Everything Tim Ferriss has recommended in 5-Bullet Friday — 2,154 books, articles, quotes, films, products and more, gathered from 480 issues since 2015. Browse by category, sort by what the community values or how often Tim has returned to it, and spend your 25 votes on what matters most to you. Each item's note is quoted from Tim's own words in the newsletter.
“Give yourself permission to be creative” by Ethan Hawke. This clocks in at roughly nine minutes. And thanks to Laird Z. for the recommendation. From the description: “Reflecting on moments that shaped his life, actor Ethan Hawke examines how courageous expression promotes healing and connection with one another—and invites you to discover your own unabashed creativity. ‘There is no path till you walk it,’ he says.”— Tim Ferriss
“Old George Orwell got it backward. Big Brother isn’t watching. He’s singing and dancing. He’s pulling rabbits out of a hat. Big Brother’s busy holding your attention every moment you’re awake. He’s making sure you’re always distracted. He’s making sure you’re fully absorbed. He’s making sure your imagination withers. Until it’s as useful as your appendix. He’s making sure your attention is always filled. And this being fed, it’s worse than being watched. With the world always filling you, no one has to worry about what’s in your mind. With everyone’s imagination atrophied, no one will ever be
“The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” ―
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship, that makes unhappy marriages.” —
“Vivrant Thing” (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube) by Q-Tip.— Tim Ferriss
“The secret to doing good research is always to be a little underemployed. You waste years by not being able to waste hours.” —
“South Korea’s archery invincibility explained.” I have recently become deeply interested in South Korean archers. Why? Here’s how The New York Times put it: “For South Korean archers, winning Olympic gold medals feels almost like a given—they have claimed 23 of the 34 golds awarded in the sport since 1984. … The South Korean archery team has won gold medals at every Summer Olympics since 1984. The women’s team has been particularly dominant, winning gold eight straight times since the team event made its debut in 1988 in Seoul. In 2016, the men’s and women’s teams swept the gold medals in the— Tim Ferriss
“To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man’s life.” ― , The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism
“Language can become a screen which stands between the thinker and reality. This is the reason why true creativity often starts where language ends.” —
“In order to change skins, evolve into new cycles, I feel one has to learn to discard. If one changes internally, one should not continue to live with the same objects. They reflect one’s mind and psyche of yesterday. I throw away what has no dynamic, living use.” —
In Search of Greatness. This documentary thematically fits into a lot of the reading I’m currently doing. The official description: “Through the eyes of the greatest athletes of all time, In Search of Greatness is a cinematic journey into the secrets of genius. From award-winning filmmaker Gabe Polsky, this groundbreaking feature documentary includes original interviews with Wayne Gretzky, Pelé, and Jerry Rice. It also features Muhammad Ali, Einstein, David Bowie, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan, among others.” You can watch the trailer here. Gabe’s earlier Red Army doc is also fantastic.— Tim Ferriss
“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” —
Speaking of competition… The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. I enjoy oddities, especially oddities that have a strange but compelling logic to them. So it is with the Barkley Marathons. Here is the film description, and it’s not fake: “A famous prison escape sparks the idea for a cult-like race that has seen only 10 finishers in its first 25 years. This award-winning, oddly inspiring, and wildly funny documentary reveals the sports world’s most guarded secret.”— Tim Ferriss
The Body Back Buddy, which was originally recommended to me by Dustin Moskovitz (@moskov), co-founder of Asana and Facebook. Here’s how Dustin answered my “best purchase for Tribe of Mentors: “The Back Buddy by the Body Back Company is my favorite purchase from the past five years, bar none. Most basically, it allows you to administer self-massage anywhere on your back with the full leverage of two hands, but I’ve also really gotten to know and appreciate all the little knobs and other features over the years. I’ve even learned how to manipulate parts of my skeletal structure (i.e., self-chiro— Tim Ferriss
