It takes action, planning, and sacrifice.

I’m not sure what the hell self-help books you’ve been reading, but “action, planning and sacrifice” are pretty much the root values of just about any Make Your Dreams Come True book that I’ve come across.

I’m not saying what you wrote was bad, it just isn’t anything new. I hope it will be helpful to those who don’t already know these things. Best of luck in your travels.
June 25, 2008

Michael

FYI…your link to the “Ideal World” exercise is not working. At least for me. http://www.chrisguillebeau.com/ideal-world
June 25, 2008

Trackback from Study Hacks

[...] that he planned to release a free eBook titled: A Brief Guide to World Domination. Early yesterday, the manifesto became available. And I highly recommend [...]
June 25, 2008

Chris

For some reason the “Ideal World” link does not redirect properly. Hopefully that will be fixed today, but for now, just go to

http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/ideal-world
June 25, 2008

Sil

First of all CONGRATULATIONS for your writing skill and the inspirational manifesto you shared with us! I´m pretty sure It´ll make a difference… Well, while I´m still working on the answers (thinking a lot actually!!!) and redirecting my life goals I was wondering if you thought about translating the Manifesto into other languages so you can reach more people out there who would be mobilized by your words!

As a Spanish native speaker and in fact translator, I offer my help for this purpose. Just contact me. THANK YOU for the report! Sil.
June 25, 2008

Trackback from Persistent Illusion

[...] Society | Tags: Change, Pinky, The Brain, Transform, World Domination | Chris Guillebeau just released an e-book called “A Brief Guide to World Domination”. Who is this person? I haven’t the faintest. But I know good writing when I read it [...]
June 25, 2008

Hayden Tompkins

This is phenomenal, just PHENOMENAL.
June 25, 2008

Ben

I just got through reading your document. It was really inspiring. I have to admit that I didn’t have an answer for question #2, but I’m working on it.

I especially liked your “Ready. Fire. Aim” motto. I think you put a name to some of the philosophies I’ve lived by in the past couple of years. I hope to inspire my friends with the “Ready. Fire. Aim” motto so they will get off their asses and travel with me.

Overall: Thanks for putting the effort in. I will try to do my part to live up to it.
June 25, 2008

Billy

What a difficult questions for me, but I will do my homework… thanks for the first advice, It moved something in my brain this morning.
June 25, 2008

Aura Mae

@Sheila: I don’t think there are really NEW answers to all of life’s questions. We have had the answers all along, but many people have either not been exposed or were not ready to embrace them when they were.

I can tell my children something a thousand times and then they will hear it from someone else’s parent and think it is new.

The more voices singing the same song the better.
June 25, 2008

The Arsonist’s 90 Day Challenge: Set Fire To Your Life « Persistent Illusion

[...] I read the guide to world domination by Chris Guillebeau and it was a reminder. Well, more like it was a slap in the face. What am I [...]
June 25, 2008

Crystal

@Sheila–Wow! If this is old hat stuff to you, what have you been reading? Please share the books, blogs, etc. that align with what Chris has written.

The other works can’t replace his contribution, of course, but reinforcement from other writers would be useful, especially with their similar, yet differing, perspectives across cultures and time (I assume all the authors aren’t young, white, 21st century American males?). It would be fab to see Chris’ place in a line of related thought.

And what a great comment. The “It’s nothing new” style of criticism isn’t in Chris’ manifesto, but maybe it should be.

It’s been argued since the Old Testament that it’s all been done. It’s the the chorus of Ecclesiastes actually: Chapter 1, verse 9-10 (et. al.)—

“What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.

Is there anything of which one can say,
‘Look! This is something new’?
It was here already, long ago;”
it was here before our time.

And yet, thankfully, blessedly, we continue to create what is new to us, what will be (re)discovered by those connected to us, and what will be unique because of our individual perspectives, whether or not it is new.
June 25, 2008

Meganathan

Remarkable content to stir me up. I will focus on the two questions you asked. I think “I am” answer to both of them.
June 25, 2008

Robyn

Chris, on SimpleSparks I found a listkeeper that’s great for keeping track of your 1 year, 5 year, and long term goals. I’ve already added mine and now I can review them online whenever needed. If anybody’s interested, it’s called listalicious. I think it’s serendipity that I found it when I was wondering how I would keep my goals in front of me as I worked, an indicator that the universe is smiling on my efforts to follow your advice.
June 25, 2008

Jonathan

Chris-
I really enjoyed reading your manifesto. It has encouraged me and given me added drive to achieve my dreams, that have become goals.

Still thinking about the answers to your two questions.

I look forward to staying updated on your journey. Count me in as a part of your small army.
June 25, 2008

Rick

Chris,

Nice job.

As an earlier poster indicated – this is a lot of common sense – things we already know. You created some nice relationships between a lot of concepts and that is helping me see some of what I face daily in a different light.

I’m feeling pretty motivated right now. I think I’ll storm the castle right now. Check me out on the news in a few hours.

Thanks and keep up the remarkable life!

Rick
June 25, 2008

Tina Marie

Hello!

I’ve been following your story for a few weeks now and was looking forward to the latest project.
The family is leaving for a ten day road trip Friday and I printed out two copies of your manifesto… one for me and one for my four teenagers to read.

I hope they are able to figure out these life lessons sooner than I have.

Peace.
June 25, 2008

Sheila

@Sheila–Wow! If this is old hat stuff to you, what have you been reading? Please share the books, blogs, etc. that align with what Chris has written.

Off the top of my head (and bookshelf)–

Life 101 and Do It! by Peter McWilliams. Some of the first self-help type books I ever encountered. Available online as slightly twonky HTML pages through his site — http://www.mcwilliams.com/books/books/

The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford. I have this on my shelf and pick it up every New Year’s Day.

Your Heart’s Desire by Sonia Choquette. This is a little more on the new age woo-woo tip, but there’s quite a bit of sensible advice as well.

100 Ways to Motivate Yourself by Steve Chandler. Pick this up, flip to a page at random, and GO!

The Daring Female’s Guide to Ecstatic Living by Natasha Kogan. I’m sure guys could get something out of it as well, if they find a place to read it where they won’t be seen.

As for blogs, as far as motivation goes, I’m a big fan of Zen Habits (it’s how I came upon this place) at http://zenhabits.net and, in a slightly odder direction, Torley Lives (http://torley.com) which is mostly about Second Life but also about living your life–First or Second–to the fullest.

And, outside of books and blogs, there’s just my life and how I’ve lived it up to this point and the lessons I’ve learned so far.

I didn’t mean my comment about the fact that this manifesto isn’t anything new to necessarily be a criticism. “It’s been done” shouldn’t stop you from trying something you really want to do any more than “it can’t be done” should. If anything, it should encourage you!
June 25, 2008

What do you really want to get out of life? « Infused Indulgence

[...] Chris published his eagerly anticipated (by me at least) Brief Guide to World Domination yesterday. Read it here. [...]
June 25, 2008

Leslie Berryman

Thank you for putting words to the concepts I’ve been mulling over for years. I needed more clarity and your manifesto was just the ticket. Can’t wait to read about your adventures while I’m ramping up my personal mission.
June 25, 2008

Sudhakar

Chris,

Awesome guide. As a high school student, I look to utilize the information available through the technologies that be to prepare myself for the “real world” before I get there; there being, to start, university. I love your “unconventional insight” and look forward to reading your articles and experimenting on how they may be of value in my life. Hopefully, you will experience my conquest for world dominance soon enough.

-Sudhakar
June 25, 2008

Andrew

Chris,

A great guide. I especially liked the two questions – they really make you stop and think. On the technical side, the layout and fonts are great too. Awesome job!
June 26, 2008

Magali

Hi Chris,

I read your Manifesto in one go yesterday. It hit close to my heart as I never really manage to fit in and I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that it’s a good thing.
It’s also a perfect moment as I am changing job and city next week. It’s a great timing to think about my ideal world and what I want to include in it.

A small thought: I would have expected your Manifesto to be covered by a Creative Commons license instead of a Copyright. Maybe because that’s what all the remarkable authors I like are doing, maybe because it is questionning the boundaries of intellectual property.

Now off to define my Ideal Day!
Magali
June 26, 2008

Danielle

I have been reading zenhabits for a while, so I got my email on them that led me to you… I can’t believe how amazing it was. From having humor, great quotes, solid advice, insight and information on current affairs, and a strong message delivered clearly and with style, this PDF is for-the-win! I was wondering if you have any plans to sell it in print form…

I am in the process of starting a business, and I would like to sell it, but if not at least have a copy or two available for people to read. Let me know what you think about that. I could print it and bind it and sell it and send you the money, even, its entirely up to you. It amused me that the quotes made me open a document so I could save them, and I called it inspiration as I saved it… and then at the end I saw that is the title of one of your pages for where you get resources.

The only thing I would consider changing is the formatting… I can’t copy it by paragraph, so when I wanted to copy a quote that wasn’t by itself I had to erase the lines from the paragraphs beside it. If it could be made any shorter, that’d be cool, but honestly I think it would be worth every page to get it printed.

One of the things I bring to the world is organization, and another is encouragement to recycle! I would get it printed on recycled paper, at least.
June 26, 2008

Rocio

First of all, thank you for the manifesto. You have, indeed, been a catalyst in my life. I want you to know that I have started a few projects I had always thought were a good idea but was afraid to carry out, since I have been reading your blog.

Second, I would like to make a proposition to everyone else who has read the manifesto. Print out another copy, staple it together and leave it at the train station, at the library, or any place you think of. Make a note on the front page telling others to read it and pass it on. Then wait for it to get back to you.

Good luck to every one, and lets take on Manhattan then the world!!
June 26, 2008

Marowyn

Chris,
I’ve anticipated the arrival of your “Brief Guide” with much excitement. At last, it’s here! Congratulations and well done!

-Marowyn
June 26, 2008

Roman

A truly remarkable writing and very inspiring. I’ve always been a little different myself, but have hammered my round self into a square peg over and over again to get by and after reading your Manifesto I think it’s time I tried doing things my way. I haven’t answered the questions yet as there is a lot more to me than I can possibly take into account in such a short period of time but mark my words the whole world will know of me soon enough.

Thinker turned Doer
Roman
June 26, 2008

Ruthie

A lovely bit of writing. Hi, my name is Ruth and I will help people in my hometown conserve energy (and therefore money) by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Small goal, yes, I know, but I have to start somewhere. The larger version of that goal is to help people around the world to improve the efficiency of their homes. I don’t know if I am remarkable enough to think that big, but I’m trying to find out. Three things I will do by the end of August: 1- tell 10 people my plan (hey, a girl’s gotta start somewhere) 2- make a phone call to the store in VT that I want to model my idea on. 3- sit down and figure out how much $ we’ll need to actually do it.

Thank you for the good swift kick in the rear.
June 26, 2008

Patrick

Great Work.

It has become one of my recommended reads. I am a fan of reading about the adventures of others as I attempt create my own. Most of the inspirational reads I follow are from people at the end of their careers. It’s refreshing that you and I are of the same generation.

Keep up the good work.
You have an addition to your growing Army!

-Patrick
June 26, 2008

Corinne

After two days of reading your report off and on (and consequently following all the links to other sites and articles to read them as well) I am so refreshed and I want to thank you for this.

I signed up for Paul Myers TalkBiz newsletter and really appreciate the connection, it is a tremendous resource. I’m excited about reading what he has to say and then following through with some of my own plans.

Thanks again!
June 26, 2008

Twan

Just finished reading. Incredible work. You’ve put words to a spirit of change that is starting to permeate our society. Thank you so much. I am truly inspired.
June 26, 2008

Laurie

I really got fired up reading your manifesto. I am starting (with a business partner) a new business (Linked to my name). I have already had an old mentor criticize my idea and “hoped I wasn’t making a big mistake”. I told him not to worry about me that even if I was, which I am not, I would learn valuable things from it and be better off from the experience.

My two goals
Live life with passion and enjoy the adventure and freedom.
Be self supporting now and during my retirement making enough money so that I can end up living by a particular lake in a cool log cabin and enjoy the hubby nature.

How can I make a difference? I’m still mulling that one over. I am a master teacher, I have a love for spreading the good news of Jesus. I’m thinking about doing some or financing some mission work in China. I am also interested in help couples improve their marriage. Kind of different things, I know, but I’ll keep thinking it through. I may end up doing both.

Your article was very motivating. I will be sharing it with others. :O) Thanks for sharing it with me!
June 26, 2008

Ben

Brillant work. Your writing is simple and effective, and it got this cynical and lazy cog motivated to make a remarkable life for myself and my family. I had a fairly easy time answering the first question, it is something that I have discovered I am truly passionate about. The second question is clearly more difficult, but I found it encouraging to read here that no matter what my “unique” skill is, it will be unique because it is mine.

My dream life: To live in a city/community that is completely free of cars. The more I have thought and read about carfree living the more excited I get about it.

What I can offer: Passion towards an unconventional goal, loving and honest discourse, and the backing of a wonderful family.

Chris, thank you for sharing this with the world. Good luck.
June 26, 2008

djuro

Great manifesto, Chris.
I have yet to become a reader of your blog, but count me in for being the change, and spreading the idea.

p.s. thank you for making it short and simple, taking action requires time!
June 26, 2008

Sara

I’m still thinking about my answers (as I just commented on the video post), but I DID take the time to post the manifesto link on Facebook.
June 26, 2008

Trackback from Geeks and World Domination

[...] just read a great, free ebook by Chris Guillebeau. He’s got a great site at The Art of Non-Conformity. This guy is [...]
June 26, 2008

Joshua

Chris,

I enjoyed the manifesto. Keep up the good writing. I’ve already been working on my “take over the world” project and it’s oddly similar to your in many ways…I’m simply a few years behind you. (23) I’ll be following your travels as I prepare and save for more of my own.
June 26, 2008

Philippe

Chris,

I just finished reading the manifesto… awesome! I’m working on answering the two most important questions, especially the second one. Number 3 on the list of “11 Ways to be unremarkably Average” : “Go to college because you’re supposed to, not because you want to learn something” stood out in my mind. I got my Bachelor’s degree because I “should” and I enjoyed it none-the-less, but this Fall I’m about to go back to school for a Master’s degree because I really ‘want’ to learn.

I’m a new subscriber to your blog, and I’m loving it so far. Keep it up!
June 26, 2008

thehumanspirit

Chris,

I have read your manifesto once. And I will read it again. I love the way you present your ideas. Sometime when I was reading, I just realize that I’ve already thinking about the same thing. It is very interresting when you read stuff that resonate with your own idea, your own point of view. Its just a sign that I am on the good way and that other people thing like me. Realy I want to thank you. You are Real, I mean you realy live your life the way you want to, you take the time to write a blog to share your personal experiences. Its just amazing for me to see that so many people out there are not walking the path of conformity. Even if I am not totaly agree with all your ideas I support you. Continue your great job, follow your dreams. And good luck for the country left.
June 26, 2008

Alicia

Awesome piece. I linked you to my blog.

You’re going to help a lot of people with this, Chris. I applaud and support everything you’re doing. =)
June 26, 2008

Alex Fayle

Chris:

Great site and fantastic guide. I’ve been working on conscious choices and living my dreams for two years now. In my own blog I try to get people to do the same. It’s great to see your manifesto affecting so many people!

Yay to nonconformity!

Cheers,
Alex

PS I’ve told all my readers to come here today.
June 27, 2008

Shelly

I just found you yesterday. Downloaded your PDF and read it, even watched your new video post up there. (It’s amazing how much you look like my little brother LOL) I loved the PDF – I read it twice. Very thought-provoking. One thing though: the link to Paul Meyers “Ideal World” thing goes to a 404 page. I was really interested in seeing that.

When I saw you covered Randy Pausch, I had to smile. I watched his video lecture a loooooonng time ago, and it was absolutely the most wonderful thing I’d seen in a long time. He actually has a blog he writes in to let people know how he’s doing, and I check in every now and again. (Yes, he’s still alive – and if you all didn’t take the advice and watch the video, I’m telling you to GO WATCH IT. I made my whole family watch it!)

I cannot answer the two questions – yet. My initial gut reaction to both of them was “I don’t know” and “nothing”. But I’ve been mulling it over in my head, and this morning I woke up realizing I did have answers to them, just not cohesive ones. They’re more ideas than actual goals…but I’m working to turn them into ideas.

On a more personal note, I actually felt my own mediocrity on September 11, 2001. I was working in a restaurant at the time, at a not-paying-very-well job. Didn’t have any real ties to anything there, other than the measeley paycheck. I remember what I was doing that morning when I realized the attacks in NYC were *attacks* and not just accidents – I was cutting up tomatoes. I wanted to drop what I was doing and leave, and drive 7 hours to New York to see what I could do to help – but I felt I couldn’t go because I’d lose my job. over the next two days, I was glued to the TV, and all I wanted to do was leave for New York to come and help – it was almost obsessive. But I kept thinking I’d lose my job, and how would I support myself up there? Where would I stay? Who’d need me anyway? They’d probably just send me home. And then I had family and my boyfriend telling me the same thing. So I didn’t go. I’ve regretted it every single day since. I know that if I’d gone – all the other stuff would have somehow worked out. It always does. Ever since then, I’ve been trying to find my path – because realizing you’re a mediocre person really sucks – but nothing’s ever spoken out to me (and slapped me in the face) as well as this site has.

I think this is great, and I’ve definitely got you bookmarked. (I tweeted you yesterday too!) I can already think of several people who would love to read this as well, so I’m off to pass it around. but have a great trip, and I’ll be back for more.
June 27, 2008

Rachel

I read the manifesto last night and I can’t wait to read it over again. When I downloaded it, I honestly thought was going to be full of a lot of hoopla. I appreciate that you point out that getting what you want takes work and sacrifice, not just wishful thinking. You have motivated me to take more time to focus on the things I enjoy. I plan to put a review of the manifesto on my blog this weekend. Thank you so much for putting this together.
June 27, 2008

Gwen

Don´t know if anyone else already wrote this but the Manifest has reached Europe and will spread here too.

Kind regards, Gwen
June 27, 2008

Trackback from Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

[...] The Art of Non-Conformity draws up plans for World Domination. Download it. Read the comments. They’ll tell you why. [...]
June 27, 2008

Stephen Hopson

Chris:

That was absolutely, incredibly well written. Clear, inspiring and thought provoking. I was amazed to find many similarities between your teachings and mine.

