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49 pages 1 hour read

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Greg McKeown

Essentialism

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown argues that modern society's overwhelming choices and distractions lead to a lack of focus and purpose. The book advocates for essentialism, which involves discerning the essential from the trivial, prioritizing key tasks, eliminating nonessential activities, and fostering a disciplined approach to focus on what truly matters.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

135,706 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Essentialism by Greg McKeown is praised for its practical approach to decluttering one's life and focusing on what truly matters. Reviewers laud its clarity and actionable advice. However, some criticisms point to repetitive content and over-simplicity. Overall, it is considered a valuable guide for those seeking to streamline their priorities and improve productivity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Essentialism?

A reader who values productivity and desires a more focused, meaningful life would enjoy Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Comparable to The One Thing by Gary Keller and Deep Work by Cal Newport, this reader seeks to cut down on non-essential tasks to achieve greater clarity and purpose.

4.3

135,706 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Greg McKeown

An author, speaker, and leadership consultant, who guides readers in integrating the principles of essentialism into their daily routines, drawing from personal experiences and historical examples.

A key historical figure whose life is presented as an embodiment of essentialism, highlighting his commitment to a higher purpose and simplicity in his quest to help India gain independence.

The founder of Buddhism, whose life and teachings on simplicity and self-discovery are used to illustrate the spiritual roots of essentialism and its practice as a way of life.

Apple cofounder mentioned as a notable figure whose life exemplifies the principles of essentialism by focusing on what truly matters to achieve significant contributions.

A Russian author known for embracing essentialism, his life serves as an example of making deliberate choices to simplify and focus on meaningful aspects.

An American basketball player whose career is highlighted as demonstrating essentialism through dedication and focus in his field.

An American financial expert who embodies essentialism by prioritizing core values and making strategic choices to achieve impactful results.

An Albanian-Indian nun and activist who is presented as living an essentialist lifestyle by focusing on service and humility.

An American writer known for his practice of essentialist principles through deliberate living and profound simplicity.

Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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