“How To Be Successful,” 13 lessons on achieving outlier success written by Sam Altman (@sama), CEO of OpenAI. Here is one of the many paragraphs I highlighted for myself: “It’s useful to focus on adding another zero to whatever you define as your success metric—money, status, impact on the world, or whatever. I am willing to take as much time as needed between projects to find my next thing. But I always want it to be a project that, if successful, will make the rest of my career look like a footnote.” Here is another: “I believe that it’s easier to do a hard startup than an easy startup. Peop— Tim Ferriss
“Last Chance” (YouTube, Spotify) by Thornato (@thornatomusic), featuring The Spy from Cairo. But lest you think I’m all Burner tunes, new-agey flutes, and dolphin soundscapes, I’m also listening to “Before I Forget” (YouTube, Spotify) by Slipknot (@slipknot) during workouts.— Tim Ferriss
“100 Tips for a Better Life” by Conor Barnes (@Ideopunk). This is a surprisingly good list, despite the generic headline. Thanks to Ryan Holiday (@RyanHoliday) for the recommendation.— Tim Ferriss
“And so it is that most people have no idea how beautiful the world is and how much magnificence is revealed in the tiniest things, in some flower, in a stone, in tree bark, or in a birch leaf. The grown-ups, going about their business and worries, and tormenting themselves with all kinds of details, gradually lose the perspective for these riches that children, when they are attentive and good, soon notice and love with their whole heart. And yet the greatest beauty would be achieved if everyone remained in this regard always like attentive and good children, simple and pious in sensitivities
“Heartstrings” (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music) by Russell Malone.— Tim Ferriss
Bird by Bird with Annie. I’ve loved Anne Lamott (@ANNELAMOTT) and her work for more than a decade, and ever since I had her on the podcast, I’ve gone even deeper into the Annieverse. This documentary had just the right blend of humor, humanity, and insight to help me with some difficult emotions this week. Description: “Perhaps best known for her widely celebrated book on writing, Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott is one of the rare artists who can teach us not only how to write, but how to live. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision), Bird by Bird with — Tim Ferriss
“To a disciple who was forever complaining about others, the Master said, ‘If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the earth.’” —
Alan Watts and Superposition — Listen, Dream. For me, Alan Watts can be hit or miss, but this is definitely a hit. Coupled with the ambient music, I find this meditation perfect for grounding myself when I’m making coffee in the morning. Here’s a shortened description of the project: “Superposition is an immersion into the inner universe, a meditative antidote to a world of digital overwhelm. Created by Justin Boreta (@boreta) and Matthew Davis (@davisville), this ambient project and record label emerged from the shared search for serenity by two curious artists.”— Tim Ferriss
HUMAN Extended Version, Volume 1. Sincere thanks to subscriber Dave Thackeray for originally recommending this film on Twitter. It is beautiful, jolting, heart-melting, and brutal... all at once. The footage and stories blend into a powerful visual journey that evoked nearly every imaginable emotion in me. Here’s part of the description: “What is it that makes us human? Is it that we love, that we fight? That we laugh? Cry? Our curiosity? The quest for discovery? Driven by these questions, filmmaker and artist Yann Arthus-Bertrand (@yannarthusbertrand) spent three years collecting real-life st— Tim Ferriss
“Treat a work of art like a prince: let it speak to you first.” —
“Trampoline” (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music) by SHAED (@shaedband).— Tim Ferriss
“Taming the Mammoth: Why You Should Stop Caring What Other People Think.” This remains one of the most empowering articles I’ve read in recent years. It’s hilarious and amazing. For double trouble, pair it with my interview with the author, Tim Urban (@waitbutwhy).— Tim Ferriss
“The DIY Scientist, the Olympian, and the Mutated Gene” by David Epstein (@DavidEpstein). This is a fantastic read, especially for science nerds, about how a layperson can spot breakthrough ideas that the experts miss.— Tim Ferriss
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” —
“The Butterfield Diet Plan” via Pippa L., in response to my clip on how to master cheat days. Hoisin crispy owl!— Tim Ferriss
Pick of the Litter (Amazon, Disney+, YouTube). This feel-good documentary was recommended to me by my mom. It is a little sappy at points, but the training for avoiding automobiles and refusing to follow owner commands is incredible. Fair warning: some of you will shed a tear or two. The official description: “Pick of the Litter follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partner— Tim Ferriss