For instance, the biggest one was the need for passion. If you don’t have passion for something, all the obstacles and setbacks will have an easier time beating you into submission. But with great fire in your belly and a desire to accomplish something, nothing can stop you. That’s how I became the world’s first deaf instrument rated pilot in 2006 and beat the odds of “making it” as a stockbroker during the 1990’s.

The other thing you mentioned that I continue to emphasize is the power of gratitude as well as giving back. Helping others. It’s an energy thing – you can’t manipulate it – you can try – but it backfires very quickly. Giving doesn’t necessarily mean money. It can encompass anything that you give away – your time, your expertise, your love, your compassion,etc.

Awesome, awesome manifesto! You’ve inspired me to come up with a manifesto of my own.

Lastly, I loved the idea of recruiting a small army of 1,000 “true fans” who can help you help others and make a splash in world domination.

Thanks for such an excellent document – wow!
June 27, 2008

Gabe

I really enjoyed your Manifesto. I like both your accessible, entertaining writing style and your ideas. The two questions are great. The first has definitely been easier for me to answer than the second. I’ll definitely keep reading.
June 27, 2008

Paul

I’m sure that I am on the elder edge of your readers at 55, but I have been reading productivity blogs (Zen Habits) for awhile and found you through Pick The Brain. Well educated and well into my career I none the less continue to search for insight and inspiration to assist in pushing me to the next level. I’ve recently initiated my own blog and have begun serious dabbling in photography, conservation and ecological issues on top of my 50+ hour per week “day job”. I find your organized approach to non-conformism to be quite intelligent and refreshing. The Manifesto was great reading, and a good addition to my life-long learning process. I plan to use the concepts to hone in on what I really want to do when I (finally) grow up — save the global ecology through photo-art and music. Old hippies never die and the young ones just don’t know that they are pretty much what we were. Keep on truckin’ — by the time you reach my age you’ll have visited every country on the planet, and probably a few that don’t even exist yet (and may not then). Cheers!
June 27, 2008

Trackback from Educated Nation | Higher Education Blog

[...] Anyone with a blog entitled The Art of Nonconformity gets 20 points right out of the starting gate. And Guillebeau gets extra points for his just-released free PDF entitled A Brief Guide to World Domination (he means it in a benevolent way). [...]
June 27, 2008

Josiah

Chris,

I just finished scanning your ebook, and I’m very impressed. The content and presentation are top quality – you’ve done great work. I’m printing it out so I can read and re-read it more carefully – and make lots of notes in the margins.

I especially like the part where you emphasize the importance of finding a way to serve others while pursuing your own goals. Very important.

Keep it up!
June 28, 2008

Winnie

Just wanted to say that I appreciate the time and effort for you to do something like this.
June 28, 2008

Hrishikesh

Hello,
Thanks for writing the ebook. It was like a catalyst for me.
Btw, the slum you mention in Mumbai, India is ‘Dharavi’ and not ‘Dhavari’.

Kind Regards
Hrishikesh
June 28, 2008

Ramana

Hi Chris,

I was introduced to you via LifeDev. I’m absolutely mesmerized by your manifesto. It hit me center-of-heart that I was beginning to accept ‘mediocrity’ as my standard… It’s rare that the path of life is illuminated; your manifesto lit a certain portion of my life’s path and I’m truly grateful. Thanks.
All the best for your journeys and experiences…

Cheers,
Ramana S.
June 28, 2008

Trackback from Dino’s Journal (Indonesian)

[...] Aku menemukan blog yang dibuat untuk menginspirasi orang agar meraih sukses dengan jalan yang tidak standar. Judul blognya aja: The Art of Non-Conformity. [...]
June 28, 2008

Trackback from Nathan Hangen's Lifestyle Blog

[...] The reason I mention all of this is because thanks to Chris, I have realized that the only major barrier I have to accomplishing what I am meant to do (which is what I call, living my Dharma) is the amount of sacrifice I am willing to accept and the amount of freedom I am willing to grant to myself [...]
June 28, 2008

Cope

Chris,

What fun. It was a pleasure to read your manifesto.

As a self-described trouble maker, I will happily join your army.

Gatekeepers are a corrupting breed certainly worth avoiding and annoying.

I do and will live a life of education; for myself, my family, my friends and those around me. I was born to coach and lead and I have a passion for infrastructure whether it be for work, home, education, power or water.

By taking a minuteman approach to problem solving, I expect to help our country and others develop the private infrastructure needed to empower most with health, humanity and happiness.

All the best to you in your pursuits,
- Cope
June 29, 2008

Paul

Re: Ideal world link.

I took the 404 error to be metaphorical, rather than literal.

At this stage, the Ideal World doesn’t exist.

That’s the challenge, folks.

Keep reading!
June 29, 2008

Amadou M. Sall

Awesome little book!
I’ve recommended it to my “Plurk” friends

Amadou M. Sall
June 29, 2008

Shelly

>>I took the 404 error to be metaphorical, rather than literal. <<

Hahahaha! Never thought of it that way. Good point
June 29, 2008

Chris

@ Everyone,

The 404 error to the Ideal World exercise is now fixed. You can download a new version of the PDF with the correct one, or just use this link:

http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/ideal-world

And with that, I’m headed out to Eastern Europe. Have a nice week wherever you are.
June 30, 2008

Trackback from Living Yoga Bulletin

[...] Are you satisfied by the prospect of living a mediocre life? I’m definitely not. I don’t believe in settling for anything less than pure joy with a fair amount of adventure sprinkled in. I suppose that’s why I was so thrilled to find a blog entitled, The Art of Non-Conformity. I got even more excited when I read Chris’ manifesto, A Brief Guide to World Domination. It’s free and you can download it here. [...]
June 30, 2008

Trackback from Growing Happiness

[...] interested in being the latter, Chris Guillebeau of the Art of Non-conformity has recently launched A Brief Guide World Domination. Related Posts: Laughter is the Best Medicine — But What Exactly Does It Cure?Reboiling [...]
June 30, 2008

Bo

This book is great! Thanks for writing it.
June 30, 2008

Phil

Thank you so much, it’s refreshing to see clear examples that I don’t have to accept things as they come.
July 1, 2008

WAG

Thanks for the brief guide to world domination. I enjoyed the read as I am at a turning point in my life, making many changes and being a bit unsure of some of the steps I have yet to take. You helped me to validate the direction that I have chosen. Thanks again!
July 1, 2008

Allie

I read your manifesto…TWICE. I also took the time to “journal” about the two questions you ask. It was disconcerting to finally realize I’d been living my life under an umbrella of fears–fears which society has conditioned us all with and you write about many of those fears in your manifesto. Once I realized that I truly needed to be free of all those social conditionings, I put my plan into action about 6 months ago. Talk about a relief.

I’m in the process of saving for AT LEAST 10 to 12 months of world travel (depends on how far my travel funds take me) and I have a goal of implementing my travels in about 28 months. I’ll be selling all my worldly possessions, including my house, and storing what few precious items I would like to keep. After my travels I hope to study massage therapy and holistic modalities. At 40 years of age and being single, I feel blessed to be able to do whatever I want and not have to feel as if commitments will keep my bound to a job that is deadening my spirit. (And you are so accurate about mentioning “unconventional plans” to the wrong people. Outside of a few faithful friends who agree, I now keep my plans to myself).

I’ve perused several websites about long term travel, pursuing a life of meaning, and de-toxing from Corporate America in general. Coming across your blog has been tremendously encouraging and I can’t wait to “take off” to see the world and find more of myself in the process.

Cheers!!
July 1, 2008

Tim Marshall

Hi there Chris

Just wanted to say that I loved the manifesto and thought as a long time lurker its probably about time to show my gratitude by saying so!

Along with your ideas for a new manifesto on life I’m trying to get a simple idea into everyday consciousness. Its called DO3things and is based on a simple idea that by doing three things (as big or small as you like) we can all make for a better life.

One thing for you.

One for someone else.

One for the world we share.

If anyone would like to join in please come over to my site and post a comment letting the world know what you’re up to.

All the best and thanks again for the inspiration!

Tim
July 1, 2008

Dwayne

Chris I loved your piece, it reminded me I had a proactive side.

q1) A good argument, a good match, intellectual stimulation. Adventure and traveling are my other necessities

q2) I aim to further knowledge of the brain . The Human Genome project led to more research that may lead to better medicine, better health, and better understanding of ourselves. My project aims to mimic this approach for cognition
July 3, 2008

Samanta

Hello Chris!
Geez, I read the manifesto and I must thank you to share your thoughts with us.
Your book is clear and… wow, it was a catarsys.

All my life I’m a nonconformist and you’re right: people knows very well how to destroy independence and bring other back to their mediocrity. I must say that despite their efforts, I’m not give up.
Well, count with me in your army, sir.

I’m reading other people comments and let me wave you too, folks – it’s really really good see that inspiration.

Hugs from Brazil, Chris.
July 3, 2008

Chung-Ae

I enjoyed reading Brief Guide to World Domination and your passion in writing it. I saw a presenation today that was very similar – http://www.slideshare.net/ethos3/the-big-idea – and it may help you refine your thoughts more. Good luck!
July 3, 2008

Tracy

This was an excellent article, very well written and laid out and compelling. I felt challenged to continue to read it and make a commitment to renew my own “BHAG” (big, hairy, audacious goal), of creating a successful and helpful blog with 1,000,000 subscribers! I started it but have honestly found a million excuses to let it simmer. Thank you for reminding me that I was inspired to blog for the greater good and since time is illusion anyway, there is plenty of it for blogging. Thanks to Phil Gerbyshak for turning me on to your work.
July 3, 2008

Tracy

Blog is http://www.employeenext.com. Purposes is to bring authenticity and spirituality into our workplace lives.
July 4, 2008

Dug Mugg

Chris,
Awesome work. I’ve posted links to your manifesto at http://dugmugg.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/important-questions/.

As I stated there, “I can give no higher praise to Chris’s manifesto than to say that I’ve printed copies for my children to read. If they can grasp and believe in the truths revealed in this paper, then they will be well on their way to living the abundant lives they’re meant to have.”

Thanks for all that you’re doing and sharing, and may you have safe travels around your world.
July 4, 2008

Julee

Thank you Chris, for your manifesto. I’m from Singapore, (and glad to know that your experience during the flight in my national carrier contributed to the manifesto ), and particularly identify with these words of yours “I do what I want because I’ve made deliberate choices to structure my life to pursue the things I want to do”.

Just to share that I’ve recently resigned from a government job, to focus my efforts to become trained as a yoga instructor. I want to work for myself, and not anymore for any bureaucratic organisation. I want my life to be meaningful, and not mundane. The fact that I’m living is a great blessing, and I don’t want to waste such a wonderful opportunity to discover myself, discover the truth about life, and help others do the same. I want to gain wisdom and be free of ignorance. At the end of my life, I want to be able to look back, and be satisfied that I have tapped into the power within me, and use it to contribute to a better world. What I can offer to others through teaching yoga is hope, insight, and healing. Cheers!
July 7, 2008

fenris

Awesome manifesto, and a very nice website overall. I hope you’re enjoying Eastern Europe, in which I happen to be living at the moment. We definitely need more writing of this kind, I just got a new surge of ideas for my always-halfway-finished business/hobby project… so brb, notes time.

Also, thanks for mentioning Kiva just when I was wondering where to keep my savings, currently idling at a barely-over-inflation account. At least someone will get some use out of them, I suppose.
July 8, 2008

Constantin

Such an inspirational and good read!
July 8, 2008

Yuri Banens

Hi Chris, thank you –

Came here through JD Roth’s site, if I remember correctly (it’s been a long day), and thought I ought to pitch in with my answers to your questions:

1. What do you want out of life?
– A culturally complete one. Breadth of experience and intensity of feeling.

2. What can you give that no one else can?
– Humour, love and teaching.

Well OK, others can give that, but its valuable nonetheless and the more of it the better. My role model would be someone like David Swenson (I am a junior Yoga teacher)
July 8, 2008

Anoop Erakkil

Chris,

Glad to have come across this…

Your thoughts re-affirm my faith in myself and the fact that “another world is possible”.
I am still experiencing life… and un-learning all the stuff i learnt at school… I am still unsure of how to answer those two questions!

This manifesto is gonna be the catalyst to help me out now!!! And all likeminded friends of mine would help themselves with a serving of this!

Thanks a ton!
Will catch up virtually along your world trip…

Cheers
Anoop
July 10, 2008

My del.icio.us bookmarks for July 9th through July 10th

[...] The Art of Nonconformity » A Brief Guide to World Domination – Via my good friend Cathy. Yes, it's a self help guide, but a good one. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “My del.icio.us bookmarks for July 9th through July 10th”, url: “http://www.melstarrs.com/elemental/2008/07/10/my-delicious-bookmarks-for-july-9th-through-july-10th/” }); News [...]
July 10, 2008

jweaks

Being a little non-conformist here…

If we all are going to die, and everyone we help is going to die, even if we achieve our goals and help the world in a “big” way, what’s the point?

Are those really the two most important questions in the universe?

That’s it? Is there nothing more? Nothing bigger than that?
July 10, 2008

Trackback from Yanik Silver’s Internet Lifestyle Blog

[...] I also just read a really interesting report from Chris Guillebeau – he piqued my interest with the way he lives his life and runs his business from remote locations [...]
July 11, 2008

Trackback from Scott Cheatham

[...] Free stuff! Yes indeed. You can download a free copy of the ebook “A Brief Guide to World Domination” from the site of writer Chris Guillebeau. The book is a call to action for setting goals, making solid life change, and achievement. Whatever you do these days, there’s something for you to take away in this little ebook and IT’S FREE. I believe this type of publishing will revolutionize the way we think of reading, publication, and writing in the next 5 years. [...]
July 11, 2008

Allen Gregory

I really like this report, it reminds me so much of several quotes that I love.

“To find your mission in life is to discover the intersection between your heart’s deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger.” – Frederick Buechner
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes planning the day difficult.
~ E.B. White

Now I just have to truely figure out my answers to the two questions.
July 11, 2008

Phil Baumann

I changed my About statement after reading this remarkable gem of clear light.

I never gave enough thought to really understand what I wanted and how to give back. But I always knew, and this little piece that you wrote loosened that knowledge from my tiny brain. I’m a bit nervous about achieving my goals now, but you’ve inspired just enough confidence to get them done.

You hit a home run here. Whatever it is you do in your life from now on Chris, your Art of Nonconformity is a torchlight in a darkening world.

Thank you. Ciao!
July 12, 2008

Ivica

I have just finished reading your report and I am proud to say that I always wanted to be remarkable and I am trying to live my life the way I want to (and in the end of it I can say: “I did it my way”).

P.S. I am learning Spanish, my native language is Croatian (regarding English – here it is) and this is a quotation that is also my motto: “Vive como si fueras a morir mañana. Aprende como si fueras a vivir para siempre” – Live like you are going to die tomorrow. Learn like you are going to live forever” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Thanks,

Ivica P.
July 12, 2008

Mark Buckshon

At age 25/26, I set out to achieve the dream — finding my way to Rhodesia in December 08, leaving Zimbabwe via West Africa in 1980 (final place – Liberia, a week after Samual Doe’s bloody coup). The dream then: to be a foreign correspondent. I found my way by finding a job as a sub-editor on The Bulawayo Chronicle, bending a few immigration rules and choosing a place and time of historical relevance. The realization, as I joined the foreign press corps in Salisbury/Harare just before Zimbabwe’s indepedence, is that the reality underlying the achievement of many dreams is not always what it seems.

My most important real dream, more simple, but far more valuable than travelling around the world, would be to find love, happiness, and enjoy a great family life. It took another 13 years to get there.

Now in late middle age, I’m glad I failed to follow the conventions, to follow my own path, to think for myself, and to respect others in the process. Those of us with the good fortune to follow our own paths, to think independently and with a global perspective, enjoy a wealth of experiences and achievements that transcend economic success. Ironically, I expect we are generally more successful in the material sense than the great mass either too fearful or unimaginative to find our own way.
July 12, 2008

Matthew Moran

Well done and thanks. This both validates and encourages my current path and I cannot wait to print it for my kids as well. My 17 year old and I were just discussing our plans for “world domination” – or at least our little world, so your title alone is worth of mention.

Thanks again.
Matt
July 12, 2008

Elvis Montero » Blog Archive » World Domination

[...] The reason I’m writing this is because I would like to bring a very thought-provoking piece of reading to your attention.

Every now and then you come across a reading that resonates with all your ideas and conceptions of the world in such a profound manner, that you just have to get out of your way and share it with everyone. Chris Guillebeau’s World Domination was just that reading for me this week. I found Chris’ work so riveting that I felt compelled to share his manifesto with all of you. [...]
July 12, 2008

Michael Ashley

Chris, thanks for the ebook. I have been fighting the system for 10 years and it’s tough. I have started 3 different businesses and written books. Now I am deep in debt, my family wants me to give up and get a job so we can have a more “normal” life. I’m working on a new writing system that will actually help more people write and publish books. I know I can build a system that will help the world in a meaningful way, but meaningful doesn’t easily add up to dollar signs for venture capitalists. I couldn’t help but wonder if you were able to accomplish so much in your life because you had access to money, or if you pulled it off all on your own. Funding your dreams is hard. It’s also easier to pursue your dreams when you’re young and undivided, so you should add a part in there for people who think they are too old or entrenched.

Also, you should talk about when to give up and when to keep trudging on… I have never learned how to give up and I’ve spent so many years trudging that I’m confident it will pay off… FastPencil.com is just one more business on the way to world domination! Thanks again for the insight and encouragement. Today is not the day to quit.
July 13, 2008

Erdal Bezaroglu

Hi Chris,

WOW I am glad that i have found another person that has similar thoughts about life and the things that you can achieve for your life. Your ebook has added me new perspectives and opened new windows in my mind and encouraged me to follow my inner voice to achieve my goals. After writing this comment i will email your ebook to the closest friends and family, encourage them to read and apply to their life, and hand over the computer to my wife to read it. I have also subscribed to your newsletter, looking forward to receive news about you soon. You rock man.

Thank you,

Kind Regards,
http://www.miccicohan.net
July 13, 2008

Michael Covisi

Chris,

Good work. Well written. It’s something all of us need to hear.

Taking an independent path is a very personal call. One person’s true mission might be raising a family in the suburbs, while another person’s life’s work is third world inner city drug counseling. Each of us needs to keep in mind that no worthy goal is off limits, whether it seems mainstream or radical.

I like the Ready-Fire-Aim Method. Accomplishment is 5% ideas, and 95% execution. Ideas are of no value whatsoever without action, and most often, the original idea is adjusted several times as action is taken and lessons are learned.

