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Let My People Go Surfing

The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

By Yvon Chouinard

(12)

| Paperback | 9780143037835

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Book Description

In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard—legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.—shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. From his youth as tContinue

2 Reviews

Let all the people go surfing

The book is divided in two parts: the history (about one third of the book) and the philosophy. The first part is really good and pretty much tell you everything you have to know about the book. It could have been longer, with more biographical info about the author's adventures.
The philosophy is j ... (continue)

The book is divided in two parts: the history (about one third of the book) and the philosophy. The first part is really good and pretty much tell you everything you have to know about the book. It could have been longer, with more biographical info about the author's adventures.
The philosophy is just a deeper, longer, and often repetitive analysis of the same concepts introduced before.
Overall, an inspiring book that deserves to be read.

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Dvd said on Apr 3, 2010 | Add your feedback

Life and world changing vision for business

Chouinard tells the story of how the succes of his company Patagonia has forced him to invent a whole and balanced way of doing business. He takes a longer term view focused on real sustainability and in doing so he does does away with conventional business paradigms where the goal is growth at any ... (continue)

Chouinard tells the story of how the succes of his company Patagonia has forced him to invent a whole and balanced way of doing business. He takes a longer term view focused on real sustainability and in doing so he does does away with conventional business paradigms where the goal is growth at any cost.
Patagonia as told by Chouinard is an example for the rest of the world with a dedication to the highest level of quality and the lowest amount of side-effects, environmentally and socially. Once you have read this, morality alone should convince you that there is no other way of doing business.
The story Chouinard tells is reminiscent of Ricardo Semler's story in the Seven-Day Weekend but whereas Semler's stories tell of an anecdotal success, Chouinard rolls out a comprehensive philosophy that is the basis for all of Patagonia's action and takes Semler's principles to their logical conclusion.
I am not an environmentalist in the traditional sense of the word but change is necessary. I think we can and will live in harmony with the environment if we employ a positive world changing outlook, technological progress, market forces and cradle to cradle thinking in a good way. Chouinard gives example after example of these strategies and the change they have created. Patagonia is both a profitable company and an exemplary environmentalist at the same time. They show how doing things right can be more fun, better for the world and cheaper in the long run.
Personally this book has persuaded me that conservation of nature and the last pieces of wilderness is important and that the resources we consume should be in balance with the planet harvested organically and sustainably.
In business the example of Patagonia has strengthened my resolve to be in business myself. For the same reasons: to do what you believe in, do good and to lead by an example others can follow.

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alper said on Feb 5, 2008 | Add your feedback