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Be More Pirate: Or How to Take On the World and Win
"Magnificent, one of the sharpest thinkers on the planet" Forbes
"Fun, easy to digest ideas that are especially applicable to start-ups with youth, vision and a big focus on ethics. Business Book of the Month" Financial Times
"A Modern Life Bible" Shortlist Magazine
A model for how to break the system and create radical change" The London Evening Standard
- - - -
Mischief, Purpose, Power
Pirates didn’t just break the rules, they rewrote them. They didn't just reject society, they reinvented it. Pirates didn’t just challenge the status-quo, they changed everyf*ckingthing.
Facing a self-interested establishment, a broken system, industrial-scale disruption and an uncertain future, pirates rebelled against an unfair world and change it for good. Now, you can follow in their footsteps.
Be More Pirate unveils the innovative strategies of Golden Age pirates, drawing parallels between the tactics and teachings of legends like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard with modern rebels, like Elon Musk, Malala and Banksy. With takeaway sections and a
Featuring takeaway sections and a guide to build you own pirate code 2.0, Be More Pirate will show you how to leave your mark on the 21st century.
Whatever your ambitions, ideas and challenges, Be More Pirate will revolutionize the way you live, think and work today, and tomorrow.
[BACK INSIDE COVER PRINT]
‘Be More Pirate feels so important as it looks to history to help us grip the future.’ Martha Lane-Fox, do you have a specific bio Martha would like us to use?
‘A refreshing, entertaining and inspiring perspective on work, leadership and why we do what we do ... it’s a call for a more radical rethink of where we’re going wrong, and where we’re going next.’ Bruce Daisley, Host of the Number 1 Business Podcast ‘Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat’
"Fun, easy to digest ideas that are especially applicable to start-ups with youth, vision and a big focus on ethics. Business Book of the Month" Financial Times
"A Modern Life Bible" Shortlist Magazine
A model for how to break the system and create radical change" The London Evening Standard
- - - -
Mischief, Purpose, Power
Pirates didn’t just break the rules, they rewrote them. They didn't just reject society, they reinvented it. Pirates didn’t just challenge the status-quo, they changed everyf*ckingthing.
Facing a self-interested establishment, a broken system, industrial-scale disruption and an uncertain future, pirates rebelled against an unfair world and change it for good. Now, you can follow in their footsteps.
Be More Pirate unveils the innovative strategies of Golden Age pirates, drawing parallels between the tactics and teachings of legends like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard with modern rebels, like Elon Musk, Malala and Banksy. With takeaway sections and a
Featuring takeaway sections and a guide to build you own pirate code 2.0, Be More Pirate will show you how to leave your mark on the 21st century.
Whatever your ambitions, ideas and challenges, Be More Pirate will revolutionize the way you live, think and work today, and tomorrow.
[BACK INSIDE COVER PRINT]
‘Be More Pirate feels so important as it looks to history to help us grip the future.’ Martha Lane-Fox, do you have a specific bio Martha would like us to use?
‘A refreshing, entertaining and inspiring perspective on work, leadership and why we do what we do ... it’s a call for a more radical rethink of where we’re going wrong, and where we’re going next.’ Bruce Daisley, Host of the Number 1 Business Podcast ‘Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat’
290 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2018
About the author
Sam Conniff
8 books110 followersSam Conniff Allende is a multi-award winning serial social entrepreneur, and co-founder and former CEO of Livity, Don’t Panic and Live Magazine. Since starting his entrepreneurial career aged 19, Conniff Allende has mentored thousands of talented young entrepreneurs and hustlers around the world.
Sam is an acclaimed public speaker, an advocate of ‘business as unusual’ or corporate responsibility and accountability, and a purpose-driven strategy consultant to brands such as Red Bull, Unilever and PlayStation.
Sam has refined the concepts explored in Be More Pirate by delivering workshops to senior executives in the HQ’s of Google and Facebook, and to hundreds of socially conscious young entrepreneurs and innovators from the townships of South Africa, Baltimore, Athens and in London, his hometown.
