David Heinemeier Hansson is the founder of Ruby on Rails and co-founder and CTO of Basecamp. He is an outspoken defender of living a fulfilling life, and a true believer that it does not have to be crazy at work. When not writing code, David enjoys endurance car racing and time with his wife and two kids.
Over the years, David has become a very influential person in technology and business, and has developed a number of philosophies which are helping him live a happy and fulfilling life, a life in which there is time for business and pleasure.
As you will hear for yourself, happiness is a simple secret. You too could have a great life and ensure that you kids have one too. David does not try to hide what it takes to be truly happy. At the end, it is on you to give it a try. Are you ready?
Key discussion points:
What drives DHH to come to work every day (01:00)
Can you be at a place where you are only doing things that you like? (06:00)
Happiness, the stoic philosophy and the concept of existentialism (08:30)
How to be satisfied with life and work (13:00)
The power of intrinsic motivation and how David nearly failed high-school (17:00)
Benefits of growing up in a socially democratic state, Denmark (28:00)
ReWork - New York Times Bestseller (32:00)
It Does Not Have to Be Crazy At Work (39:00)
When enough is enough (44:50)
How to make a fortune in car racing (50:00)
Entrepreneurship and the value of balancing risk (58:00)
The goal of living and free-range children (1:03:00)
Modern parent obsession with obedience (1:09:00)
Parenting and equal and how to teach your kids about money (01:15:27)
Books by David and 37Signals / Basecamp
Rework - New York Times Bestseller
Remote: Office not required
It does not have to be crazy at work
Books that David mentioned during the show
Finding Flow: The Psychology Of Engagement With Everyday Life
Punished by Rewards
Popular blog posts by DHH
The day I became a millionaire
RECONSIDER
To see an amazing car collection, as well as beautiful hills of Malibu
Lastly, other podcasts with DHH that were thoroughly enjoyable to hear:
The Tim Ferris Show (warning: very-very-very long)
The Unmistakable Creative (my personal favorite)
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