“Man of Extremes: The Return of James Cameron” (The New Yorker). James Cameron is a beast worth studying. His track record is unparalleled, and few humans are as aggressive or as capable. Even if you’re feeling rushed, take 60 seconds to read the first paragraph of this piece, which is incredible. Kudos to Dana Goodyear (@danagoodyear) on the writing.— Tim Ferriss
The Price of Everything (YouTube, Apple TV), directed by Nathaniel Kahn. I originally watched this film after both my brother and a close friend raved about it, and I was prompted to rewatch it after Kevin Rose brought it up in the most recent Random Show episode. It is often funny, sometimes nauseating, and always entertaining. Here’s the description: “With unprecedented access to pivotal artists and the white-hot market surrounding them, The Price of Everything dives deep into the contemporary art world, holding a mirror up to our values and our times—where everything can be bought and sold.— Tim Ferriss
“Orchestrated Incident” (YouTube, Spotify) by Gramatik. I wrote a good portion of The 4-Hour Chef (in fact, a book on accelerated learning) to this track on repeat. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I find the upbeat instrumentals fantastic for writing flow. I have a lot of Gramatik and Beats Antique—try “Circulation”—in my playlist for writing sessions.— Tim Ferriss
“How 30 Days of Kindness Made Me a Better Person.” Click here for an easy-to-print image of the 30 acts of kindness.— Tim Ferriss
“Eau Rouge, Pt. 1” (YouTube, Spotify) by Gelka (@gelka).— Tim Ferriss
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” —
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube). This was repeatedly recommended to me by my friend Kevin Rose. It was particularly reassuring that Mister Rogers basically took the good TV playbook of the time and did the exact opposite, which helped lead to mega-success. Description: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Morgan Neville about the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, the host and creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The trailer for the film debuted on what would have been Rogers’ 90th birthday, March 20, 2018. It received acc— Tim Ferriss
“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.” — “You can’t forgive without loving. And I don’t mean sentimentality. I don’t mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, ‘I forgive. I’m finished with it.’” — Maya Angelou
Yellowbird’s habanero sauce. This stuff is magical and crafted right in my backyard of Austin. The last time I featured Yellowbird in 5BF, you seemed to love them in a big way. Here’s the official description: “Meet the cult classic that’s now 100% organic with no added sugars! Our organic habanero condiment boasts a flavorful, balanced heat with a complex blend of organic habanero peppers, carrots, and tangerines.”— Tim Ferriss
“Una Rosa Blanca” (YouTube, Spotify) by Ibrahim Maalouf (@ibrahimmaaloufofficial). Ibrahim is widely regarded as one of the most gifted trumpeters of his generation. He is also a pioneer in fusing pop, soul, electro, hip-hop, and French chansons with the music of his Lebanese roots.— Tim Ferriss
“Nothing At All” (Spotify, YouTube) by Santana (feat. Musiq). This tune helps me set the tone for the day. For that shift, it’s more about the melody than the lyrics, but the whole track is beautiful.— Tim Ferriss
A Procrustean bed: “Something designed to produce conformity by unnatural or violent means. In Greek mythology, Procrustes was a robber who tied his victims to a bed, either stretching or cutting off their legs in order to make them fit it.” (Source: Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms). Nassim Taleb (@nntaleb) has a related book of aphorisms titled The Bed of Procrustes. He explains the title thusly: “Every aphorism here is about a Procrustean bed of sorts—we humans, facing limits of knowledge, and things we do not observe, the unseen and the unknown, resolve tension by squeezing life and the— Tim Ferriss
“Reality has a surprising amount of detail” by John Salvatier (@johnsalvatier). This 2017 beauty was sent to me by my dear friend, Pineapple-Eating Cat (long story). It made me recall my conversation with Tim O’Reilly and his daily habit of pausing to take a photograph of a flower. If you read this article, and it only takes 5–10 minutes, be sure to read to the end. Here are two teaser sections: This means it’s really easy to get stuck. Stuck in your current way of seeing and thinking about things. Frames are made out of the details that seem important to you. The important details you haven’t— Tim Ferriss
“Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.” ― , 2021