Sam is an acclaimed public speaker, an advocate of ‘business as unusual’ or corporate responsibility and accountability, and a purpose-driven strategy consultant to brands such as Red Bull, Unilever and PlayStation.
Sam has refined the concepts explored in Be More Pirate by delivering workshops to senior executives in the HQ’s of Google and Facebook, and to hundreds of socially conscious young entrepreneurs and innovators from the townships of South Africa, Baltimore, Athens and in London, his hometown.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
January 14, 2018
Okay, okay, I wrote it. But at times that could have meant I gave it one star. Writing my first book has been a love/hate affair.
But now it's finished and about to go to press, we're in love again, I've read the whole thing through and it gets five stars from me. Which is lucky really.
If you're interested in creating some change in your world, then I invite you to draw on the lesser known strategy and success of the Golden Age of Pirates, who knew a thing or two about not just breaking rules, but re-making rules.
Their history may have been re-written for the last 300 years but Be More Pirate is here to reveal how pirates really changed the world and how you can too.
But now it's finished and about to go to press, we're in love again, I've read the whole thing through and it gets five stars from me. Which is lucky really.
If you're interested in creating some change in your world, then I invite you to draw on the lesser known strategy and success of the Golden Age of Pirates, who knew a thing or two about not just breaking rules, but re-making rules.
Their history may have been re-written for the last 300 years but Be More Pirate is here to reveal how pirates really changed the world and how you can too.
April 1, 2018
Full disclosure--- Sam is a friend and I was given a preview copy of the book.
That being said, I haven't stopped talking or thinking about it. I've underlined bits (which I never do), have shared with friends and am genuinely thinking about it when in meetings and plotting my next project and moves.
How to turn problems on their heads and create solutions that may seem crazy, but can actually revolutionise the way work is done.
Also--- super super relevant to the time we are living in. The chapter on how to make mutiny in to a movement--- screams to the kids from Parkland who are funnelling their pain in to actual change. We don't know the names of any victims of the Vegas shooter-- most people don't even know his name was Stephen Paddock. But most people I know would recognise many of the teenagers who lost friends at Parkland. They are the mutiny, they are the movement.
This undoubtedly has been influenced by the years and years Sam has spent working with kids and recognising promise and possibility.
The book is a rallying war cry for action and I am signing up.
That being said, I haven't stopped talking or thinking about it. I've underlined bits (which I never do), have shared with friends and am genuinely thinking about it when in meetings and plotting my next project and moves.
How to turn problems on their heads and create solutions that may seem crazy, but can actually revolutionise the way work is done.
Also--- super super relevant to the time we are living in. The chapter on how to make mutiny in to a movement--- screams to the kids from Parkland who are funnelling their pain in to actual change. We don't know the names of any victims of the Vegas shooter-- most people don't even know his name was Stephen Paddock. But most people I know would recognise many of the teenagers who lost friends at Parkland. They are the mutiny, they are the movement.
This undoubtedly has been influenced by the years and years Sam has spent working with kids and recognising promise and possibility.
The book is a rallying war cry for action and I am signing up.
January 29, 2019
Super interesting. Part a myth-busting of everything you ever thought you knew about pirates; part a workshop of how you can apply the piratical behaviours to your own situation to change the rules around you. The revelations about the very real pirate code (which I'd always assumed was a fiction from Pirates of the Caribbean) and some of the details from the lives of various Golden Age pirates was the most fascinating part of the book for me. However, the other part of the book was far from a washout and it takes the examples, culture, code and behaviours of the pirates and walks you through it as a framework for allowing a community of people (the crew) to run themselves. The obvious example is a business or work team, but with a little work the book suggests it could be applied much more widely.
The docked star is possibly more on me than the book. I'm not sure I got enough out of the workshop parts to really put it into practice. Maybe this is because the book has obviously grown out of a series or actual workshops that the author runs rather than starting life as a book. But, he does set out a convincing plan.