One of the greatest self-help fallacies is the idea that goal setting and visualization alone will make something happen. They won’t. It’s a great way to initiate the creative process, but taking action is the only thing that brings change to our lives.
July 13, 2008

Aunt Em

I stopped performing a boring piece of work to take time out to read this and it is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Thank you.
July 13, 2008

Alan

Chris -

Read your Manifesto at an opportune time in my life. Just graduated college and moved to Boston to start a pretty unique job that will take me all over the world for at least the next few years.

After reading through 29 pages, I was inspired to start a blog to chronicle my travels and to add my two cents to the ‘lifestyle design’ community. Gotta start somewhere!

Thank you.

Alan
July 13, 2008

Joe

Hello Chris G,

Thanks for the report! I would tell you my answers to the two most important questions, but I think I will just live them out instead. We are all our own army ( the nonconformists ) so I have never been one to join the masses!

Thanks again!
July 13, 2008

David Agogo

Exceptional! I am a new loyal subscriber from Nigeria. Cheers.
July 13, 2008

Matt

In India, there are two national languages: English and Hindi. However, the only language taught in schools is English and at the same time, almost everyone in India has access to a cell phone or owns one themselves.

All i can say after reading your Manifesto is that i’m now part of a research team at UC Berkeley that’s creating software and e-games that will teach illiterate students English!

I never expected the convergence of pursuing our personal goals and helping others could be possible w/o doing one or the other first.

Thanks.
July 13, 2008

Trackback from Communicatrix

[...] A Brief Guide to World Domination, and behold how eBooks should be produced. [...]
July 14, 2008

Lloyd

In answer to your questions-Love your story. Very interesting. Definatley compelling.

Thanks for sharing.

Lloyd
Melbourne, Australia
July 14, 2008

Clive Praed

Very interesting.

However, being a non-conformist is conforming, in a way.

I have taken it a little further.

My answer to both questions would be NOTHING.

In my 50+ years I have NEVER asked myself what I wanted out of life. Consequently I have received nothing. No real estate, car, no wife, no children, no friends – no WORRIES.

The very best way to be.

Ambition and “setting goals” (another thing I’ve avoided, luckily) only lead to an early grave, carrying with you all the disappointments that ambition and goals bring.

You can never achieve your goals so there really is no point in trying.

Life is a disease curable only by death.

See you.
July 14, 2008

Dr.Mani

Chris, thanks for an awesome, awesome, AWESOME manifesto!

I’ve printed it out, and will insist upon my 10-year old daughter reading it asap.

You really nailed the most important aspects of living your own life and being the change you want to see in the world. I felt excitement, inspiration and encouragement as I progressed through the manifesto.

In part, it offered validation of the path of non-conformity I consciously chose many years ago (hey, how many heart surgeons do you know who build online businesses to fund their passion?!).

And in part, it offered precious guidance and safety guidelines to guard against getting side-tracked, disillusioned or being tempted to give up.

Thank you from my heart for writing this report and sharing it with the world. I will certainly be spreading the word about it, and recommending it to others I know who are (or are dreaming about) changing the world!

All success

Dr.Mani
http://www.DrMani.name

P.S. – I learned about your report from Seth Godin – and it’s as remarkable as one might expect of an endorsement by the original ‘Purple Cow’!
July 14, 2008

Reggie Drake

Oh, I love the typography and colours in your pamphlet. The content irked my nihilist sensibilities at times, but it conveyed the idea that there is a huge power in being intense rather then sensible. No use worrying or doubting. First we’ll take Manhattan. Who can stand up to that attitude?
July 14, 2008

Kathleen

Found you through Seth Godin’s website.
Love the little ebook.
THANK YOU for sharing these thoughts.

I will be linking to this on my blog–too inspiring not to!!

My two answers were the same! Love & music. I think I can refine answer number two a little more (because love and music are not unique to me), but I thought that was interesting that what I want from this life is the same as what I really have to give. It gives credence to your ideas and the idea that the truth & the path really is inside each and every one of us.

THANKS!!
xo
kathleen
July 14, 2008

Doug McIsaac

Chris,

Thank you, I needed that.

It’s alway interesting how on those days that you’ve lost focus something shows up to help you pull it back into perspective.

You said a lot in a short 29 pages. Thank you for writing them.

I will be sharing this with friends and my readers.

Doug
July 14, 2008

Pace Smith

Hi Chris!

I just read your brief guide to world domination, and all I can say is: Sign me up for your army! Of course I plan on starting my own army, and I have a feeling we’ll have many soldiers in common. (:

I find your writing very inspiring, and I find your actions and your life even more so. Let me know what I can do to support you. Seriously. Let me know.

My answers to your two questions are:

1: I want my life to be fun and fulfilling. Two things that I love a huge ton are helping people and explaining things.

2: Oodles of knowledge and perspective gained through hard-earned experience, and the passion to share it with others in a way that helps them.

My wife and I are going to become the #1 communication experts in the English-speaking world. I found your words very insightful and inspiring (and I’m sure she will too when I share them with her) and I look forward to reading more and perhaps exchanging some ideas!

May the best of everything come to you, Chris!
-Pace
July 14, 2008

Bruce

Chris –
Thanks for writing this book and for your website. Seems like the world is coming to life after being in a funk a long time. I’m glad, and it’s time for me to get moving. Great ideas! Helps me a lot to get my thoughts together.
Bruce
July 15, 2008

ExRat

Hi Chris,

Great read, great life you’re living – keep it up. After skimming the comments, for my first answer I’m inclined to say I’d like to be as great as Dr. Mani (6 comments up.)

Answer 1 – I’m all for honesty, and the answer is that at this time, I really don’t know what I want out of life. And your pdf hasn’t helped with this. Well that’s a lie actually, it has helped. But it doesn’t feel like it has helped right now because it’s just sent me backwards. But, that’s because your pdf has caused me to realise that I must make an about turn and go backwards first in order to go forwards – in the RIGHT direction this time. Oops. Thanks

Hint – your wake-up call has made me realise that in most of the areas where I have been going wrong, without realising it, I have been submitting to the pressures to conform. And it’s a terrible thing to allow your own motivation to progress and succeed to be unconsciously swung around so that it aims towards conformity and mediocrity.

I’ve probably only become about 15-25% conformist, but to a life-long advocate and prcatitioner of total non conformity (just for the sake of it) like myself, that’s sacrilege.

Answer 2 – If I try and write it here in words, it won’t come across as remarkable in the slightest or particularly unique. But of course, once assembled and delivered ‘in my own unique way’, then it has every chance of being remarkable and memorable – as will anyone elses ‘thing’.

So in the spirit of your inspiring pdf, rather than telling you what I can offer that no one else can, I think it would be far more appropriate if I just got on with it.

Cheers!
July 15, 2008

Chris

From one Chris to another…

Thanks for reminding me what it’s all about

Cheers

Chris
July 15, 2008

Adrian

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the manifesto! I’d love to find out if you’re planning on doing any speaking in the countries you are visiting. Let me know, let’s arrange something.

~Adrian, Singapore.
July 15, 2008

Maelle

Thanks for a truly inspiring read, packed with very useful links and real life tools. I now know there’s some paper stored somewhere on my hard drive which I can read over again whenever I am in doubt of what I can and want to achieve. Thank you for teaching me something important today.
I’m one of those who take longer to answer your questions, so I’ll pass this time…
July 15, 2008

Nancy Boyd

Your Guide is very timely. I’ll be quoting from it in some of my future blog posts, because rather than propose the right answers to people, it elicits greater insights and action to ask the right questions. You are on the right track here!

Keep going!

Many blessings for your journey,

Nancy
July 15, 2008

Trackback from Steve Pavlina's Forums

[...] I used almost the exact criteria to finally find the right path for me. I found this free e-book, The Art of Non-Conformity, to be helpful [...]
July 15, 2008

Matt Keller

Chris,

Thanks for the manifesto. I loved it! What a great perspective!

Thanks,

Matt Keller
July 15, 2008

the communicatrix

Hey!

Joyful conduit of truth, beauty and love, here, applying my advanced nerdery and communications skillz (writing! performing! design!) to the task. (I also call it “helping people find their own unique fabulosity,” which might be a quicker, easier way of stating it.)

From way, way down here in the comments field, I’d like to tell anyone who’ll listen that what separates this delightful ebook from the pack are two things: earnestness (the writer is writing first & foremost b/c he has to, b/c he feels you *must* know this stuff) and design.

Seriously, design.

And Chris? THANK YOU for that!
July 15, 2008

Dick

Just finished the manifesto and it’s great. I’m 72 years old and it reminded me of the comment of George Eliot: “’tis never too late to be what you might have been.” Maybe it’s time I justified my years on earth and the many gifts I’ve been given by others. As AARnold says, “I’ll be back!”
July 15, 2008

Greg Taylor

This is the most excited I have been about a piece of writing since I read Jesus’ Son by Denis Johnson.
It’s refreshing. I printed out a copy, had it bound and gave it to a friend of mine’s daughter who has just graduated high school and is going away to college. I wish I had read this before I left to go off to college, but I am glad to get the chance to renew my thinking now as married 47 year old with a brand new baby girl. Thanks, Chris for putting this out there. Greg Taylor
July 16, 2008

Trackback from Phil Baumann

[...] Also, download A Brief Guide to World Domination, print it out and read it. It will expose that lie you were told years ago. [...]
July 16, 2008

Trackback from Superstruct

[...] In that vein, I present an ebook from Chris Guillebeau: A Brief Guide to World Domination. It’s a quick essay that’s visually appealing and flows decently. It’s catchy, and branded well. It could light a fire under you, if you’re so inclined.

The highlight for me was the exercise of imagining your ideal day in detail, extracting what you need to accomplish to have that day, then working backward to determine how to achieve those goals. [...]
July 16, 2008

Trackback from Dr. Mani

[...] On Monday, I was reading an amazing document that I found through Seth Godin’s blog. It’s called “A Brief Guide to World Domination” and it’s about how to lead a remarkable life in a conventional world.

It’s a report EVERYONE should read – and internalize. Especially entrepreneurs and people who want to make an IMPACT. That’s YOU.[...]
July 17, 2008

Donna Dufault

Reading the words you wrote has hit home with me. My husband and I are professional photographers who have been working on a personal project photographing the amazing artists in our area- purely because we don’t think people realize the extraordinary talents in their own back yards. The project has been quite a journey for us. Meeting people, seeing things, and working with folks we never thought would be possible a few years ago. We are doing this project with our own time and money. And it has not been easy.

I am not great with words…. but I need to try and say this – everything you said in your writing- harkened back to why we started this project in the first place! I had not put it into words like you have here, but we had it in our heads – reading this re-enforced that we were on the right track and we should keep going… It came at a time where we are tired and a bit behind, so the inspiration is greatly appreciated.

So-
Thank you.

I look forward to reading more from you…

Sincerely, Donna Dufault and Scott Erb
July 17, 2008

William

I’m a traveler, lifelong learner (currently studying Mandarin), and business owner (who succeeded despite the criticism of former coworkers) in the midst of designing a career change–so I appreciate inspirational writing.

Since you asked for feedback, I’ll suggest that the guide would be more persuasive with an example who was older. Not only will many readers be older, but also many people fear not being able to afford to stop working (e.g., retire) when they can no longer work. An older example would reassure readers that it’s possible to live life to the fullest now without lacking life later.

P.S. I’d love to discuss business and travel in some Seattle coffee shop when you return.
July 18, 2008

Patri Friedman

I am quitting my job this month to work on my dream of building independent city states on platforms in international waters, so people can experiment with new social, political, and legal systems. So I found this piece very timely, since I am trying to take over (70% of) the world . Not for myself, but for the world – because we need a long tail of government.

So, yay for unconventional lives and changing the world!
July 20, 2008

Trackback from Rescue Marketing

[...] I like his attitude, and I think you might get something from reading his manifesto, A Brief Guide to World Domination, much less some other stuff on his site.

It doesn’t sound much like a business piece, but I think you’ll find it useful in your business and elsewhere once you dive in.[...]
July 22, 2008

Trackback from Metroknow

[...]Chris has published his manifesto which is entitled, A Brief Guide to World Domination (and other important goals): How to Live a Remarkable Life in a Conventional World. The report is spreading like wildfire thanks to a virtual army, myself included, who are enthusiastically fanning the smoke signals of change in a digital age.[...]
July 22, 2008

orneryswife

Your manifesto came to my attention at a pivotal point in my life. I am 48 years old, have always been a homemaker, and buried my dreams for a different life. Recently my husband and I decided we’d like to buy some land, build a “green” house, start an organic farm, and build a guest quarters to provide a sanctuary for those who need refreshment of soul or body. We have mapped out a rough plan of things that need to occur, including improving our own health so that we might have the stamina to accomplish our goals, and eradicating our debt so that we won’t be reliant on the economy to prosper.

Meanwhile, I am researching green architecture, learning about organic gardening, and preparing in other ways while we aggressively reduce our debt load. The dream continues to expand to include other aspects, but that is the gist. As for what it offers others, I think hope, and proof that it can be done in today’s economy, and a safe place to heal, rest or grow for those who seek such a place.

Thanks for posting this, and best wishes as you travel the world, challenging mediocrity, and promoting nonconformity.
TM
July 23, 2008

szelee

I’ve just resigned from my job yesterday before even securing a new one. Everyone around me seems puzzled, the closer ones opened their eyes bigger, as if I have committed a cardinal sin.

Truth is, I did it on purpose. I wanted to be different for a while. People love the idea ticking time-bomb, that’s why they go to cinema. But seldom are there people who like to hold it.

Like you’ve said, “…The only things you’ll need to give up are assumptions, expectations, and the comfort zone that holds you back from greatness.” I might not have got the greatness part yet, but I certainly felt less unremarkably average than before.

Thanks!
July 23, 2008

Dominique C. Brack

Hi Chris, what a great manifesto. In desperate need of intelligence in the form of words and reports I am so loving your report.

Good luck

G’day mate from OZ

Dominique
July 23, 2008

Mary Anne Davis

Chris- Love the manifesto. Just finished it after about a week. A little here, a little there. Very generous. Good luck with your quest.
July 23, 2008

Cassie

Now this is exactly what I’m talking about!
July 23, 2008

Panzer

Hi Chris

I’ve just finished reading your “Brief Guide to World Domination” and it has really helped me piece together why I feel so dead inside even though I have a decent job, spouse + kid and a relatively comfortable life.

I realised that to be remarkable is to be alive and I’ve felt alive before during a time when I was actively pursuing public speaking activities through toastmasters clubs where I managed to connect with a lot of people through coaching them as a project(speech) evaluator.

Still thinking about those two questions but I believe I am on the right track.

Be well and prosper!
July 23, 2008

Erica

Hi Chris,

Your manifesto is amazing. An unexpected series of events led me to it at a time when I had become discouraged. You inspired me to take action and move closer to what I really want and what I can offer, in a remarkable way. I followed your ready, set, aim approach and sent out 3 emails today to move my study forward. This has taken me months to do so I am SO excited. I am still answering the 2 questions but I’m excited about it…not apprehensive. THANK YOU for writing this. It is an amazing piece of work.

Here’s to being remarkable!

Erica
July 24, 2008

The Life of a Superhero Entrepreneur + Arielle’s Ideal Day « Arielle is a Superhero

[...] I learned about a new way of life planning after reading Chris Guillebeu’s ebook, A Brief Guide to Nonconformity. It’s pretty simple – write down exactly how you want to live your perfect day from start to [...]
July 26, 2008

SoulRiser

This is seriously cool, because whenever I’m working on the most important things to me, and someone asks me what I’m doing, I tell them I’m busy taking over the world.
I’ve posted a link to this page on my site, which is basically a support site for kids who hate being forced to go to school and being told which hoops to jump through all the time.
July 28, 2008

Lora

Chris, I knew what I needed to do, but have been stumbling along trying to execute it. With your help and inspiring words, I have the plan, am ready to execute it, and you will be hearing about me someday soon too! Peace and safe travels.
July 29, 2008

Trackback from the Practice of Leadership

[...] A true leader is an original, he is not and cannot be a copy! Download and read this manifesto it will challenge and inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world… [...]
July 30, 2008

Ashley

Chris,

I’m an indefatigable, perennial student of leadership & social entrepreneurship. One of your readers – a coworker of mine – pointed out your website and your manifesto. Skeptical at first, I decided to give you a try, telling myself that as soon as I lost interest, I’d toss your manifesto and ignore your website.

You blew my socks off. Well done. I’ll be reading.

Best wishes,

aw
July 30, 2008

D.M. Cook

Great writing, Chris, though I do feel like there should have been more of a cohesive “action plan” (I guess in essence it’s up to us, as always ) A very well-designed and intriguing collection of stories. I’m sure this will do good things for the world!

My two answers:

What do you really want to get from life?
An incredible range of experiences, a tremendous amount of knowledge, the freedom of exploring and mapping aspects of the universe not currently known, traveling as much as possible, and the knowledge that I have changed people’s lives through my work.

What can you offer the world that no one else can?
Perspective, holistic thinking, ideas and theories that will change the world, my own surreal experience of living here, now, and my art, writing and spirit.

Elevator speech:

My name is DM Cook and I explore consciousness and culture in an effort to discover the fundamental truths of our reality. The world with me in charge is far more holistic and conscientious, truly concerned with the effects of its actions and deeply committed to improving itself.
August 1, 2008

ArthurHung

I’m in shock. But I want to let you know that I do know what I want to do. I want to break-in an educational system that will eliminate the triviality of the current educational systems, especially highschool, towards the superficial criteria of marks and degrees, where children, teenagers and young adults suffer through the brutal regurgitation process and slave mentality of the unremarkable average – towards producing things of value, creativity, and to teach them the importance of being remarkable, in finding what they truly want and inspiring them to achieve it despite gatekeepers. Starting with 3 specific countries: Canada, China, U.S. And if I don’t end up doing this exact thing, it will probably have a very similar intent.
August 3, 2008

Palacios

This manifesto is great mainly to show that defying the Status Quo rules is not a so-alone activity.

I see fit a world where all the information overload would be smart-wraped into more interesting packages to grant wider access to building knowledge and, so, promoting evolution. I’ve been woring on that for some months now.

You can count on me for your nonconformity army!

Best regards
August 8, 2008

Jason M. Beauford

Great Manifesto. I’m sharing with everyone and anyone who will listen, essentially those who are not complacent with mediocrity.

