Invisibles: The Power Of Anonymous Work In An Age Of Relentless Self Promotion

Description

This is an inspiring look at the hidden stars in every field who perform essential work without recognition. In a culture where so many strive for praise and glory, what kind of person finds the greatest reward in anonymous work? Expanding from his acclaimed Atlantic article, "What Do Fact-Checkers and Anesthesiologists Have in Common?" David Zweig explores what we can all learn from a modest group he calls "Invisibles." Their careers require expertise, skill, and dedication, yet they receive little or no public credit. And that's just fine with them. Zweig met with a wide range of Invisibles to discover first hand what motivates them and how they define success and satisfaction. His fascinating subjects include: a virtuoso cinematographer for major films; the lead engineer on some of the world's tallest skyscrapers; a high-end perfume maker; and an elite interpreter at the United Nations. Despite the diversity of their careers, Zweig found that all Invisibles embody the same core traits. And he shows why the rest of us might be more fulfilled if we followed their example. David Zweig has written for The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Slate, among other publications. He has presented his research about how media and technology affect self-perception at numerous universities and academic conferences. This is his first non-fiction book.

Reviews

"An encouraging salute to the world behind the scenes, where the 'Invisibles' allow the show to go on. Journalist Zweig suggests, with considerable merit, that, in our culture of wanting it all, we have forgotten the hard work of getting there...In Zweig's fascinating world, the limelight doesn't hold a candle to the satisfaction of hard work well done." -"Kirkus" "Zweig's stint as a fact checker at a magazine no doubt inspired him to look closely at the unsung, behind-the-scenes workers he calls the invisibles....[He] touches on philosophy, religion, and psychology in exploring the satisfaction derived from work exceptionally well done in contrast to the noisy self-promotion now prevalent...and uses the profiles to offer some quiet and thoughtful space to consider the inner value of high-quality work." -"Booklist" "A fascinating tour of the hidden landscapes on which human society actually operates. This will change the way you see the world and, hopefully, your place within it." -Douglas Rushkoff, bestselling author of "Present Shock" ""Invisibles" is a one-book cultural revolution, fighting the current cultural tide toward narcissistic self-promotion with the truth that real satisfaction is often silent." -Jean Twenge, bestselling co-author of "The Narcissism Epidemic " "Top Business Book to Read in 2014: "Invisibles "explains why some of the world's most talented, accomplished people choose to fly under the radar... It's a clarion call for work as a craft: for generously sharing knowledge without hogging credit and prizing meaningful work above public recognition. An excellent book." -Adam Grant, Wharton professor and bestselling author of "Give and Take" "The genius at the top doesn't make their team look good. It's a great team that makes the guy at the top look like a genius...and Invisibles proves it." -Simon Sinek, Optimist and bestselling author of "Start With Why" and "Leaders Eat Last"ns

Author description

David Zweig has written for The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Slate, among other publications. He has presented his research about how media and technology affect self-perception at numerous universities and academic conferences. This is his first non-fiction book.