Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar
In the “Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar” book James Bach discusses how self-education can lead to success. It was enlightening to me to read about his story, and apply it to my own pursuit of knowledge. Here are a few takeaways:
- “My plan is easy to summarize: get out and try stuff.”
- And “for knowledge workers, the right idea at the right time will lead to success, wealth, and happiness.” So you need to learn more in order to create more ideas!
- “Successful companies don’t try to mechanize or dictate thinking. Instead they create an environment that supports and encourages experimentation and problem-solving.” More leaders (and teachers!) need to understand AND follow this tenet.
- “Integrity means living consistently with how you present yourself to others.”
- I also felt that his thoughts on being part of a “buccaneering community is to be challenged, debated, and irritated by your most loyal friends.
But here’s the real whopper, the real reason you need to read this book and apply its ideas to your creative career:
“A PACK is a cooperative group of hunters with each member showing initiative, independent judgment, and critical thinking. The pack has mutual respect and trust. Contrast that with the HERD with its organizing principle of fear. In a herd, the idea is don’t disrupt the order. The herd sees itself as surrounded by danger. A pack see itself surrounded by opportunities. And schoolism is a herd mentality.”
Bravo and thanks, James.
Now what do YOU think about these ideas?