Truly inspiring and motivational. One day I hope to inspire others. Which leads me to the answers to the two questions you proposed:

“What do you really want to get out of life?”
Other than the basics, have a loving family, financial independence, and a true social responsibility;

I want to inspire those who will listen. I want to be a motivational and driving force which helps individuals realize their potential. I want to make “good” people, great! I want to help people become everything they’ve always wanted.

I want to join your army.

“What can you offer the world that no one else can?”
I can offer my personal experiences, my insight and my perspective of the world.

Be Well and Travel Safe.

- JMB
August 12, 2008

Cindy

This manifesto is exactly the kick in the butt that I’ve been needing to get my butt in gear. I’ve been thinking long on the questions you proposed and here’s what I’ve come up with:

What do I really want to get out of life? Hard question; there is so much I want to DO in life, but does that really equate to what I want to GET out of life? I want to travel, volunteer, garden, read, bake, cook, spend time with family and friends. Maybe relearn to make music, take classes in things I’ve always wanted to learn about. Look into permaculture; woofer; hike the AMT and the PST; take a train across what parts of the world I can; learn to swim better. Spend months living in other places/cities. (Re)learn to write.

I’m not sure what I can offer the world, yet. Definitely kick-ass coffee cake and apple turnovers! This is something I have to work on, think more on. I’ve come up with a list of values that I want to define my life by; and am refining them into a more concrete statement to help me redefine and focus my life.

So, my manifesto is still in progress, but at least it is finally moving forward. Thanks!
August 15, 2008

Kyle Creamer

I read your manifesto, and existentialism already did it.
Great spirit/goal and all, but I’m sick of business-esque pseudo-philosophy.

I’m currently on the fence about whether or not I’ll be helping out humanity, or climbing into a nuke shelter for fifty years – I’m resting it on the US’s election.

Dumb people will only live a life as small as they’re affected.
August 15, 2008

Charles Widdicombe

Hey Chris

Great Manifesto – I have been truely inspired. Hopefully I will break out of my comfort zone and lead a truly remarkable life!

Thanks for the words and resources as well, and good luck with your travels.

Charles
September 3, 2008

Rachel Laban

Just wanted to let you know that I read your manifesto and thought there were some really useful ideas in it–esp. “What can you offer the world that no one else has?” Love your blog and love your quest to visit all the countries in the world.
September 10, 2008

Trackback from Zen College Life

[...] This is my first e-book endorsement, and though I read a lot of books, blogs, and other material, this has really inspired thought and action on my part, and I want it to do the same for you. [...]
September 30, 2008

Emily

Hello there! I read your manifesto and enjoyed it thoroughly. Like most other people, I found it easier to answer the first, but difficult to answer the second. To be honest, I read your entire manifesto even though I’ve always considered myself a very average Jane, one content with mediocrity or at least resigned to it. Ironically, I’ve always prided myself in that respect, that I harbored no illusions that I was some secret genius in the making, or that I would one day “show them all” how spectacular I truly am. I never thought of myself as special or unique or that I would have anything worthwhile to contribute.

So your manifesto is also essentially a lesson in self-esteem, as I read it. It encouraged and uplifted me to a state where I can believe that yes, even me, even plain, boring, average and nonspecial me, I can potentially change the world somehow, some way. It seems like a very distant possibility from my current vantage point, but the fact that I’m willing to even consider taking that step towards not being mediocre, not being satisfied with a humdrum existence that is only as large as I am, that in itself is a pretty noteworthy first step.

I hope to make progress on that front. So good luck with your endeavors, and good luck to me for starting this journey towards growth and change.

Thanks for reading my comment!
October 1, 2008

Nicole O

Hello Chris,

My friend sent me your work on a brief guide to world domination. He sent it to me to help motivate me and my goal. For me the first question is most difficult. All I want is to be happy. For me to try to extend what that means…would take a life time in itself, cause what might make me happy now, might not in five years.

As for What can you offer the world that no one else can? I see a revolution. (This is why my friend sent me your manifest). I believe that government in the US is corrupt and there is too much of it. I believe the system needs to change. I’m young, but what I have seen of the government in my live time is not “For the people by the people” but it has become “For the major corporations by the major corporations”, and this is what I want to change. Senator’s and Representatives should have limited terms. The corrupt should be purged out. The Federal government shouldn’t be the ones who decide who can and can not get married. The Federal government should not be involved in decisions on abortion laws. And I’m just tried of voting for the lesser evil. I want a candidate that I’m ecstatic to vote for. I can go on, but I think you see my point.

Why have I not started on this? Maybe it’s my psy degree that thinks I have grandiose ideals (that I’m the one who will save us all), and fear that other will just see me as delusional. If I am not the one, then who is??? And besides my friend who gave me your manifest, who else is with me? Does my generation agree with me? Is my generation ready for a revolution???
October 2, 2008

Rachel

I am very glad to have been introduced to you through Paul Myers’ newsletter.

My wish is to surround myself with wise and interesting people such as you both.

I’m on the same path but I didn’t find it until I was 41!

I haven’t yet worked out what my single role is in the world – I’m trying one or two at the moment to see how they feel.

But I do have one huge idea which I’m allowing to grow in my mind at the moment. Whether I or someone else sees it through to fruition I’m not sure, but it’s there.

It’s exciting just declaring it here on your site!
October 2, 2008

Trackback from Nathan's Lifestyle Blog

[...] Chris’ blog is entitled “The Art of Non-Conformity” and it was one of the first blogs that I really got interested in. Although a majority of the blog is centered on his quest to visit each and every one of the countries of the world (he’s hit 100 so far!), he also has a very unique perspective on life and work. He wrote an E-Book that I highly recommend called “A Brief Guide to World Domination.” [...]
October 7, 2008

Charlotte

Hi, Chris!

GREAT manifesto. I’m inspired!

Three months ago I decided to leave my cushy software job and studies at Columbia University and take a year to do everything that I wanted to do when I was 12. Climbing mountains, teaching English overseas, living in Russia… you name it!

Well, next week I’m moving to Russia. I’ve started a blog to document my journey there, and hope to grow it into the makings of a small army.

It was amazing to me just how *fast* everything happened once I made the decision to stop dreaming about the things I wanted to do, and start doing them!

That’s the one thing I want to communicate to other readers of the manifesto: you CAN do it! Not tomorrow, not a week from now, but today. Commit. Put all your mental and emotional resources into doing something, and you’ll do it.

As my mentor always says: “Get to the doing of it!”

Cheers,

Charlotte
the Voevoda Bolshoia
November 10, 2008

Trackback from Nathan Hangen

[...] Lastly, I want to show that the process of lifestyle design is powerful and effective. Too many people let the world dictate how they live their lives and I want to change that. I also want to give credit to my friend Chris Guillebeau for doing the same thing, but better. To borrow his phrase, we all want to be “World Dominators,” but many of us lack passion, direction, or dedication. However, if enough of us start the momentum there is no reason we cannot motivate others to follow. [...]
November 12, 2008

Trackback from Guerilla Programmer

[...] Somehow I came across Chris Guillebeau and his blog. I read his little book “A Brief Guide to World Domination”, it is good – read it. I also went ahead a bought his book “The Unconventional Guide to Working for Yourself… [...]
November 15, 2008

Eduardo

A truly useful tool for anyone who dreams of “something bigger.” thank you for writing that, and i hope to read more of your material. Here are quick jots in reference to your two questions:

#1: What do you really want to get out of life?
My life is for the service of others. I cry whenever I heard of people suffering. My soul aches each night; I sleep uneasy. I want to help, I want to cause change. My life in service to them. I don’t know them. But I love them. My heart feels for them. For their problems, injustices, I know them.

#2: What can you offer the world that no
one else can?
This is a really hard question. I am a creative person, willing to try out new things and implement new policies and ideas. I see that corruption of the world; the fact that 5 percent of the people in the world control the other 95 percent. There is a serious imbalance of power and money. I want to offer my views and thoughts, so that others may learn and benefit from them like I do. I offer my will to improve myself, my determination to succeed, and my love of humanity. I have a lot of things that I have to fix in my life, so I take things one day at a time.
November 16, 2008

Shrutarshi Basu

I’d like to see myself becoming on of the top technological innovators of this century. Keeping that in mind I’ve made a commitment to putting in 10,000 hours programming over the next 5 years, because I’ve heard from a number of sources that 10,000 is the magic number to reach expert level. Though at the same time, I’ll be making sure I work on interesting and exciting projects that bring me into contact with other forward looking people.
November 20, 2008

Rubi Torres

Great PDF.

Thank you.

Regards from Quito – Ecuador
December 12, 2008

Daniel Edlen

You had a part in this.

Thank you, Chris.
@vinylart
December 17, 2008

Micki

I started on this path many years ago, and let myself get distracted and discouraged. I always had a hard time with the dichotomy between wanting to change the world and enjoying my life but I will now say it doesn’t have to be that way. So thanks, for getting me back on track. I’ll be doing my first annual review this weekend.
December 30, 2008

Trackback from World Megan

[...]This afternoon I read Chris Guillebeau’s A Brief Guide to World Domination: How to Live a Remarkable Life in a Conventional World. I strongly suggest downloading the PDF from the link he provides, and reading it. Right now. (Or, you know. Soon.) [...]
December 31, 2008

David Hutchison

A very good read and I’m enjoying your site. I linked to the manifesto in a post this evening. Best of luck, I’ll keep following.
January 1, 2009

Ranjini

Hi Chris

I read the manifesto and think you have done a wonderful job of making people think more about what they exactly want and inspire them to go after what fulfills them. I am still in the process of figuring out where i am headed but your blog keeps inspiring me not to settle

Thanks
Ranjini
January 1, 2009

Elizabeth

I grew tired of mediocrity about 15 months ago. Upon this new year’s day I have taken the time to review my goals from last year, build upon my list, and edit my list.

One of my goals has been to “read more”. To tackle this challenge, I started with all of my current resources: books from my personal collection (on and off line), the library, online reading lists, and the book collections of my personal network.

Your manifesto has been on my “to-read” list. I finally got around to reading your manifesto, and I really enjoyed it. Your writing has inspired me to continue to pursue my own unique goals. My goals did not come out of thin air, they came from diliberate thoughts and dreams that I must act upon in order to respect myself and my dreams. I will take these thoughts and convert them into actionable steps and take those sub-steps each day.

Throughout 2008, I confronted the worst of the critics and gatekeepers, and I’m exciting that at 2009 I have more energy now than ever to keep achieving my goals. I look forward to reading more of your writing, and I wish you a very happy and prosporous 2009. Happy travels!
January 7, 2009

Niel Malan

I have now read the Brief Guide to World Domination twice, and it struck terror in my heart. I am doing my PhD, and I fear that I am only doing it to please the gatekeepers. Or am I becoming a gatekeeper myself? Am I wasting my time? For the moment I am taking comfort in the fact that with my PhD I will be able to meet many gatekeepers on an equal footing.
January 7, 2009

Katana Barnett

I just read this, and it echos and reinforces things I’ve been noticing and searching out for myself.

So true. And I say this with about $20 and 1200K in debt, a paycheck “In the mail” and no job.

I just started a blog on my artist’s website, and I guess we’ll see where it goes.

I have no choice but to do what I want because I cannot work another life-draining job, and I need to be surrounded by like minded people.

HOORAY
(also, I’m not gonna lie, I’m totally nervous)
January 13, 2009

Daniel P. Kenna

I haven’t worked out the answers to both questions yet, but one thing I will definitely do this year is put out a demo CD of the electronic dance music I write. I’ve been wanting to perform live for like ten years now, but never pursued it aggressively enough.
January 14, 2009

Linda Andersson

Chris,

Thank you for sharing your manifesto. It is incredibly inspiring! I will add a link to my blog so that others may have the pleasure of reading it and be inspired to live out their dreams.

Keep up the great work!

Linda
January 14, 2009

Trackback from DotSign Directives

[...] More recently, I stumbled across Chris Guillebeau’s manifesto, A Brief Guide To World Domination on his blog, The Art Of Nonconformity, linked to from the Lifehacker site. A writer and world traveler, Mr. Guillebeau’s posts appeal to those who are not satisfied with the status quo – those who want to be better than average and also make a difference in the world. He proposes that you ask yourself what he calls, the “two most important questions in the universe”, and rather than spoil the surprise, read them for yourself here. Currently, I’m trying to answer those questions, which are key to determining my personal plan for 2009 and beyond. [...]
January 25, 2009

Dan Hartwig

Keep this up. I strive to meet people like you every day, for the inspiration. Every day living in mediocrity, it is so easy to fall into this trap of not using my energy wisely and shrugging off remarkable goals and steps to achieve them. I am a firm believer that anything is possible, yet I need these kinds of encouraging and well-written articles and blogs to keep the realism in the non-conformity. Thank you, and I hope you continue your fascinating journey to completion.
January 26, 2009

Michael

I recently took the leap to China to continue pushing on my language skill and go to work for a publishing house where I actually already have the qualifications and various skills to do a job that is desperately needed.

All my life I’ve been fortunate to meet people who have helped me to do what I could not yet do, to manifest what was just a dream, I’ve met people who helped me turn that wish into a reality. So, it has been annoying disconcerting to actually have the skills, but be greeted by gatekeepers that keep a different score from that which we tally in the west.

Dead ends are useful, they make us take a hard look at our selves, goals, expectations and those annoying and blinds assumptions we have made about the world.

In my case, to light out for the territory ahead, even if I don’t have the cash. I came across the manifesto just as I’d made the decision to leave to Beijing, and head for the tea country of Yunnan (south of the clouds is how that translates). I’m packing the manifesto and a map in Chinese.
February 28, 2009

micahel

I enjoyed your manifesto. I’m in the midst of writing the proposal for my next book and reinventing myself after leaving a 25-year career in newspapers. I look forward to putting your suggestions to use.
Thanks!
March 2, 2009

Madison

Chris,
I am a 15-year-old student in Connecticut and was already sick of “checking boxes” before I read your manifesto. It was exactly what I needed. After reading, I decided that I would begin editing the novel I abandoned three months ago in favor of more average teenage pursuits. I am stepping away from it for only a moment in order to leave a comment telling you how grateful I am to you for this. I will most definitely keep following your site!
March 9, 2009

Voja

Hi Chris,

I enjoyed reading your manifesto, as I hope to become one of the people that break out from conformism (working on it, not there yet). Your message is really important as most people these days have very little focus in life. I share your belief that the only way to be truly happy is by doing something remarkable that you love, but which also benefits the society as a whole. I will follow your site, keep up the great work!

Voja
March 19, 2009

Philip

The problem of mediocracy, is that democracy demands an even playing field, that individuals become the instruments (civil servants) of proxies (congress elected by the people) that legislate their own agenda to be further executed (the white house) in some governmental agency.

If we applied your way of performing, it could well spell out anarchy in America, so how can you reconcile the need to be better with the letter of the law? How does a civil servant become exceptional when every point in your manifesto preaches against the status quo? Don’t get me wrong, in government, like every behemoth that strives to be a cross-section of society, does take an interest in motivational transcendence in order to push people out of their mediocracy, it only falls back on itself by the very nature of democracy (think governance by central committee).

While taking an independent streak is not frowned upon in government, for quite often, serendipity does bring change to the way we serve the people, it still cannot completely break away from the limitations placed upon civil servants.

Change has to take place with the people, with their proxies, and with the chief executive and his appointees, from there, the government of democracy may have some hope for it in becoming a better society.
March 22, 2009

Michelle

I just read your manifesto. What a fresh look at goal-setting. What a great motivation to not just change your life, but change the world! I need to digest some of it, read it again, and crack open my journal and see what kind of answers I might have for those two key questions. I am a self proclaimed Covey-ite, and I have my personal mission statement, which I think I shall review and revise, and possibly turn it into my own manifesto for world domination. Thanks so much, Chris!
March 26, 2009

Trackback from Illuminated Mind

[...] I suggest you check out Chris’s blog. He also has a really badass free ebook called A Brief Guide to World Domination. You won’t be disappointed. Plus you can’t be even if you wanted to. It’s free. [...]
March 26, 2009

Allen

Might not have the answers to the “two questions” but I know that I’ve got a lot of things ahead of me. It’s hard for me to make some of my decisions though. I’m in a personally rewarding career that does actually have potential to benefit and help others, but it’s still the “safe” option for me. There’s no risk due to the way I was raised and the people I was raised around. Not that risk is a necessary component to doing something that matters but how often is the “safe” choice the one that ends up the most rewarding. I don’t know. I do know I enjoyed your guide and the motivational aspect of it, now just to figure out what my plans are for when my contract is up. Oh yeah, I’m a Supply Officer in the US Navy in case that matters.
March 29, 2009

Jordan

Your manifesto is fantastic. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, though I dip into the self-actualization blog scene fairly frequently (I got the link from Illuminated Mind). I will be a graduate student in a health-professional field for the next 6 years, and I will have several more years of training after that. Reading your manifesto has reaffirmed how crucial of a step this is for achieving my goals. More importantly, I am determined to achieve some of my unrelated goals concurrently with my professional education. It is truly amazing how much one can accomplish over a long time, simply by choosing what very little to accomplish each day. Thanks!
April 6, 2009

Angela

Thanks for posting that Chris! Right now, I’m in a co-op job placement after four months of school working towards a chemical engineering degree. I’m not working in my field right now, and seem to have lost track of why I’m in school at all. I’ve been working lately to define my life in terms of what I can give and what I want to accomplish, and you’re site is amazing for this.

#1 What do you really want to get out of life?
I want to get rid of the garbage dump in our oceans that’s twice the size of texas. I want to stop seabirds from dying with pounds of plastic in their bellies because plastics have made it up the food chain. I want to help the world get back from the damage that humans have done. I want to eliminate plastic, and find a biodegradable solution.

I want to be able to reconcile my career and my desire to help people in my life. I feel like I’ve lost myself while in school: I don’t read books for pleasure anymore, I don’t debate, I don’t question. I keep my head down in a very rigourous program. I’m on my path towards a future that I hope will help me help the world, but I’ve forgotten that life is now and that I can change the world right now. I want to simplify my life. I want to travel, and I want to be able to love everyone too.

#2: What can you offer the world that no one else can:

When I set a goal, I meet it. When I’m serious, I don’t say “I want to win this”, or “I want to write the top essay.” I do it. I’m creative and I love to make things. I’m compulsive and will work for nothing until it is done. I will work with the best people in the world and we will get rid of plastic in our lifetime.
April 8, 2009

John Peden

Chris,

Thank you for:

1) Bridging the gaps in my understanding of entrepreneurship (that I have carried since I read the 4HWW a year ago).
2) Inspiring me to set large goals for myself and my ventures.
3) Reviewing these goals and their success.