The docked star is possibly more on me than the book. I'm not sure I got enough out of the workshop parts to really put it into practice. Maybe this is because the book has obviously grown out of a series or actual workshops that the author runs rather than starting life as a book. But, he does set out a convincing plan.
May 9, 2018
Sam breaks the mould in more ways than one, with this book.
His reinterpretation of history rightly restores the Golden Age pirates to their rightful place as innovators and proponents of equality. Who created an enlightened and progressive society for the times. Many of it’s core principles, we are still trying to achieve to in today’s society.
That said this book is not just for the history buffs, as it also celebrates the achievements and progress made by a variety of modern day “Pirates” who have challenged society and the old ways of doing things, creating seismic step changes in todays world!
This book is one of the rare ones that makes it on to my reread and revisit list, especially to revisit the challenges and exercises, so I can expand my mindset and create my own ‘pirate code’ to help create a better world!
His reinterpretation of history rightly restores the Golden Age pirates to their rightful place as innovators and proponents of equality. Who created an enlightened and progressive society for the times. Many of it’s core principles, we are still trying to achieve to in today’s society.
That said this book is not just for the history buffs, as it also celebrates the achievements and progress made by a variety of modern day “Pirates” who have challenged society and the old ways of doing things, creating seismic step changes in todays world!
This book is one of the rare ones that makes it on to my reread and revisit list, especially to revisit the challenges and exercises, so I can expand my mindset and create my own ‘pirate code’ to help create a better world!
March 21, 2020
The book is worth reading for:
- pirates have actually lived according to a very progressive code - they had implemented in practice ideas such as equal pay, health insurance, equal voting rights where women and people from all ethnicities voted equally with others - and that happened in the 1690s - 1730s - way, way before such ideas penetrated the "Establishment"
- the story of the two Pirate Queens is super interesting
- the end of the book speaks of some interesting present-day organisations that change the way parts of the world function
I'm giving the book a 4/5 as there's some repetition of the same ideas over and over again - as if the author had a target to write a 300-page book. Regardless, still worth reading... but next time Sam Allende should keep a pair of scissors next to the writing desk and cut a page here and there : )
- pirates have actually lived according to a very progressive code - they had implemented in practice ideas such as equal pay, health insurance, equal voting rights where women and people from all ethnicities voted equally with others - and that happened in the 1690s - 1730s - way, way before such ideas penetrated the "Establishment"
- the story of the two Pirate Queens is super interesting
- the end of the book speaks of some interesting present-day organisations that change the way parts of the world function
I'm giving the book a 4/5 as there's some repetition of the same ideas over and over again - as if the author had a target to write a 300-page book. Regardless, still worth reading... but next time Sam Allende should keep a pair of scissors next to the writing desk and cut a page here and there : )
March 18, 2020
A really good book about improving your lot the pirate way - ohhhharrrr!
I've recommended this to quiet a few people now and that was before I finished it - I think I enjoy the little snippets of Pirate History too much (I think it may be because I'm Welsh and grew up with these legends!).
I got recommended it too... some really nice ideas about how to make a difference to the way you think... the way we act... positivity in a time where we need it and BIG changes are ahead! Not sure about the cover though!!!
I've recommended this to quiet a few people now and that was before I finished it - I think I enjoy the little snippets of Pirate History too much (I think it may be because I'm Welsh and grew up with these legends!).
I got recommended it too... some really nice ideas about how to make a difference to the way you think... the way we act... positivity in a time where we need it and BIG changes are ahead! Not sure about the cover though!!!
May 28, 2018
As I consider my future and what’s next for me. This book opened my eyes to an alternative way to look at my ‘next chapter’ and how I am more in control of my destiny than first though. Some interesting ideas and some that I will certainly implement in my day to day life. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are looking to make a change in your life.
Great work Sam.
Great work Sam.
April 20, 2020
An incredible manual for rethinking our ideas and approach to life today! Highly recommended!!!
April 16, 2018
A timely reminder that there are other business models which need to be explored to solve some of the worlds biggest problems. Sam gives the reader confidence that we can all be part of a movement which is upending every business sector on the planet. He brings this to life with a comprehensive foundation based on the Golden Age of pirates which generated the ideas on which our society is founded.