Mike Wallace Is Here (Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube). This doc found me at exactly the right time. I was in the midst of studying many different types of interviewers (Terry Gross vs. Larry King vs. Joe Rogan vs. Charlie Rose vs. James Lipton, etc.) to improve my own game. Mike is an archetype of the Southern Tiger Claw kung fu style of interviewing, kicks to the balls included. He can be brutal. And while I wouldn’t duplicate all aspects of his approach, I think there is much to learn. Some of the clips in this doc are tense beyond words. The footage of Mike with Ayatollah Khomeini, as one exampl— Tim Ferriss
Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality. This short book has completely captured me since it was first recommended to me by Peter Mallouk, who said it gave him durable peace for weeks at a time. I originally grabbed the Kindle version with low expectations. I devoured it in three days, and a shelf in my guest bedroom is now permanently stocked with copies for friends. It won’t resonate with everyone, but it found me at the right moment. I’ve now read it roughly a dozen times.— Tim Ferriss
“30 Animals That Look Like They’re About to Drop the Hottest Albums of the Year.” For when you simply need a two-minute break from the online doom and gloom…— Tim Ferriss
“Puente” (YouTube, Spotify) by Chancha Vía Circuito (@chancha_via_circuito) From Wikipedia: “Pedro Canale, better known as his stage name Chancha Vía Circuito, is a producer, DJ/remixer, and composer from Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fusion of electronic music and cumbia is a key factor of Chancha Vía Circuito’s music. He explores the minimal side of digital cumbia with inspiration from Afro-dance, murgas, minimal dub, IDM, and downtempo.”— Tim Ferriss
“Coming of Age in a Mausoleum” by George Dawes Green. This is one of many gems I found in The Moth Presents — All These Wonders: True Stories about Facing the Unknown, which has a permanent spot on my coffee table. Hat tip to The Moth (@TheMoth), Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself), Catherine Burns (@burnzieny), and all the amazing contributors involved.— Tim Ferriss
“Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.” —
Fountain Pen Hospital. Now that I’m fully vaccinated, I’m excited to get back to the Fountain Pen Hospital, which was “founded in 1946 by Phil Wiederlight and Al Wiederlight (the father and grandfather, respectively, of today’s proprietors – Terry and Steve Wiederlight). Terry and Steve have a combined 60 years experience in all phases of vintage and modern writing instruments.” Special thanks to Neil Gaiman for recommending it during our conversation together, in which he described how and why he does so much writing by hand.— Tim Ferriss
The French Burglar Who Pulled Off His Generation’s Biggest Art Heist (The New Yorker). After my previous mention of the Sour Grapes doc in 5BF, my brother, who’d also read Billionaire’s Vinegar, said, “Oh, if you like that, I have something you’ll really like.” He sent me this New Yorker piece. It blends theft and art in more ways than one.— Tim Ferriss
Exhalation: Stories by Ted Chiang. I’ve previously recommended Ted’s incredible collection of short stories titled Stories of Your Life and Others. Despite the fact that Ted started off as a part-time science-fiction writer with a full-time technical writing job, he is the equivalent of Martin Scorsese or Wayne Gretzky in the sci-fi world—he has won four Hugo, four Nebula, and four Locus Awards, among others. The hit film Arrival (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), one of my favorite recent movies, is based on one of Ted’s short stories. Gizmodo has written that “the arrival of a new piece of short fict— Tim Ferriss
RBG. Description: “At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. Explore her unique and unknown personal journey of her rise to the nation’s highest court.” May she rest in peace.— Tim Ferriss
Jim Carrey Motivational Video — WHO IS THE REAL YOU?. I found the very beginning points and the story about his father to be most impactful. Jim is endlessly fascinating to me. Ignore the “law of attraction” stuff in the last 10–15 seconds, which is not from Jim Carrey himself.— Tim Ferriss
“If you absolutely can’t tolerate critics, then don’t do anything new or interesting.” —
Amazon’s internal leadership principles. Pair it with Every Amazon Shareholder Letter in a Single Downloadable PDF. Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos) never ceases to amaze, and these letters really highlight how prescient and strategic he and Amazon have been since the 1990s. If you prefer a shortened version via audio, this is worth a shot and includes some fun trivia (e.g., What was the original name idea for Amazon.com? Click on this: Relentless.com…). Big hat tip to Ricardo of Most Recommended Books, whose site is also worth checking out.— Tim Ferriss
Kurt Vonnegut on how to write a short story. There are some exceptional gems in this two-minute video. Most of the rules apply to good nonfiction writing, too, IMHO.— Tim Ferriss