Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers is an entrepreneur, writer, and musician best known for founding CD Baby, one of the first online music stores for independent artists. After selling the company and donating the proceeds, Sivers turned to writing, sharing insights on business, simplicity, and life philosophy. His books, including Anything You Want and How to Live, are concise, thought-provoking, and often counterintuitive, encouraging readers to question norms and make intentional choices. Sivers is admired for his minimalist style and emphasis on independence, clarity, and authenticity. He continues to publish essays and speak on creative entrepreneurship and personal development.
Anything You Want is a concise, unconventional guide to entrepreneurship drawn from Derek Sivers’ experience founding and running CD Baby. Rejecting traditional business advice, Sivers advocates for simplicity, personal fulfillment, and customer-centric thinking. He emphasizes doing what feels right rather than chasing external validation or scale for its own sake. The book combines practical insights with reflective storytelling, highlighting the value of independence, generosity, and clarity of purpose. With its direct tone and minimalist philosophy, Anything You Want is an inspiring read for entrepreneurs who want to build meaningful businesses on their own terms—not by following a blueprint.
In How to Live, Derek Sivers offers 27 radically different philosophies for living a meaningful life—each chapter presenting a distinct worldview with confidence and conviction. From “Be independent” to “Commit fully,” the book explores contradictory yet compelling ideas, encouraging readers to reflect on what matters most. Rather than offering a single path, Sivers embraces complexity, suggesting that the truth of how to live may lie in navigating these contradictions. Written in his signature minimalist, thought-provoking style, How to Live is part philosophy, part self-inquiry, and part creative manifesto—ideal for readers seeking clarity, flexibility, and personal growth.