Well, I have a feeling that I am going to hang onto this book for a long, long time.
Recently I was given the opportunity to review the new Chouinard anthology of writing, teachings, musings and lessons from Patagonia Books, called "Some Stories, Lessons From the Edge of Business and Sport" and without too much hyperbole, it's amazing.
You get to sit sidecar to a life well lived and a business well run from a guy that often says he's the anti businessman.
When going through this book, it often seems that Chouinard has lead three full lives with the adventures that he's been a part of and places he's been...let alone be at the helm of the leading outdoor apparel company Patagonia. It's apparent that some people function best in action, and I am willing to say that "YC" is one of those people
The articles and content from the pen of Chouinard span decades but the lessons are timeless.
Patagonia's stance on corporate responsibility and impact are central learning points in my life in business. Their ability to put their real dollars where their mouth is is inspirational at the least, especially for me in issues like Public Land Protection, Snake River Dam Removal and our world's consumptive culture.
This book isnt leaving my nightstand anytime soon. Like McGuane's "The Longest Silence", and Mcmillen's "Dry Line Steelhead" it'll stay there as constant reference material and inspiration.
For the outdoors man or woman, put this book under the Christmas Tree. It's the kind of gift that draws you in, opens your mind and allows you to dream a bit to places beyond and ideals that could change the world for good.
