Recently, I bought a copy of Wil Wheaton’s book Just A Geek.
I’ve read one chapter so far. And I have to say: great book.
This has to be one of the most insightful, brutally honest books I’ve ever seen.
It’s also funny. Here’s a little snippet, recalling his first-ever book signing:
… a guy walked over to me, and extended his hand.
“Hi, Wil,” he said, “I’m Tim O’Reilly.”
HOLY MO– WIL! IT’S TIM O’REILLY!! HE CAME OUT TO SEE YOU!
Before I could scream out, “I KNOW! I KNOW! I KNOW! GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!” my brain said, “Stay cool, Wil. Don’t geek out.”
I heeded my brain’s advice . . . “It’s really nice to meet you,” I said. . .
Check me out. I totally behaved myself.
“Nicely done,” said my brain. “Have some serotonin.”
Wil talks a lot about his two inner voices: his totally-honest self, and the voice he calls Prove To Everyone Quitting Star Trek Wasn’t A Bad Idea, or just Prove To Everyone for short.
I think we all have some of Prove To Everyone in us. Especially Americans, and free software hackers, where competition and, well, proving onesself are expected.
It’s time to loosen up a bit.
I’m going to enjoy the rest of this book.