Never in human history has there been a phenomenon like the www which supports us all in building organisations which challenge the broken business models with new movements based on a common philosophy, or as Sam articulates our own Pirate Codes. I’m a web scientist and an established social entrepreneur and it refreshed my resolve to Be More Pirate. Doing the exercises was hugely helpful to formulate my own Pirate Code.
I especially recommend this to all entrepreneurs just starting their journeys looking to decide on their business model to create the outcones they want to see in the world. Read it now....the world needs more Pirates.
Never in human history has there been a phenomenon like the www which supports us all in building organisations which challenge the broken business models with new movements based on a common philosophy, or as Sam articulates our own Pirate Codes. I’m a web scientist and an established social entrepreneur and it refreshed my resolve to Be More Pirate. Doing the exercises was hugely helpful to formulate my own Pirate Code.
I especially recommend this to all entrepreneurs just starting their journeys looking to decide on their business model to create the outcones they want to see in the world. Read it now....the world needs more Pirates.
July 17, 2018
I absolutely love this book. I keep telling everyone to read it. The title appeals to anyone with a cheeky glint in their eye like me and my crew. Unfortunately it also puts a few people into a tailspin because they’re only able to imagine Jack Sparrow or Captain Pugwash and not enter into the actual historic (sometimes rose tinted) world of pirate society and look at how we can change the world for the better.
“We’ve allowed ourselves to become convinced that there is no alternative to the systems, processes and rules we’ve been given and that this is as good as it gets, even when it’s obvious that it’s always the same people who suffer and the same people who win or lose. We often shrug and accept that those are the rules. But pirates don’t.”
Sam Conniff Allende looks at piratical ways from such movements as the Co-op to deep societal change through consciously seeking diversity because it is good for us. He’s insightful and inspiring but at the end of the day puts it in the context of “as you prepare to be more pirate, remember to be more you”.
“We’ve allowed ourselves to become convinced that there is no alternative to the systems, processes and rules we’ve been given and that this is as good as it gets, even when it’s obvious that it’s always the same people who suffer and the same people who win or lose. We often shrug and accept that those are the rules. But pirates don’t.”
Sam Conniff Allende looks at piratical ways from such movements as the Co-op to deep societal change through consciously seeking diversity because it is good for us. He’s insightful and inspiring but at the end of the day puts it in the context of “as you prepare to be more pirate, remember to be more you”.
July 4, 2018
An Antidote To Modern Living - The best book I've read so far this year! If we put some of the pirate psychopaths to one side, the pirates had a code which in the in the 17th century would have have been revolutionary in it's day, it is certainly even in the 21st Century, which other organisation has a policy that:-
Supports same sex marriage right down to rights on the death of a spouse?
The Captain (CEO) can only earn more than 6 times the lowest deck hand?
A diversity policy, after all, anybody can be a pirate?
A check and balance to decision making, while the Captain was the CEO the quartermaster had a same level of authority and could vote against the Captain? Be more pirate offers an antidote to modern living, actively asking you to break the rules, but only if you make better ones to go in their place. If you want to live in a better world, then maybe you should be more pirate!
Supports same sex marriage right down to rights on the death of a spouse?
The Captain (CEO) can only earn more than 6 times the lowest deck hand?
A diversity policy, after all, anybody can be a pirate?
A check and balance to decision making, while the Captain was the CEO the quartermaster had a same level of authority and could vote against the Captain? Be more pirate offers an antidote to modern living, actively asking you to break the rules, but only if you make better ones to go in their place. If you want to live in a better world, then maybe you should be more pirate!
April 28, 2020
Like an anabolic shot of purpose, prioritisation and piratical ability to cut through the s**t of life to get to what matters, with a wry eye on all that's gone wrong with the way things are, and a compelling, continuous and confidence inspiring invitation to write your own rules and be damned with the old world.
This was given to me as I contemplated shutting my business, the result: my business is now thriving, and a very different, more exciting, radical and more enjoyable business to run.