John
April 12, 2009

Trackback from Vertverde’s Blog

[...] If you don’t want to lead a life of mediocrity and die a slow death of asphyxiation working in a ” real job” then this is for you. Of course most people wont be interested in this as they are happy with the status quo, but for those of you that want to rule the word this manifesto is for you. This approach to life has always been with me and has been growing stronger every year. It’s good to know that I’m not alone in the world and has made me push myself even harder to achieve my own personal goals. [...]
April 15, 2009

Tim Bursch

Chris,
Just read this. Thanks for your hard work and generosity. I will be joining the ranks of changing the world. Why be average?! Just figuring out my 2 answers right now. Looking forward.
Tim
April 16, 2009

Daniel Burleigh

Thank you for sharing this manifesto with the world- I heard about it through a “twit” by Guy Kawasaki and I’m glad I followed it to your site. I am in the process of writing my own manifesto called The Plight of Society’s Children, which will share my own story as well as highlight the pain and poverty that awaits many of the 500,000 youth in foster care at any given time due to the current system. Your manifesto is a great model for me to leverage as I think about how to present these ideas and stories in what hopefully will be a powerful message that will drive change. I am excited to join with you in our mutual goal to take over, or change, the world.
April 16, 2009

Trakback from Taylor Davidson

[...] This is the kind of ethos I respect [...]
April 16, 2009

Simon Fairbairn

Hey Chris,

Just wanted to say thanks for preparing this guide – really great and inspiring read and I am on the road to achieving what I want. I actually know with every fibre of my being that I can make this happen and it’s scaring the crap out of me.

Anyhow, I know my answer to number 1:

I want to get up every morning and be able to write and record music – sometimes with other great musicians, sometimes on my own – and have that be my life. I want to play gigs and hang out with people afterwards cause people are amazing. I want to meet everyone who thinks just a little bit outside the norms or who questions the life they’ve been handed. I want to promote positivity and respect and love and all the best things about being human.

Number 2 I’m working on. I think it involves teaching other musicians how to use technology to make things happen for themselves instead of banking their talents on a severely unlikely record deal. It’s going to be something I keep coming back to.

Good luck with your travels – I just got back from a year away and it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.

Thanks again!

Si
April 17, 2009

Jacques

Hi Chris,
Stumbled upon your website this morning following Seth’s link, and I ended up spending my afternoon reading your manifesto, the 270 days to overnight success ebook, and browsing through your blog.

One of the most productive day I had in a long time !
Thanks millions for the inspiration – Hugo was right, “one cannot resist the invasion of ideas”.
April 17, 2009

johnwaire

if more people thought, spoke and acted like this….wow, what a world we would live in.

i’ve shared this with a few people close to me already.

what you’ve outlined makes perfect sense. we’re all conditioned to live in a herd-like (lemming) mentality. breaking out of that mold is really the key to leaving a mark…and truly feeling good!

our time is short. our time is now. we only get 1 chance.

thanks chris! i’m on a path to being remarkable….pursuing my passion and giving back via my lens. photography has provided the outlet…and ultimately the vehicle…to making it so…frame by frame.
April 17, 2009

Mike

Chris,
I just finished reading a Brief Guide to World Domination…very nice, thank you for sharing your thoughts and inspiring others. I find several interesting parallels in your writing with other books I’ve read. It’s as though there is converging within the spirit of the world, albeit slowly, towards encouraging individuals to find their true place in the world while also serving the greater good.

Two areas that draw me in the most right now are “authenticity” and the other is “Soulcraft” as outlined in Bill Plotkin’s book “Nature and the Human Soul”. They run in line with your thoughts with one key addition…the environment. In doing something that feeds our soul and benefits the greater good we must also weave in care of the environment. All of our great actions occur within the overarching stucture of our ecological world. Failure to consider the ecological consequences of our actions (regardless of how good or how soul satisfying they are) will ultimately end our “World Domination”.

Thanks for sharing your insight…it has helped to reinforce my current path to “World Domination” and provided good pointers to stay on my path. I’m wishing you the best as you proceed along your path!

In spirit,
Mike
April 17, 2009

Darren

After reading this i feel very motivated. The fire has officially been lit under my ass.
April 17, 2009

Tope Oluwole

One of my favorite quotes is “When the student is ready the teacher appears.” Thank you for reminding me that if you’re not careful, the haters are likely to pull you into their quicksand, because you are doing what they are not.
April 17, 2009

Melanie

Thanks for the inspiration! It was needed desperately today — while I was sitting in my cubicle thinking “there’s got to be more than this!” I just wish my answers to the 2 questions were a little more clear. I’ll keep working on it…
April 17, 2009

Biz

Well, thanks to Seth Godin, today has been Chris Guillebeau day for me – since first thing this morning when I found out about your 279 Days post to now the World Domination Guide (I had to laugh, I am constantly toying with my readers that I am after World Domination) – I am a little more clear of the direction I need to go. I thank you for offering these two PDF’s for free – I will be paying it forward that is for sure.

It’s late, and I am tired, but your two questions in the World Domination Guide is on my mind – I will come back when I have a more clear answer.

I do have to say that I posed your two questions found in your 279 post to my blog readers today, and as of just a few minutes ago, my inbox is full of them telling me exactly what they want from me. How simple it was just to ask them what they want, and how willing they were to give me the answers.

I will be visiting here often to glean more from you. Have fun in Haiti!
April 18, 2009

Jessica Bischof

Your manifesto was very timely for me. Specifically the section on ‘gatekeepers’ really hit home. I certainly don’t have the “qualifications” that the gatekeepers demand one must have to share the message I’m sharing, but your encouragement that they’re not in charge anymore was motivating and inspiring.

With much appreciation,
Jessica
April 18, 2009

John

Your world domination manifesto was awesome and has added fuel to my passion. I am a first year college student and I am writing my first blog. I really want it to be a success. It’s not completely ready yet (logo’s still in production, but almost done) but I have a few posts there. There are still a few obstacles in the way, but I am certain I will overcome them just as you overcame yours. I would like the blog to eventually become a source of passive income during my time in college. I hope to network with you and others like you (Leo Babauta, Steve Pavlina, etc.)

Thanks a lot for your help.
April 18, 2009

Angie

Thank you for this, and for making it free. It really makes you think and re-evaluate life. God bless.
April 18, 2009

C.J.

Hey Chris,

I found your site through Seth Godin’s blog and I just finished reading World Domination and 279 Days. I’m glad there are other people in the world who think like I do. I’m going to read through your archives now and try to use all of your advice when my buddy and I launch our website.

Thanks,
C.J.
April 18, 2009

Christian Mertzig

Chris,

A great report, what more can I say. As a hard-working management consultant, and just about starting my own business, it’s been really inspiring reading your story. I completely agree with you. I’m just 26 years old, living in Sweden (a nice country but full of gatekeepers) and will start my own consulting/HR business. Most people are in shock- can you really do that??- but as you are writing, you can do anything if you are passionate enough, believe in your competence and are willing to put in those extra hours. Thanks again for the report, now back to work to realize my dream! Regards, Christian
April 18, 2009

Devin Elder

Chris,

Fantastic stuff, thank you. How lucky are we to not have been born years earlier when all of this global connection/idea exchange was so much more difficult?

I started a business in December 2008 and I’m in the process of diligently building it, knowing that any substantial financial rewards are at least a year out. What a tremendous learning experience though!

The thing that’s given me the discipline to follow through is my experience getting out of debt… long and seemingly thankless, but with a priceless finish.

I read World Domination and 279 Days this weekend after Seth sent me here, and I’ve taken great solace in your work.

Thank you again for helping me keep my head on straight, and best of luck in the next country!

-Devin
April 19, 2009

Alex Finkelstein

I have just read your manifesto – it is well written and provoking enough so that you actually start thinking about it. You are also very straight forward in placing the important questions – I can’t really evade it…
SO, assuming that I can figure out the answer for question 1, I really feel that I cannot answer correctly your number 2 question as I feel that I have nothing to offer that other people don’t have. I mean, I can just say that I am a world expert in training people in creating better presentations, but, at the end of the day, there are at least few other that can really claim that, right? In other words, how to find this “something unique”?
Thanks for your illuminating manifestos and for your insights
Alex
April 19, 2009

David Thomas

I really like the two questions being combined. I have a feeling that not trying to answer both together has been causing me to stall.

I will be looking more in depth at your site and your thoughts and rereading the manifesto of course.

Great thoughts
April 19, 2009

Trackback from Alex Zenith

[...] Yesterday, while on a plane to a very good friend’s wedding, I needed something to read. Because I left my house at 4:30 am, after sleeping only 2 hours, I forgot all my books and usual magazines at home. I already read the current edition of United’s Hemispheres a few times, so I started to get antsy. I needed to read something badly and there was nothing in sight … except my laptop. [...]
April 20, 2009

Jessica

Thank you for this–just found it a few days ago. It is extremely helpful, and has convinced me to drop the Adsense. Wasn’t worth it.
April 20, 2009

Frudd

Great article. I only just discovered your site following a link from Seth Godin and love the information about non-conformity, which really strikes a chord with me. In fact it has inspired me to comment in this article – which is the first time I have ever commented on a post online!

It’s made me think about what I want to do with my life as I’m currently in a job I don’t enjoy and am thinking about what to do next. My biggest fear, however, is not being able to support my wonderful wife and three children in the life they have got used to leading. I’d love to try teaching but it would cut my salary by two thirds so is not hugely palatable. Do you have any advice?
April 20, 2009

Courtney James

I just want to thank you for writing this… the world needs more people like you in it.

I only hope that some day my blog can provide as much value to the lives of others as yours does.

Thank you from the heart.

Courtney James
The Obvious Writer
April 21, 2009

Zane

Please come to Latvia, if you have not done that yet
While being the co-owner of a really nice, true and honest brand that has the goal of overtaking the world , on the personal level everything that i really aspire to is having the best family and marriage in the world.. is that a high jump to take?

Zane
April 21, 2009

Trackback from BHR

[...] If you’re interested in starting a blog, movement, or just learning how to use social media to improve your business, read his new manifesto, 279 Days to Overnight Success. Both of these treasures are free but the information is truly worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. [...]
April 21, 2009

Brooke Hall

Chris,
Your manifesto hits home, inspires and is beautifully written. Well done. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Brooke
April 21, 2009

Tim Noetzel

Chris,

Thank you for writing such inspiring work. It’s so rare to find a voice as strong and confident as yours actually spreading that confidence to others. Keep up the good work; you’ve gained yet another member of your ’small army,’ and I’m working hard to apply your principles.

Tim
April 21, 2009

Constance

I was blown away by your manifesto. It is true that ‘when the student is ready the teacher will appear’. What you wrote is exactly what I needed to hear. I have huge dreams and ideas about things i want to achieve in the world, and I know I have unique abilities and an undying passion that will allow me to do this. The reason I have not yet acted upon these ideas is that i have come up against some many fears, doubts and excuses in my head, and more than anything I spend too much time worrying about what people will think.
What you wrote is so powerful and extremely inspiring and it is this type of information that will change the world
Thank you for spreading such an amazing message and inspiring me to FINALLY start taking action on my dreams.
Love and light to you,
Constance
April 22, 2009

Jan Yap

Chris,

Great job! its very inspiring!

I love your work!
April 22, 2009

Mark Essel

First: Fantastic first mini ebook/report. Enjoying it so much that I’m taking the time to follow all the links and side track to let myself really absorb your message. Why rush if I’m having fun?

Second: You struck some chords with me and likely a fairly large group. My blog resonates with similar ideas covering life path seeking and the changing of media. I’m excited about the development of a crowd sourced “self” organized internet of information, personalized to our selections. I’m even more enthusiastic about each of us finding the right work, the one where our inner yearnings find an outlet and gives the universe our best.

Third: From your love of travel, I look forward to many reviews of not so touristy travel. Me and my lovely companion Michelle will probably opt for more amenities but we love exploring. I’m crazy about walking/hiking and scenic beauty, she’s equally excited about ancient ruins and foreign culture.
April 22, 2009

Laura

Chris,

Thank you so much. I’ve read a so many self-help and motivational books and I always go into them with a great deal of skepticism. You are the real deal. Thank you for saying the things that so many of us non-conformists are thinking and feeling, and for encouraging us to be truth-tellers.

As someone who did quit my day job and moved to Asia to teach and travel, I’ve never been happier. But as my time wraps up here, and I consider what’s next, I’ve struggled with what people’s expectations of me are. You’ve reminded me to continue living my life exactly how I want to, and find a way to contribute to this great world.

Cheers,
Laura
April 22, 2009

Ben

Wonderful stuff – this is inspiring and I am challenged, again, to do things I have challenged myself before about–mostly from reading the E-Myth & Four Hour Workweek–but I had fallen asleep, my plans sitting in a nice leather planner, gathering dust in a box called Goals that also has a little scrapbook of “stuff I want” and “someday islands–my bucket list for experiences and that for stuff I want to accomplish or do on an ongoing basis”. I don’t mean to be a downer, but I am trying to give myself a pep talk to get back in the ring, to step outside the mediocre–even though, and indeed precisely because, it is a very comfortable, upper middle class kind of mediocre…

It is time to find the “one thing” as Billy Crystal said in City Slickers, and go find it and set about getting it, whatever the cost.

One of my favorite quotes is appropriate (apologies if you already have it somewhere):
“All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it’s impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.” – Niccolo Machiavelli

That said, I will go, answer the hard questions, create my lists AND get started!

Thanks Chris!
–Ben
April 22, 2009

Florian

I found your manifesto just a few days after resigning from my job to spend some time working directly on an open-source project, and reading it just confirmed that I made the right decision. Thank you.
April 22, 2009

Leon

Hey Chris,

Just read the article and thoroughly enjoyed it. The principles that you brought forth though not new to me as it is quite biblical in nature but has given a new twist of some sort … a new perspective shall we say.
Also a very timely msg whereby you’ve broken the mold. Yes we can pursue our passions AND help other people as well. Society today is getting more and more self-centered; it needs a wake-up call

All the best to you. God bless
April 22, 2009

Alanna Tyler

Wow! I read this at the right time. I have finally started to discover what it is I am actually good at and passionate about. And that I don’t have to wait for life to hit me in the face. Your manifesto has given me the courage to continue figuring out how to take the reigns of my own life!
April 22, 2009

Peter

Thanks for the inspiring manifesto! Each time I read it I get more out of it!

Thanks!
April 23, 2009

Nathan

I just wanted to say thank you for your Manifesto. I read a lot of motivation crap, but yours has been so close to how I feel about things.
It was only a few months ago that I decided I wanted my life to be more world changing, instead of simply extravagant.

My name is Nathan, and I am going to solve world hunger.
April 23, 2009

Liz

Thank you so much for your Manifesto. I liked it a lot. It really fits in with a lot of things I have been thinking about lately. I believe what you wrote is going to end up being very helpful to me. I felt like I could hear your enthusiasm and energy. I got excited about your ideas.

FYI I found you through Jonathan Blundell on his blog “Stranger In A Strange Land” http://www.casadeblundell.com/jonathan/

The answer to the first question is: I want to be a writer and speaker – not necessarily write a book (although I am not against that idea) but I would like to write fulltime – stories, articles, blogging, poetry – I like to write (and read) – and I love public speaking with a little theatrical flair to it.

The answer to the second question is harder for me to formulate at this moment but it has to do with helping people learn to think outside of their preconceived ideas – to learn to think critically and ask good questions – in the process of doing that I think I can help tear down some ideas in the world that I believe promote certain injustices. Some things that are near to my heart that I believe need changing are the church, ideas about SSM and women’s roles.
April 24, 2009

Nicole

As someone who has recently quit her job to plunge into the world of writing, I found both your e-books incredibly inspiring and motivating. Thank you.
April 26, 2009

Ago

Chris,

I stumbled upon your “Guide to World Domination” in the exact point in time where I need it most. I am on the verge of making major decisions about where my life will take me in the near and far future, and this provided exactly the stimulus I needed.

So, thanks for the inspiration – and before I forget, here’s my answer to the two questions:

1. What do you really want to get out of life ?

In a word: freedom. The freedom to make my own choices, and life my life the way I see fit. The practical translation of that is to become financially independent, live where I choose, and be able direct my time and energy to make a meaningful contribution to the world whilst having fun.

My three main values are: freedom, entrepreneurial creativity and seamless integration between work and life.

2. What can you offer the world that no one else can ?

Through my past experiences and personal attributes, several things come to mind. Whether others cannot offer the same, I cannot say. A few things that come to mind are sharp and original thinking, a willingness and ability to support and coach others and a desire to create win-win situations for all.
April 26, 2009

Sara

Hi Chris,

Thanks for that manifesto. It was quite inspiring.
I still yet have to fully answer those 2 most important questions, but I will.
April 27, 2009

Max Sinclair

Chris,

Odd things happen to those who do not wait to experience life. Food tastes better, friends seem friendlier, life seems fuller. A friend at work pointed your site out and was the same friend who introduced me to Seth’s books by handing a copy of Tribes to me at my desk. I put off reading it because I had little time to invest, I am glad I found the time. Likewise, I am glad to have found your site from the same friend. I served in the USAF for many years and miss traveling to new and interesting places. Your site has given me new hope of getting back into that mode from one that is very mundane at present. So I want to say thank you for bringing this new fresh breeze into what was looking more and more like a stagnant and unfulfilling experience. Creating a new awareness and appreciation for life should be the goal of every person, to make change for the betterment of all in some small way the personal manifesto and taking positive steps for improvement of oneself are the cornerstone of a solidly sensible foundation for life IMO.

Warmest regards,

Max Sinclair
April 28, 2009

John Stecker

Chris,

Thank you for vindicating a feeling I have been having for a long time. I feel empowered that people really can live doing what they want, while in the service of others. Especially at a time in my life when I feel so much pressure to conform as everyone around me is settling down and resigning to a safe life. This manifesto of yours gave me the needed boost, evidenced by me getting up at 6am today to work on my passion, and finish reading your writing.

But now I have to go to work. I do not expect I will have to say that for much longer.

