In the end, there is no ideal condition for creativity. What works for one person is useless for another. The only criterion is this: Make it easy on yourself. Find a working environment where the prospect of wrestling with your muse doesn't shut you down. It should make you want to be there, and once you find it, stick with it. To get the creative habit, you need a working environment that's habit-forming.
All preferred working states, no matter how eccentric, have one thing in common: When you enter into them, they impel you to get started.
This was a great book that both intrigued and inspired me. As an immense Apple fanboy, I enjoyed tracing the genesis of the world's favorite company. But as an engineer, I also enjoyed all of his anecdotes about engineers. While the writing was disorganized and less than stellar, the book has truly inspired me.
I saw the movie today and immediately raced to the bookstore afterwards to buy the play. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and believe it deserves all the awards it's gotten thus far, but the play is much better. The parallels are uncanny and both are so good--but I guess if you write the play and screenplay and direct the movie, then that happens. In any case, it's a quick read and definitely a good supplement to the movie. I give this a 5/5. Sidenote: I think he did it.
"There are people who go after your humanity, Sister James, who tell you the light in your heart is a weakness. That your soft feelings betray you. I don't believe that. It's an old tactic of cruel people to kill kindness in the name of virtue. Don't believe it. There's nothing wrong with love." (Flynn to Sister James, p. 41)
The Death of Ivan Ilych is a very depressing story. Despite the emotions--you certainly feel sorry for Ivan, who, upon his death bed, realizes his life was fruitless--it's an amazing story, told in a way that only Tolstoy can. Recommended read, as with all Tolstoy. Spoiler: Ivan Ilych dies.
Getting Real is an amazing, life-changing book on how to act smart and get real in the business world of web 2.0. The insights shared by the creators of renowned app Basecamp are invaluable for anyone looking to do business on the web or just life in general (gblakeman is right). Hands down, getting real with whatever you're doing is a great way to go. Recommended read; it's quick and fun--5/5.
Tucker Max has to be one of the most despicable, reprehensible, morally inept human beings ever. But, his stories are hilarious. The tales of Tucker Max are rivaled by none; seriously, no one can one-up this guy. Every story had me laughing so hard I literally fell out of my seat. I can't believe I didn't hear about this guy until just now. I'm looking forward to the movie. Best story? That's a hard one, but I'd say "The Night We Almost Died," or the Austin story. I give this 5/5--for a comedy, this book commands a look.
The Cole Protocol is a decent book as far as any sci-fi goes, but in the Halo series, it's definitely not the shining star. I still enjoyed the addition to the Halo universe and the new tales of an undercover Spartan team, but I was more excited reading the other books. Maybe it's a shift in my interests, or maybe it's just that Tobias S. Bucknell isn't as good as Eric Nylund. In either case, if you're into the Halo story line, this is definitely worth checking out, just be aware of the inaccurate scientific details. I give this book 3/5.
mwirsig replies...
You're right. Eric Nylund is easily the best Halo author thus far.