Thanks,
John

p.s. I couldn’t help but notice that many have the same answer to question 1 that I do…..Freedom.
April 30, 2009

David

In 2005 I completed my second marathon (Tupelo, MS) in a time that qualified me for the Boston Marathon. My friend, whom you refer to, Sam Thompson was at the finish line to high five me, because he knew I just qualified. Unfortunately they gave me a half marathon number and everyone thought I was the last half Marathoner coming in at 3 hours and 20 minutes. Sam knew. I traveled to that race with Sam and friends from Jackson and because Katrina had hit the week before, we were not sure we would find gas along the way to keep the car running to Tupelo, MS.

In 2006 I ran the Boston Marathon and my wife told me that same evening she was in love with someone else. Twenty years of marriage ended in the next year and I am raising my daughters. Yes, I’m a government worker, in a cubical world. BUT, I have a book I have been working on over the last two years, much of which was born from the events I was going through. I started running in 2004, and must have been practicing to some extent, some unconventional means to get to where I am. I mainly started running because I wanted an outlet for the overwhelming responsibility of taking care of my dying father, who spent his last two years in a nursing home 1/2 mile from my house with Alzheimers. He never recognized me but twice in those two long years. But I spent a lot of time with my Dad until he died. Ran my first 5k three weeks later.

Life is better now, but yet, I refuse to enjoy the mundanity of it. My book, doing it my way, will be entitled “Tablescraps”. It’s been in the works for two years, and it’s a collection of poems I wrote about all those things I experienced and expressions of how I see who I am. Friends all know I write a lot, but the book, whether people like it or not, is a personal “World Domination” for me. I think a lot of people if they read it would see, we all struggle through the same issues in life and in the end, life is as good as we want it to be, regardless of the struggles. I was glued from page one of your report. Unbelievable timing for me when I read it. Today is the last day I can sign up for the New York City Marathon, with my qualifying time that guarantees my entry. I was calling a lot of things I want to do in life the last year, my Bucket list for obvious reasons. I find you really have to get out of your comfort zone if you are going to do the things in life that will indeed be most rewarding. Thanks for the inspiration.
May 1, 2009

Dale Bullington

Chris, thank you SO much for sharing your manifesto with us. You brought a new kind of awareness that I definitely needed, and I’m sure many others would agree.

1) What I want to get out of life is a tremendous sense of satisfaction, like that feeling you get right after you finish a long run or a good cup of coffee. I want to live a life where I receive warm welcomes wherever I go. And I want to leave the world knowing I’ve made a significant difference in people’s lives.
2) I’m not completely finished with answering this one, but each step of the way brings more clarity

I’m going off to college soon and I couldn’t have found this article at a better time. Thanks again and good luck with your travels! I’ll be spreading the word

Dale Bullington
May 1, 2009

Nicolassa

I love your work. Whenever I feel a bout of negative thinking creeping up, I come back to your site and read specific passages again. Thank you for your insight.

For many years I didn’t know what to do when I encountered “gatekeepers”. In college I had a friend that constantly criticized my lack of focus. We were in college for very different reasons: hers was practical (to earn a degree and become a teacher), mine was not (to learn as much as possible in four years, including being exposed to concepts and issues I’d never heard of before). She would become agitated just thinking about me and my perceived lack of goals, and liked to tell me about her frustration. I never knew how to respond, except to tell here that her life was hers, and my life was mine. Later, I’d encounter many such people, including bosses and teachers that would write me up for insubordination, a dad that always wondered when I’d put my intelligence to good use and become a doctor, and acquaintances who told me I would never get anywhere without doing things the way they did them. For a while my initial reaction was to run away from the issue. I hate conflict. Even today, I still struggle with how to justify my feelings without making someone else feel defensive about their own. It’s an ongoing learning experience, that’s for sure. But now when I encounter gatekeepers I try to keep in mind that I am my own keymaster!

As for my answers to your questions:

(1) In my life I want to continue learning, to reignite my love of travel (5+ years of being in one spot is too long for this former military kid), to conquer to some degree my innate shyness (aka, get out there and talk to strangers), to cultivate my tiny business and quit my day job, and to discipline myself to write. I also want to live in the same city as my two sisters, and to eventually have a small piece of land with a permaculture gardening system and a small flock of sheep, since I’m a big handspinner and weaver.

(2) What specific things can I offer the world? Sensitivity, a gift for learning and mastering new things, skillful writing when I discipline myself, an understanding of the relationships between languages, and an ability to make most people happy. For a long time, I considered the last trait to be a liability, but put to proper use it can actually do good in the world.

Thanks again for your writings! I’m sure I’ll be back often.
May 1, 2009

James Dalman

Chris, I stumbled on to your site, read the manifesto, and all I can say is “right on!”

I am planning on meeting you and buying you a coffee some day. Enjoy your travels and be safe!
May 2, 2009

Rachel R

That was so amazing and inspiring that I totally owe you a comment. These are just stream-of-consciousness answers that came straight from my heart. I didn’t want to censor myself, and I know I need to narrow them down into specifics.

#1:
I want to experience. I want to see and be surrounded by beautiful and inspiring things, people, and ideas and to convert these experiences and inspirations into further beautiful things for the senses and mind. I want to continue to find truth in the strangest of places. I want to embrace the duality of life and find peace and balance within the extremes. I want to feel alive and present and expressing my truest self at every moment. I want to take photographs, make music, write words, cook delicious healthy food, and have amazing conversations; through these things to inspire others to embrace love, spontenaity, art, truth, themselves, and to not be afraid. I want creativity to ooze out of everything I do, wear, make, and own. I will be the future of electronic music. I want encounters and friendships with amazing souls. I want to be an amazing soul. I want to make art that reflects this crazy, magical, perplexing, random world we live in where you can find truth and beauty and inspiration in the most unexpected and seemingly depressing of places. I want to help others by striking their core and calling them to action.

#2: Intelligence combined with a passion for life. Ideas galore; smarts with a sense of aesthetics simultanously. Combining things in an unpredictable way. The world of imagination with the tangibility of this world. DIVINE MADNESS.
May 5, 2009

Mike Schaus

Hey Chris, great paper and love the site. Very inspiring particularly while I’m at that early (and terrifying) project stage of “oh, man…I think this is going to work…!”

Thanks and I’ll keep you posted.
May 6, 2009

Andrew

Chris,

Thanks for this. Started reading your stuff recently and I’m pretty fired up by it. To your two questions:

1) I want choice and the freedom to spend my time with the people I love and working on the causes I believe in. This means having successfully automated businesses that provide me with the cash to support my family as I desire and to do what I want, including the time freedom to do what I want and go where I want, when I want to. It also means the time freedom and financial freedom to work on my businesses and on the important non-profit causes that I believe in and want to change the world.

Or, more fleshed out; What’s my ideal day and life look like?

* I have a home by the beach, where I wake up and enjoy my morning routine of showering, praying, abundance meditation, eating a healthy breakfast, a brief walk, and then some inspiring reading and writing before starting my day.
* Then I work from my home office (which has a nice breeze and lots of natural light coming in) reviewing results and making tweaks to the highly profitable businesses I own, and take calls and talk with people around the entrepreneurial approach I am taking to solving an important problem in the world. I work from home office, but there is a central office (that is lean and comfortable, but not wasteful or extravagant) where key people work for me and is our hub. It’s not far (no more than 20 minutes) from my home, so I can be there if I want to meet someone or need it. Our coworkers work virtually and we use a ROWE — we’re offering people a chance to do important work that they enjoy, in a flexible and fun environment that supports and actively aids them in becoming their own best person and empowering their life.
* At any time that I want, I can do the activities I want with my friends and/or family, including (but not limited to) my short list of hanging out with them, building businesses, traveling, playing/watching sports, playing/listening to music, and actively thinking by reading, writing, teaching, and speaking, or having stimulating conversations. This is being at choice. Having the freedom of time and money to pursue my highest ends for the good of the world. I love the business work we do, but I am also passionate about bringing people together to solve the world’s problems — a democratized idea of empowerment, empowering people on a local level to make positive changes in the world. Democratized empowerment.

2) What can you offer the world that no one else can?: I can offer it my mission to unleash human potential and uplift the human spirit. That sounds vague, but it’s an overall mission — I can offer it my entrepreneurial skills and ability to bring people together to creatively solve the world’s problems through systems-driven, people-focused businesses and organizations that empower my coworkers and through them, aid abundance in the world.
# What sets you apart? Where will your tipping point be? What will the world look like with you in charge? You can also call this your elevator pitch. If you had two minutes with anyone in the world who has the power to influence the rest of your life, what would you say to them? “Hi, my name is Andrew and I’m going to empower 50,000 people to be joyful.”
o “Social entrepreneur Andrew S. created several highly profitable businesses, one of the world’s most innovative nonprofits, and now splits his time between those organizations, helping others to unleash their own true potential, and spending time with the people and activities he loves.”
May 6, 2009

Talline

Hi Chris,

Great piece of writing! I’m dealing with similar issues as you did earlier in your life: I’m about to finish my PhD and don’t really want to follow the protocol and find a career in academia. I’m trying to figure out what I do want to so, and how I can help others. And, as you know, this isn’t easy to do….

Thanks for the insights!
May 8, 2009

Trackback from Box of Crayons

[...] PS – I hope you heard the Great Work interview this week with Chris Guillebeau. At the very least, you should grab hold of his excellent free manifesto A Brief Guide to World Domination. [...]
May 10, 2009

Trackback from Andrew Miller

[...] I’m working on a couple of questions posed by Chris Guillebeau that I think are really helpful in this mission.

* What do you really want to get out of life?
* What can you offer the world that no one else can?

I’ll keep you posted as I come up with a good and honest answer to these questions. If you have any input I’m always open to some crowdsourcing; even when it deals with my future. Particularly if it deals with my future. [...]
May 11, 2009

Nevin Danielson

Thanks for the read Chris. We’re all lucky that you’re such a gifted writer. My response after reading the BGtWD?
Anxiety
Impatience
Energy
Doubt

it also stirs a passion. This isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s an obligation.
May 11, 2009

Kevin O'Donnell

Hey Chris – Good Stuff!! I have been reading like a crazy man since I chose my awkening. It is artist like yourself that truly motivate and bring out the good in others. Please keep up the great work & enjoy the world on the way. THANKS!!
May 12, 2009

Scrambler

We are with you on this one Chris!!
Well done – very inspiring read and true encouragement for all who want to follow their true path.
Keep up the great work.
Sx
May 12, 2009

Trackback from Perfect Laughter

[...] Another motivator has been The Art of Nonconformity blog, about a guy who has always been self-employed and is fulfilling his dream to travel to every single country in the world. As of today, he’s been to 107 of 197 countries and has rightfully written a Guide to World Domination. [...]
May 12, 2009

Sergio L Romero

Chris!
Hahahahah, reading your manifesto was like taking in the air that I almost let out before it was time. Meaning, I’ve had the passion for my dreams and have acted on making them or my specific goal a reality, yet at the end of this Spring semester at the University of New Mexico Dance department I almost let the passion go and settle into “normalty”. The universe knows what’s up, I stumbled upon your blog -completement par hasard- completely by chance, or how “chance” would have it. I’ve always known what I need to do in order for my goals to manifest, mille merci mon ami!

It’s definitely not an easy road to travel but it is so worth it! Your words are but a small bit of fuel; yet, the fuel I needed to ingest at just the right moment, and mindset. I send you positive energy in your future endeavors in conquering la terre! I’ll keep up with your blogs, as I feel I’ll digest this site quickly, continually returning for more inspirational messages from another non-conformist! Ciao~Sergio
May 14, 2009

Alan Furth

Chris, just read your Manifesto after already being familiar with your blog for a few weeks… and it blew me away!

I found your blog at a crucial point in my life where I’m re-connecting with my own “world domination” project after a couple of years of having lost my direction a bit.

I look forward to see you take over the entire planet. Consider me a loyal member of your small army!

Cheers,
Alan
May 17, 2009

Chris

Thanks fellow Chris.

I’ve definitely made note and taken aboard many of the ideas that you have presented.

I think your 1000 committed believers is an interesting theory. For anything independent (and non-conformant of course!) (music, writing, photography, art) it seems this is the key, I’d never thought about it before and I thank you for including it in your report.

Thanks again Chris and I hope to cross your path someday.

C.
May 21, 2009

Grant Ryan Nieddu

Chris,

I gotta tell you; you have something unique here.

I have read and tracked most all the gurus.
That’s an exaggeration, but most of the infopreneuring gurus on the planet, I have found, all have the same dribble.

You are different, I sense.
Your tone is not pretentious. Neither does it make excuses.
I love your attitude, and am now a part of your army.

I have begun (and failed! Failed well, I might add!) multiple web design, consulting, public speaking businesses. There was a missing element in each of these, and I am beginning to suspect that it is the same element in all of them. The element, though I am not conscious of it just yet, can be heard throughout your material. I do not know its name, nor do I know exactly what it is, I believe that your work synergizes with me.

Thanks a ton. Keep Rocking and Non-conforming! If I can serve you in any way, let me know.

Gratefully,

Grant R. Nieddu
May 22, 2009

Joy

Thanks – that was helpful. Particularly the do-it-now part. So I did-it-now and posted a comment, and I practically never do that.

Cheerio,
joy
May 27, 2009

Andrew Douglas

Thank you Chris, reading your manifesto is just the right motivation and inspiration I need to continue with my change in career paths.

All the best.
Andrew
May 27, 2009

Rasheed Hooda

Wow! Thank you.

First and foremost enlist me, never mind, I just enlisted myself.

I have always been a non conformist, even when I worked a “real job”. That’s why I never lasted very long on any of them.

Ok so what am I doing or want to do?

My ultimate goal is to climb the Mt Everest on my 75th Birthday to become the oldest person to ever do it. (I am 55 now) and I set this goal about five years ago. What I really want to do is have a Wanderer Lifestyle. I am a Gypsy at heart and I am going to blog as I travel around the globe. I prefer to travel via land transportation, buses and trains.

I am just beginning to learn about blogging and setting up a few. I’ll keep you posted as I develop them and have some content.

What can I offer the world that no one else can? My Unique perspective on life and the world we live in. I enjoy writing, I am teacher at heart and soul, and a damn good photographer. I express the feelings I experience when I look at a scene or capture the feelings of my subject in my photographs.

My self proclaimed nickname is Mister Weirdo.

I am currently reading your 279 days report on becoming an overnight success.

Thanks for the work you do. you’ll be profiling me soon enough, I promise.

Rasheed
May 30, 2009

Maciej

Thank you Chris, for this manifesto and for this whole site. I came across with your site searching the Web for some lifehacking and travel advices and I think I will visit your site frequently. It’s nice to know that there are many people like me, because almost all my friends are ‘unremarkably average’.
I just need to “don’t let my dreams be dreams”, as I dream a lot and plan, but not do it. So it’s time to make it real!

Greetings from Poland,
Maciej
May 30, 2009

Ewan

Hi Chris,

Very interesting article – especially the bit about the gatekeepers. Sums up the problems I have been having in my interest outside of the 9-5 which is industrial heritage.

Anyway, two things came out of reading your article for me:

1. My website will be expanded to become the premier website on the subject of industrial heritage in Ireland (think I am already beating the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland in Google ranking but why quit when you are ahead).

2. I signed up to KIVA and have lent money to a bakery in Paraguay.

Ewan
June 1, 2009

jen

you’re the ultimate generation xer, Chris. and, i mean that in the best possible sense. great guide. i enjoyed reading it very much.
June 1, 2009

Eon

I was thinking a few weeks back that I wanted to rule the world. Not in the sense of I am your king bow down to me but in the essence of what you wrote. Well, what you wrote put it more into perspective. You have to be life and be the one that go against all that everyone tells you is normal. Yet you realise you are not doing it for just you but for everyone and everything.
June 3, 2009

Finray

Chris,

My dad gave me this manifesto, after I pretty much failed my last year of high school. Everyone was pushing me to get my highers (I’m Scottish), go to University, get a job. I always said “Would you stop pushing me into a life I don’t want!”, and after reading this, I’ve finally figured out what it is that I want to do with my life (which is make my own computer game, by the way. Not quite invading a small country, but I’m happy with it).

Thanks for the help and inspiration.
June 3, 2009

Paul Schlarman

Hi Chris,

I enjoyed your manifesto very much. I appreciate your concise, meaningful, illustrative style. I also appreciate your attention to detail (important details only) and the time you take to think things through and make everything visually appealing and simple.

I am in the midst of re-inventing myself (and have been for several months) and am constantly reading books, blogs, etc. The fact that I actually stopped to read your entire manifesto (and write a post, which I rarely do) says a lot I think (a lot of articles catch my attention, but very few hold it).

Anyway, keep it up, thanks for the insight and encouragement. Another mm towards remembering my true self…

–Paul
June 3, 2009

The Extraordinary Tourist (TET)

Hi Chris,

I think you’re living my dream… give it back!!! LOL

I’ve read both your manifesto and your 279 days ebooks and you give me hope that I’ve been right all along with not settling for an average life.

I’m a long way from world domination but at least I know there are plenty of people who’ve followed the so called ‘path less followed’ and made it.

Thank you.

-TET
June 4, 2009

Eugene

This manifesto rings with magnificent truth. I’ve thought extensively about the issues presented in the manifesto before I read it, particularly about doing what others expect of you, and I can say from my own experience that it is truly one of the most substantial limiting factors we encounter in our lives. It is truly a shame when people simply stumble along the expected, conventional path, making passive decisions without thinking about what it is that they truly want out of life. Too many human beings look back on the last 40 years that they devoted to climbing the corporate ladder and wonder where all the time went. The world offers so much opportunity for personal growth and exploration. It’s a shame to waste that opportunity sitting in a cubicle, only going so far as to day-dream of all the tremendous and meaningful things one could be pursuing instead. That is time you are never getting back. I agree, “Don’t let your dreams be dreams.”
June 4, 2009

newsworthy

“Greetings and Hallucinations”as my nine to five colleague,reminds me every other day. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. Assuming by what I’ve seen at this project website and from what I’ve read so far, you probably agree that nine to five can get to a person after a period of years. As you can tell, it does.

Not only has the predicatable affected the way I speak, at times, it also affects the way I write, how I feel when I wake up, and what I feel like doing after five. Having been conformed to a nine to five specialized area of work (because I think I have to) I am also five feet nine inches full up of reading How-to articles about writing, How-to change your life and I am tired of reading about How-to change what may already be working.

Somehow, through my email,twitter and after being followed, I landed here and have downloaded your PDF – A BRIEF GUIDE TO WORLD DOMINATION. At this point of my juncture, I am going to define its meaning as circumstance but possibly worth a fortune. In addition to this measure, I spent several hours reviewing your articles. After conscienciously accepting that its meant to be, I have now, somehow been stricken with a loathing desire to hang here and read it all.

I would like to say how happy I am that you have purposed the manifesto knowledge to me. I too, believe that each and every one of us has something to offer others. I also believe it is defining that purpose that makes a person who they are.

After reading a few of your articles and watching the video, I find that the aspect of your approach to life, work and travel seem a cut above of what others are doing to model change. It was like wow, a most creative approach!

Although I have my own beliefs of conforming to strategies of life, work and travel (which were most likely caused by routine) it is the other strategy that drove me to listen to your experiences. Your writing is so carefully and artfully created.

After only the first visit to your website and after an hour of hanging out here, I realized that there is something here holding my interest. By the time 5pm rolled around, I wanted to read five more pages at this website.

Already, several articles here have left me optimistic and with the idea that there is something with this project that is to be gained. As I read more, I look forward to what that something may be and with how I might apply it to strategies in my life.

Due to hallucinations and status of nine to five barriers that keep me straddled to a phone and countless other duties that require my attention, I will have to read the twenty-nine-page PDF within the next week. I am anxious to see if the manifesto will assist me with roaring through the lives of others, while trying to keep up with the pace of usual strategies; which are usually targeted and written in order to keep up. In other words, I hope to gather the art of creativity that could change my own approach to life, work and travel.

In closing, I will be rereading your articles, reading the manifesto and studying what it was at this website that had me so subdued for hours. Not only that, I will be trying to figure out why it seemed like a light cool blanket was laid open under a 100-year old shade tree, where I was free of anxiety and my tireless efforts of the office chair were no longer cramping my style – when I parked here.

Thank you for posting my comment. I too jumped out of bed after going to bed, to scribble these words.

Until next time – Bon Voyage!
June 14, 2009

Ms Constantine

Chris! Thank you so much!
I finished up work at my office job just over a week ago and tonight I decided I needed to finish reading the 279 day to overnight success report.
That led me to the World Domination manifesto, and the Ideal World workbook that you linked to. It’s 3am now, but I wanted to read it all, and do the exercises.

Everything you write is so amazing, it’s so nice to see someone in “authority” backing me up by saying it’s ok to quit the job you hate, and actually do what makes you happy.
As a young female I’ve gotten so sick of people telling me not to buck the system, and to just do what I’m told because it’ll make everyone’s life easier. Thankfully there’s beginning to be more and more people like you encouraging people to do the opposite.

I need to remember to look at this manifesto everytime I’m feeling overwhelmed, and uncertain of my abilities.
June 15, 2009

Apryl

Well done, General! I’m glad to know that we’re fighting on the same side. Strength and courage to you.
June 15, 2009

GraceRodriguez

1. What I want out of life: the richest experience of it as possible, without all the little unnecessary worries.

2. What I can offer: the ability to see opportunities and solutions where other people see challenges and problems; and to help people learn and/or gain access to the resources to enact positive change.

…and now, to craft a strategy to enrich my life while enriching the lives of others!
June 16, 2009

Adrian

I just finished reading your “manifesto” and it was great. I would love to meet you one day. I tell people all the time. “Don’t believe them (i.e. the rule makers), do what you want to do.”

I am in the process of reading GTD and have started using Evernote to track my own road to world domination and am feeling more affirmed of my desires after reading your book (not that I needed affirmation lol). Anyway, I wish you much success in all your ventures and will be following your journey.
June 23, 2009

Tudor

I loved your manifesto, it was inspiring. I read it while actually studying blogs for my own project. Great site and as soon as im done ill ask your opinion about it. Thanks again. Tudor
June 23, 2009

Tabitha

This was a nice push for me, and I too am just a few years behind you (21). In a few months, I’ll begin teaching and learning from that in order to change the university-level educational system in America. Too much of today’s education is focused on filling a mold, not on finding your unique passion and individual path. It’s creating a culture of materialism instead of purpose. I’d like to inspire people to stop worrying about what looks good and feels good and aligned.

I think that realizing that being an rich investment banker or a marketing account manager is not the pinnacle of life has become a responsibility to me… to help other people realize this. To help other people find real happiness.
June 25, 2009

Brian Chandler

Chris – Enjoyed the manifesto and wrote a synopsis on my blog to share with my readers.
June 26, 2009

sarah seidelmann

Thanks Chris for this fabulous writing! I am in the middle of transitioning from conventional to unconventional living- ONe foot in the old camp and one in the NEW! I was needing encouragment to keep moving forward until both feet are firmly sunken into the unconventional world ( the one that I am thrilled and eacited to be a part of)- its scary stuff and you don’t always get a lot of props (as you say- only from your real friends!) I made some encouraging notes to myself aong the read- thanks Sarah
June 26, 2009

a zombie

Reading your manifesto just upped my japanese study a few notches.
Thank you and good luck =)
June 28, 2009

Shawn

Awesome contribution! I absolutely loved your manifesto.
You’ve earned a new supporter. In the meantime, I’m off
to start my world domination campaign.

Namaste’
June 30, 2009

Ann Lewis

I wonder how many people will read the manifesto and believe they agree, but still never move their feet.

I began college at 14 because the high school I should have gone to was a bureaucratic hole where hoops were more important than thinking. I’ve lived on four continents, all on my own dime, since I was sixteen, and am now beginning my own investment account at 21 while getting my graduate degree in a year. I’m writing a book and outlining a revolutionary second language learning system I plan to someday give away for free.

I still spend most of my days being absolutely useless. I am exceptional, but not awesome. I spend a lot of days wishing I had more meaning in my life, knowing that I could kick myself up and out and make it happen.

I still have to remind myself that domination waits for no one. I appreciate the nudge.
July 5, 2009

Heather

Thank you for this.
July 5, 2009

Convivial Cheryl

Just finished reading the manifesto and will definitely recommend it to my friends of friends. The line 1000 true fans got me and I felt encouraged that I am walking the right path when you spoke about making deliberate decisions to structure your life in the way that allows you to do what you want, because that is exactly how I’ve always been conducting myself…it’s an innate quality, so I’m happy to be connected to you that way.

Here are my answers to the two questions:

What do I want to get out of life?
I want to experience unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion for every single human being with whom I have the privilege to interact with and to know that every exchange I have made has had a positive and memorable effect.

What do I offer? I offer my distinctive voice, my acute observations on people and life through the written word. I also offer this humility that invites others to let go and know what self-love feels like.
July 5, 2009

Philip Finlay-Bryan

Taken the first major step Chris to taking over The Internet.

I am on my way.

P.S. 1970 – 1980 ~ Up The Nile Overland (3 months), Dalai Lama in India (3 years) Thai Monk (1 year), English teacher Tokyo (4 years)

Tip: Always carry a bulb of Garlic to rub on insect bites ~ great antiseptic
July 6, 2009

Lynne

Simply awesome! And yes I’m going to share it with friends.
July 9, 2009

heath dieckert

Chris,

Just finished the manifesto. I felt as if the thoughts and concepts were coming directly OUT of my head… Except the grammar was better and there was far more structure than my usual ramblings. We are definitely on the exact same wavelength. I am volunteering to be in the Elite Special Forces of your “small army.”

One suggestion for future manifestos. Page numbers would be awesome when printing.

Also I got a LOT out of your perfect day exercise. That was not something I had done before and it was a very useful exercise.

The two questions and answers:

1. What do you really want to get out of life?
Having rich experiences with my children
Travel and experience other parts of the world
Learn and master new things
Have an adventurous life
Be a catalyst for positive change in the world that makes it down to individual’s real lives

2. What can you offer the world that no one else can?
I am very introspective and self aware
I am outstanding at understanding complex systems and visualizing them
I have a good deal of corporate fortune 10 experience
I have a solid grasp on personal finance and live well within my means
I have the ability to discover and reduce red-tape and waste in a system or process
I have a passion for self improvement and growth
I have a passion for the outdoors
I have a passion for personal fitness
July 9, 2009

Trackback from Sovereignty of the Individual

[...] I recently downloaded and read Chris Guillebeau’s popular a brief guide to world domination (ABGTWD). I was not disappointed and found myself challenged and encouraged. I highly recommend it [...]
July 10, 2009

roberto

Totally loved this document, it’s really outstanding and beautiful, being different with a purpose means being revolutionary, and it’s the less traveled path, for many reasons one of them is being alone. This site totally rocks!

Roberto
July 22, 2009

Trackback from A Beautiful Ripple Effect

[...] One of the incredible ventures is The Art of Non-Conformity. Once there, I read the title to his free PDF: “A Brief Guide to World Domination.” I have to admit that I was more than a bit wary at first. The concept of “World Domination” [...]
July 24, 2009

Leah

Chris-

I have read your manifesto, marked it up with my own notes & even shared it with a few friends…fantastic! I have been in business for myself for 3 years and have been contemplating how to take things to the next level and beyond. Your manifesto is rally cry to renew my more ambitious dreams.

Thank you, thank you!
Leah
July 27, 2009

Chris

Chris,

As someone who has just discovered your site, I want to thank you for the inspiration you give to people including myself. I’ve been reading as much of you work as I can get my hands on the last few days. Fantastic job!

-Chris
August 4, 2009

Trackback from the Netherlands

[...] Chris is zijn hele leven lang al ondernemer, hij werkte onder andere 4 jaren in Afrika als vrijwilliger. Na het behalen van zijn diploma besloot hij om het anders te doen; hij richtte zijn eigen beweging op The Art of Nonconformity. In dit manifesto helpt hij je om 2 levensvragen te beantwoorden. Het manifesto is bijzonder, goed geschreven, mooi vormgegeven maar veel belangrijker nog de inhoud is gratis en helpt je. [...]
August 6, 2009

Tam

Just finished the Manifesto. I have one word…THANKS!!!!
I must say this piece of literature has changed my life and given me new perspective. I have spent countless days/years trying to come up with an idea that would propel into financial bliss where money is of no object. Needless to say, I haven’t thought of one, yet. However, after reading the manifesto and answering the “second question” I have come up with about 15 ideas in the last hour that will not only help me, but add something positive to the world. And guess what…this time I’m really going to follow through! I’ll still be happy with making money, but that is no longer the primary objective.

Off to change the world one step at a time!
August 10, 2009

Kaitlin

Guh. That’s all I have. That was a fantastic read.

What do you really want to get out of life?
To get out of Australia. It was the first thing that popped into my head.
I want to write and leave something behind that can help at least one person get out of where ever they are as well.
To explore the world – visit every country in the world has certainly been in the back of my mind for awhile. Time to bring it out again.

What can you offer the world that no one else can?
My time and geunine effort. Too many times everything is done half way.

Thanks again for this brillant resource it has certainly helped and I will see you around the world some time.
August 10, 2009

Sarah Nguyen

1. What I want: A life worth talking about

2. What I have to offer: Synthesizing large amounts of information, teaching people to teach themselves.

A great read, thanks for offering it for free
August 13, 2009

Caitlin C

I definitely agree with your statement of doing what you want and helping others, but I think for the most part, you must do what you want, helping yourself, before you can help others. I think that’s because people, naturally and instinctively, want to satisfy whatever their answer is to your first question of “what do you want in life”. Only after their quest in satisfying it and the personal epiphanies that come with that, can people realize, and be ready for, what they can give back to the world, and then embark on that quest.

What do I really want to get out of life? To love and be loved in return, platonically and romantically. To be incredibly wealthy.

What can I offer the world that no one else can? My passion for global healthcare reform via healthcare leadership.
August 14, 2009

Carissa

Thank you for your inspiring words.

Last night after reading just the introduction, I was so excited to have something to read that would put me back in action. I have a drive that wavers under the pressures of everyday life, and this manifesto is exactly what it needed to re-energize. I’ve always loved being there for people, but I’m sensitive and easily thwarted when something doesn’t go exactly right.

But, you provided excellent examples against this kind of behavior and your words have provided much insight and…FORWARD. Keep moving.

Thank you.
August 14, 2009

Philip Finlay-Bryan

I am still so doing this Chris. Maybe the most important thing I have ever done in my 60 years…….
August 17, 2009

Malwina

Thank you so much for this beautiful piece of inspiration!

I’m spending a lot of time and energy lately on finding out about my life’s purpose and just by doing that I can already feel my life shifting towards my dreams. Your manifesto again showed me that I’m on the right path, and that there are many courageous fellow travelers…

I discovered your website just now, but I’ll certainly pop in more often.

All the best! And again THANKS!
August 18, 2009

mike

My son just graduated from college, and I just lost my wife, so we are both poised on the cusp of decision, each after a lifetime of meeting external expectations. The future is an unwritten book. What shall we make of it? To me, your writing is an inspiration to action, and I hope it will be for my son as well.

I’m a critic. I’d like to be more than that. But it is far harder to take the risks you are talking about if you have responsibilities to others who depend on you. When I was putting my kids through college or supporting my wife through her illness, it would have been inconceivable for me to abandon my 9-to-5 engineering job to pursue a dream to become a writer, and there wasn’t a lot of bandwidth left over at the end of the day to do it part-time. I would be risking more lives than my own. Even now, I face the fear that I am not exceptional enough to succeed in an unconventional life. All of my experience has been with the conventional life, and everything I am good at lies there. I’m trying to decide if I want to leave that behind. A lifetime of education and focused technical experience makes me significantly more capable in many areas than most people; would it make more sense to continue to build on that excellence? How do I get out of decision paralysis?
August 19, 2009

dm

I enjoyed the guide, Chris.

In some ways it was a nice reminder that I am working to achieve my goals (it’s easy to forget when you’re in the middle of something … and even easier to discount what has already been achieved).

In other ways it was a much-needed kick in the ass to work even harder on my goals, and to enjoy the fact that I get to do what I do.

I recently made the decision to go back to school to get a masters degree. The school to which I’m applying is unaccredited (though approved to grant masters degrees by the state), and very small, but offers a program that seems like it was specifically tailored to my interests (not to mention the fact that the faculty & student body is comprised of talented, experienced, and inspiring individuals).

I debated long and hard, considering the perils of an unaccredited degree. What use would the degree be? How will I pay off the debt? Am I closing the door on future opportunities? Do I really want to move again? I received both enthusiasm and criticism from friends, family, and colleagues, which only made the decision harder.

In the end, I decided that the work, experience, and community offered by this program is more important to me (and would do more for my long-term goals) than accreditation or academia. I began the application process yesterday.

Today, my brother brought this Guide to my attention and it was very affirming.

So thanks for writing it! I’m sure it has been, and will continue to be, useful to many others.

dm
August 19, 2009

Briana Aldrich

Hi Chris,

Just a note to tell you that I read your guide to world domination, and think you and your ideas are brilliant and lovely. I need to read it at least 10 more times. It actually inspired me to gather together a few of my own thoughts, ideas, beliefs, so thanks for that.

And it reminded me of my personal version of world domination ~ since my best friend and I joined forces in the fourth grade, we’ve said to each other, at least once every few years, usually after unveiling some genius (at least to us) idea: “…and that is why we should be running the universe.” Needless to say the spirit of your message resonated with me deeply, and I just wanted to thank you and say please keep sharing your nonconforming self with the world.
August 21, 2009

Omar

Just finished the manifesto. Great job man. This material needs to be reviewed on a consistent basis. A lot of gems. Thank you.
August 26, 2009

Trackback from the Life Design Project

[...] Probably the single most effective thing you can read if you are unmotivated and unproductive. [...]
August 26, 2009

Eve

Hey Chris. I just finished your manifesto and wanted to say thanks for writing it and for making it so available (and free!).

Finding and reading your site has re-awakened the traveler/dreamer in me that I was beginning to lose track of. As a direct result of you and your writing, I quit my job here in Portland and am now moving back to Korea to teach English and pay off my debts once and for all. After that, I’m headed to India, the place I’ve wanted to visit for the past seven years. Afterward, who knows? I’m thinking Thailand, Africa or Latin America, in no particular order. Strangely, I’ve traveled a bit, but never to those places, which are the places I’ve wanted to go since I first wanted to travel.

As for MY two questions, I’m not quite sure yet what the answers are, but I know I’m a lost closer to figuring them out because of your site. Thanks man.

Eve
August 29, 2009

Dev

Excellent work, Chris. I actually read your entire manifesto almost in one go, which is unusual for me. I’m not easily impressed but as an earlier commenter noted, it’s the elusive obvious that you’ve hit spot on. I’m still working on answering “the questions” but I know I will be trying a little harder to get them answered sooner, after having read the manifesto.
August 30, 2009

Claire

It’s scary but it’s not as scary as the thought of dying slowly in my current job. Thank you for sharing, for inspiring, will write when I have made my world domination plan!
September 2, 2009

Jorge U. Chollet

Chris,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences on these topics, I have found them very inspiring and insightful. I too want to travel more and learn languages, so hopefully I will figure out a way to do that by answering your two questions.

Cheers!
September 3, 2009

Greg

Hi Chris,

Stumbled in to your site after a recommend from a friend’s blog. Just finished reading the pdf on world domination, great stuff, all principles I have lived my life by since highschool. As Jim Morrison once said … “this is the strangest life I have ver known”.

Keep up the good work …

Greg
(New Zealand)
September 3, 2009

Trackback from Outside My Cube

[...] I may be good at what I do, but it’s not how I want to change the world. [...]
September 3, 2009

Tip

Chris –

I thoroughly enjoyed the manifesto. Very empowering, yet logical. You have inspired me to write one for my own venture and to continue on the path of taking over (or changing) the world despite the safe paths of convention.

Many thanks -
Tip
(DC area)
September 3, 2009

Leo Gallant

Chris, just read this for the 2nd time. I really appreciate your perspective and more importantly your actions! Thanks for communicating and inspiring with such clarity. I want to live simply and honestly before God and man and I want to bring encouragement, inspiration, and hope to people through the messages of my music.

Thanks!

Leo
September 9, 2009

Dalton

Well thank you for writing about this. I have been thinking basically about exactly what you talk about; work, life, travel, helping others. And how to put it all together. I literally stumbled on to the website but it is perfect for what I am thinking about right now so I guess there was a little fate involved there. I think it will probably help me and has inspired me that much more. Thanks again.
September 10, 2009

Jason

Chris,

Your two questions are a real eye-opener to me. I’ve been working really hard toward my own version of world domination, but without answers to those questions. Consequently, it seems I’ve been working all this time without a real goal in mind. I’ve got one now! Crazy how a sense of direction has the ability to make everything so much clearer.

Thanks man!
September 12, 2009

Giulia

Hi Chris, I just finished reading your “world domination” manifesto, it was really good! Stuff I’ve thinking about for a long time and that I’m trying to live by. I’ll definitely follow some of your advice, especially the “ideal world” planning and mind maps. It’s good to know that there’s people who share these thoughts out there
Ciao, Giulia (from Italy)
September 21, 2009

Sab

Hi Chris,
It’s great to know there are others out there who also believe education/gatekeepers/location etc are no barriers to success, even though it appears most people really do think in a linear way (eg degree plus working up the ladder = top ‘job’ etc).
like Leo who left a comment, i want to bring encouragement and inspiration to others, to ‘make people’s souls sing’ – when people feel good and empowered, magic happens. so i’m off to plan my world domination LOL
thanks for the report, and warm wishes for your travels
Sab xx
September 22, 2009

Trackback from Kelly McMichael

[...] If you’re like me, you’ve got a slew of dreams that are just not happening. These are the things that I want to be doing with my life but for some reason (or several), I’m just not doing them.

I tend to list the reasons why I CAN’T do these things right now, but the truth is–when I get to the bottom of it–that there’s nothing real holding me back: just fear, uncertainty, and my own inability to just jump off the bridge. [...]
September 24, 2009

John Thompson

A truly thought provoking piece that I found of particular interest as my wife and I are about to start our family. There will definitely be a great deal of self evaluation over the coming months as I develop answers to the 2 most important questions and figure out how to best encourage my child to follow his/her dreams. Thanks for sharing, your site is a much needed shot in the arm.
October 2, 2009

NickyD'Agostino

Where do I sign up? Loved it and I’m gonna spread it all over Brooklyn NY.
October 3, 2009

Trackback from The Little Happy Shop

[...] that promises unconventional strategies to life, work and travel. I quickly scooted off to read A Brief Guide To World Domination not because it’s just so napoleon-sounding, but if this is the guy’s manifesto, this [...]
October 3, 2009

Pedro Lopes

Hi Chris, i didn´t knew this manifesto until now, i got to tell you that it´s pretty “unconventional”.

For the last 10 years or so, i have been asking to myself: What do i want to do with my life? Because I feel that I´m doing it all wrong, I feel like I’m living in the wrong world.

So I´m pretty dumb, I still don´t have the answer to my question, neither to your couple of questions (my question and yours are the same anyway). If and when I get it figured out I´ll let you know.

Thanks for this manifesto and the 279 Days to Overnight Success. I started a blog (in Portuguese, I´m in Portugal) in January and I´m struggling to get audience, it´s not leading me anywhere.

Anyway going to read some Zen Habits stuff now, maybe between you and Leo I can get the inspiration to keep going with the blog.

Thanks and bon voyage.
October 3, 2009

Russ Hess

Chris,

I have been following you for a few weeks and I have to tell you, I like your message. What is interesting is that it is simple and to the point. I am also inspired by your work as I chart out my own journey to my dreams. For this, I am grateful that I came across your site and took a chance on reading through your provided content. I have already had a few ideas for my own quest to change the world as I have read your manifesto. Thanks for taking on the challenges you have expressed and taking the stand to prove it can be done.

One thing I have learned in my own journey is to never give up.
October 13, 2009

Keith

I just finished your manifesto. I enjoyed it very much. I am a person who went to college knowing what I wanted to do, but I found that my interests changed after getting my AAS. That brought me to a Liberal Arts College for the next 3 years. Now, I am currently working as an ESL teacher overseas (Korea).

The fight against traditional assumptions and normalcy is one I am more than willing to join. Over time, I have fought a battle through my own doubts and self-restrictions. For example, I often take on jobs/tasks due to the fact that I am uncomfortable with them in order to break my fears. My college experiences brought a much needed slap of openmindedness to my perspective.

I like to dabble in what I call organized chaos. When presented with an idea, my mind links it to other concepts in ways that produce the creative result. I want to bring visions and dreams to reality (such as through film and game production).
October 25, 2009

Joey

I enjoyed reading your manifesto. Like one of your other posters, I am in the military and related to your comments about gatekeepers and the like. I firmly believe though that the desire for greatness is inherent in the human spirit. According to my faith, I believe it was placed there with purpose. Gatekeepers need to be reminded of this attribute of their character and can learn from what seems to be “bucking the norm”.
I thank you for your thoughts Chris and will continue to read.
October 28, 2009

Elizabeth Bonet

Just read your manifesto and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was cited in Barbara Winter’s newsletter (“Making a living without a job”) this month. I’ve been living my dream for the past couple of years but it’s always good to get a reminder of why and some refreshing questions.
November 2, 2009

Andy

I LOVED it! It was good enough to keep me awake, and it just gives me something to shoot for. Thank you.
November 15, 2009

John W Lewis

Excellent, Chris! Your manifesto sets out many of the issues and choices which affect our life choices and actions.

Specifically, the answers to your two principal questions are clearly important for many us. For me, as for others it seems, you are correct in your prediction that describing what we have to give is more difficult than describing what we would like to receive. So, doesn’t that tell us something about why we are not receiving it?!

It was also interesting to read that you are a fellow practitioner of David Allen’s GTD approach.

Thank you. Keep up the good work.
November 15, 2009

Magnus

Greatly written. It was good finding someone saying the things I believe myself. Realizing that I am not alone… Suddenly I understand that I am not “crazy” which I sometime can feel. Thank you for putting words to my thoughts.
November 20, 2009

Melissa LaMunyon

What can I say? Your two manifestos have rocked my world, been the light in dark places, a balm for my soul, etc. Two weeks before a friend emailed me an article about blogging with a link to 279 Days, I had half prayed, half wished for a guidebook to be a successful blogger…quickly. I knew it was possible to make money blogging and I knew I wanted to figure it out–and there was your manifesto. Never had a prayer answered quite so literally before.

Talk about cognitive dissonance between what you were saying about the very real potential of me creating one of the deepest desires of my heart and my beliefs about worth/success/ability etc. Killing the bullshit one day at a time and making progress every day.

Thank you so much,

Missy
November 24, 2009

Amanda L.

Thank you for writing this, and for making it easily accessible! I came across it by reading an article on the website of the Traveler’s Notebook that linked me to an article by Gwen Bell, “How to Create Your Own Personal Manifesto”.
This and the “Ideal World” document you mentioned are helping me decide what I want to ultimately Do. Thanks.
December 14, 2009

Lil

I really feel inspired by your manifesto. As a student from the Caribbean studying in Asia, I feel as if I have the perfect opportunity to change something and have that sense of meaning that I so crave. Reading this and seeing the things around me in a different way I have taken an oath not just to be average – which i have, unfortunately been guilty of for the past 18 years. Those two questions in the manifesto got me actually thinking about where i want to be doing in my life and I’m glad that I stumbled upon this site’s link (on Becky Blanton’s site).

Thanks much and I’m committed to reading you manifesto over and over again because it really has truths in it that can be applied to everyone’s life.
December 18, 2009

LeoArtetaV

Wow Chris, I’ve had read your work and I think that the last sentence of your Manifesto enclosed a tremendous and powerful truth: “Be the change”. This is a very potential aid and guide in order to encourage and invite people to “be the change”, and also to take that critical and defining step of “taking action”. I really feel very blessed and pleased with your work. Thanks for make my life path clearer, and just as you say: “Keep rocking the Universe”.
December 18, 2009

Sheila

Thank you for your manifesto. It really struck a chord with me.

I’ve very recently started a blog I call Not One of the Herd. Like you, I don’t want to live my life following the herd — doing what everyone else does. But I guess the difference between us is that find being simple, in fact, remarkable–and a happy, simple life is truly my goal.

I’ve also enjoyed reading your 279 Days to Overnight Success. I literally signed up for Google AdSense just days ago, but reading your guide has made me realize that I want to take them off. I don’t support the products I see. You helped me realize that it’s important stay true to my readers and only display products I support. And that if I never make money, that’s ok. I plan to incorporate many of the other tips from your guide in the near future.

My blog, and my journey toward an unconventional life, has just begun, and I am very thankful for people like you who are helping me accomplish it.
December 22, 2009

Milan Stolicny

Totally true Chris. Life is very short to vast it with senseless work somewhere in the closed air conditioned office or doing something you don’t like. And we never know when there could be no tomorrow.

This is the quote that keeps me on right track:

Dream as if you will forever, Live as if you will die today. – James Dean.

Thanks for visiting the country I am from – Slovakia. You surely don’t see that many Americans over there. Many people still think, that it is still unsafe to travel there. But this is simply not true. Go everybody, visit this beautiful country that will always have a big space in my heart.
December 25, 2009

Layne

I had to stop and say what a great reading. I was actually able to get through it and all while viewing and reading the various links attached. Thank you for inspiring anybody who stumbles upon your website. Each article is uplifting and inspirational. You challenge people to take the “blue” pill. Or was it the “red” pill? (Can you tell, not a huge Matrix fan, but enjoyed it.)

I look forward to keeping up with your writing. And a wish you a remarkable journey on your “Travel the World” quest.
December 28, 2009

Ayman

Chris, thanks for your generosity and your inspiration! The truth has a way of prevailing and your honesty is much appreciated.
January 3, 2010

Barbara

I’m starting to realize that life is not a path with an end that I can reach if I can somehow figure out how to follow it perfectly. There is no proper path, I will make the path right by choosing it. Sometimes you have to fire before you aim!

I’m really glad I was able to read your manifesto, especially the part about having to consider what you can do for the rest of the world as well as yourself if you want to achieve great things. I have always felt that way, and now I feel more confident about taking it to heart.
January 4, 2010

Digital Taoist

Finally, someone who makes goal setting cool! For five years I have been a closeted goal setter. In secret I have scribbled the goals, projected outcomes, & objective of my personal action plan. I kept my ambition incognito, feeling twinges of embarrassment every time I set my plan to paper, for fear I’d be discovered. I had to wade through hundreds and hundreds of pages & pages—professional development curriculums, business journals and psych studies—choke full of jargon and corporate-ese.

I can honestly say that the only thing that has kept me going through that awkwardness is the fact that goals work! I just wish this had been written years ago.
January 5, 2010

Cas

Having recently become a devotee of Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project, I followed a link to your site and am now looking at my life in a completely different way. In the last 12 months, I’ve turned quite a significant portion of my life around and I’m going to continue to do so. It seems somewhere along the way, I stopped thinking about what I really wanted from life, I got sidetracked by critics & naysayers and I began to live my life the way others expected me to…. and then your words leapt off the screen and I almost went and got them tattooed on my wrist! ” You don’t have to live your life the way others expect you to.”

Thank you for opening my eyes to a world of possibilities.
January 7, 2010

Rebecca Hurst

From one who has described herself as the Quiet Revolutionary, many thanks! Your manifesto was inspiring, amusing, provocative and well-written, in all the right quantities. Best wishes on your travels in 2010, and I look forward to exploring your ideas more fully over the next few months. Your site is a truly remarkable resource. Oh, and my own theme for the year: Pilgrimage. ‘Dogs may bark, but the caravan moves on.’
January 7, 2010

Rebecca

From one who has described herself as the Quiet Revolutionary, many thanks! Your manifesto was inspiring, amusing, provocative and well-written, in all the right quantities. Best wishes on your travels in 2010, and I look forward to exploring your ideas more fully over the next few months. Your website is a remarkable resource. Oh, and my own theme for the forthcoming year: Pilgrimage. ‘Dogs may bark, but the caravan moves on.’
January 8, 2010

Jeanine

Chris, not only did I love it, I am going to retweet it and post about it in my blog!

What do I want?… Time freedom, a full-time writing income (I don’t answer the phone, either, Chris), to be able to live wherever I want and spend lots of time connecting with friends and my family of choice.

What do I offer?… A way to identify your life purpose and heal whatever has been keeping you from fulfilling it.

Thanks for this manifesto and all your encouragement! ~~Jeanine
January 11, 2010

Tim Venable

Chris, thank you so much for your manifesto, man, I am totally inspired and grateful for your words. I am totally committed to living my fullest life, and what you’re doing is a huge inspiration. I found out about your site through my friend Nathan Agin who has described you as his “hero,” and you might just have become mine too! Much love and safe travels!
January 14, 2010

Ben

Chris-this one of the 1st web comments I’ve ever left (the incentive is usually not there). Thank you for the manifesto-I found it reinvigorating and inspiring at a work/career-point where I’m really needing it. I’m in a creative field-urban planning-and the unimaginative folks who populate the real estate development and political world have a way of slowly chipping away at the passion/idealism I felt in my late 20s in grad school. Already at 35, the overarching message and reminder of your manifesto is much needed-many thanks and all the best in your travels!
January 15, 2010

katia

I visited your site because someone emailed it to me as an example of great design on a wordpress platform. I decided to peruse your offerings this morning, reasoning that someone who has taken such diligent time choosing design must highly value their ideas/message.

I like the message. The ambitious title made me skeptical, but after reading, I appreciate the simplicity and feasibility of the message wrapped in absolute gravity. Well done. I will be thinking about it, trying to live by it, suggesting it…

Best of luck to you
January 20, 2010

Andrew Frenette

Chris, I just finished reading World Domination and I really want to thank you for writing it. This is another fabulous dose of the reality that I can make mine. It’s short and powerful and I’ll be recommending it to others.
January 22, 2010

Spencer

My friend shared the link to the guide with me today. I’m not sure if it’ll change my life (or help me change my life), but it’s certainly inspired me to get back to plan. I’m living with clinical depression, and my answer to question #1 was just to be happy, which is pretty vague, but my plan, which I’ve been avoiding lately, involves some serious gatekeeper-dodging. Thank you for the inspiration
January 23, 2010

Cindy Morefield

LOVE the manifesto, and design is top notch. So refreshing. Will definitely be sharing this e-book.
Looking forward to more wonderfulness in the $100 Business Forum!
January 24, 2010

Joe Hartman

It said to post if the article meant something, and hell yeah it made me want to kick some butt. I’m choosing my own adventure, and for now that looks like putting 100% of my passion into International Studies and running for my school. Those will take me to bigger things and I’ve got big plans for continuing my adventure.
January 25, 2010

Glenna

Hi Chris

Thanks so much for the awesome read. I have been reading your ‘manifesto’ over the last few days and it has been great food for thought. A lot of what you wrote really resonated with me and I am going to remind myself of it as often as possible so I can take some of my own steps. Looking forward to reading more of your blog as well!
February 1, 2010

Vanessa

I just finished the manifesto and I thought I’d do as you asked…comment! I wish my parents had taken me to a book store when I was younger. I love, love, love books and reading and learning. I want to be a vast pool of knowledge, I enjoy it so much. I hope I can spread my knowledge throughout the world and make it a bit better for all of us.

Thank you for putting the time in to make the manifesto and 279 days to success. I was greatly moved by both and would love to link them to my blog once the new design is up and running.

Also thank your for being such an inspiration for anyone interested in following their dreams.
February 1, 2010

krystal

I just read the manifesto, which is excellent timing in my life. Having been ever-inpatient with the status quo, and drowning now as a desk jockey, my hurdles in life have been fear and expectations. Thanks for the “encouragement.”

What do I want out of life? To increase tolerance and appreciation of diversity in our global world.

What do I have to offer? Unwavering child-like optimism.

Now on to a plan…
February 2, 2010

Lisa

Read about your site in Psychology Today, and it is quickly becoming an addiction for me!

My husband and I both grew up in little boxes in the suburbs and have spent most of our adult lives being told to get a mortgage, have kids, get a “good job” with a 401K etc. etc….all the things that “normal” people do to prepare for their “future” while drudging through the present.

We’ve recently moved away from our families in Florida to Atlanta–after reading about all the things you’ve done it’s both inspiring and quite funny to think of how critical everyone in Florida was of this small move! (You can’t move without a job! Georgia’s so far! lol).

Being away from the “noise” we’re finally starting to see the real possibilities that are out there. I’d like to start a business with my husband, live in many different cities and travel the world. Thank you for your site and the inspiration it’s providing me–can’t wait to read more!
February 8, 2010

radicpunk

I’m gonna conquer the world! A social movement of being respectful and grateful to the environment, democratizing of the corporations, social security and a new world economy by micro businesses and individuals!

BTW, can the PDF report be formatted more ebook-friendly?

Keep up the fantastic work!
February 8, 2010

André

I think this was one of the most inspiring texts I have ever read. This year will be the year of change for me. Thank you very much and good luck with all of your travels!
February 9, 2010

Trackback from I Ate the Chocolate

[...] I rewarded myself by reading Chris Guillebeau’s Brief Guide to World Domination. [...]
February 11, 2010

Angela

I am going to start with the three goals, do them, then write three more to do method so I do not get overwhelmed with this. Thanks so much!

Goal 1. First, we take Manhattan….
February 11, 2010

Megan Little

I’ve been grappling with the desire to live a life less ordinary. I’m a college student in the arts and I’m tired of having no answer to: “What are you going to do with that?” I’ve had no answer because I don’t want to do anything ordinary with it, and I’m afraid to explain that to people.

I now know I’m not the only person who tells their friends that they want to start world movements. I’m not the only person who dives into something untried, and without the right qualification, simply because I’m passionate about it.

I’ve wanted to commit any possible future monetary gains made through the outsourced children’s picture book I’m creating to a charity that will help children in need. I didn’t want to tell others because I didn’t want people to think I was doing this simply to get attention or approval. Yet I felt I had to give in order to throw all my passion into it without guilt.

Thanks for the reminder that the things worth living for are the things done for others.
February 16, 2010

Tanya

I’m so glad I stumbled upon a site that led me to your site. It has been my goal since I made my second trip to Peru at the age of 16 to visit every country in the world and somehow significantly change the living conditions in all of them. I still have no idea how I’m going to do all that but your site has inspired me in so many ways. You’re definitely my new hero and eventually I will have read everything on your site. As of right now I’m still wondering if I should wait for my bachelors degree or if I should jsut take off. I’ll probably wait for that degree but I’ll still do a lot of traveling in the mean time. Thank you so much for doing what you’re doing and making this site, you have given me so much inspiration.
February 18, 2010

Tiago

It had been a while since I last nodded so much. My motivation not to conform was coming down from a recent peak when I began having doubts about feasibility, and this brought it back up and beyond.

I think the following is a great compliment to what you have done here, Chris: you will hear from me soon

Thank you!
March 12, 2010

Stephanie

Great read; inspiring and very action-oriented, which I love. The best part about your message though is that it takes hard work. Keep up the great work, and good luck on your worldly adventures.