NEVER, have I received such a purpose download as this. it's sure not Shakespeare (in fact it's obvious at points it's his first book) and he admits to not being a historian or academic (also pretty obvious from page 1) but he's got an honesty and energy that meant I found I actually missed him once I'd put it down and I'm not sure I've ever felt like that before. So I picked it back up. Now the most thumbed, annotated and useful book on my desk.
August 3, 2018
A bit of a modern classic. The book's thesis is that yes, pirates were lawless rebels, but they were also disruptive innovators who believed in diversity and social justice. It aims to help you achieve your goals by finding your inner pirate, channelling figures like Steve Jobs, Chance The Rapper, Banksy and Malala along the way. At some points it goes into a bit too much detail on the 18th century pirates, but it's a breezy read, reminiscent of the KLF's The Manual (which told people how to have a no. 1 single), a book I’m pretty sure that that the author must have read. Just as the KLF persuaded people that they could succeed, I'm sure this will too. Looking back in 20 years I'm sure we’ll find Be More Pirate cited as a major inspiration for many.
I should also say that the cover design is brilliant - intriguing and confusing, it really makes you want to pick it up.
I should also say that the cover design is brilliant - intriguing and confusing, it really makes you want to pick it up.
July 16, 2018
Gave up a quarter of the way in. Immature writing and overly used references to "being more pirate" like the author is keyword-stuffing. Never in the past 9 or so years of owning a Kindle have I ever stopped reading a book and removed from device. A shame as a decent number of books I read are social science related.
April 24, 2019
What a great book, if I didn't learn anything practical I learnt about the history of pirates! It was a refreshing read and has helped me question the status quo, it was also enjoyable for the historical tips and the encouragement to question everything!
September 21, 2019
I was gifted this book by the beloved deputy headteacher of my secondary school who, in its front page, wrote “you’re too good to settle for average. Change the world...”
Yes, that is relevant to the content and message of the book. Sam Conniff Allende pleads the reader to stand up for what they believe; rebel against the establishment to alter the status quo for the better, just like the pirates of
the ‘Golden Age’ (late 1600s to early 1700s) of piracy did.
The book is split into 3 parts. Part 1 is used to try and break the stereotype that we all undoubtedly have of pirates being (something like) violent, uncivilised, drunken hooligans. Whilst there were a minority of pirates indeed like this - which the establishment would effectively use to perpetuate such an image - the majority actually employed laws in systems on board their ships that were years ahead of the establishment (e.g equal distribution of the loot they obtained, compensation for any injuries, universal suffrage, equal rights for minorities, and more), and Allende explains why this was the case.
Part 2 is where the reader is provided the advice and guidance on how to implement some of the methodologies that these pirates used to improve their lives, and through slowly influencing the mainstream, improve society in general. This guidance is broken into 5 ‘rules’...
1. Rebel against what you see as wrong and cause ‘good trouble’ (be a nuisance to those who are responsible for injustice - but do so to make headlines and force positive action)
2. Rewrite the rules (once you’ve stood up to the status quo because it is flawed, provide a fairer, more reasonable and more just alternative)
3. Reorganise yourself / community (this warns the reader against the popular view that bigger is better - eg with business trying to grow in size. As an innovative, rebellious hero of justice, Allende argues that size can sometimes be more detrimental. What’s more important is having the right connections, a network between like-minded groups that you can collaborate with and scale up or down when needed; thus being agile and being able to respond fast to dynamic situations)
4. As your cause grows and you obtain power, redistribute it amongst the like-minded people who support you (this will not only protect your integrity - as power can corrupt individuals - but allow your cause to grow more powerful)
5. Sell it well (advertise, use rhetoric and tell a story of your achievements; multiplying their impact)
In all of these chapters, Allende provides examples of the historic Golden Age pirates as well as comtempory 21st century ones who implement such methods, to illustrate the point; this makes the book more enjoyable.
Part 3 is about the ‘pirate code’ (the rules that pirate crews would swear an oath to abide by). Allende highlights the importance that these also played in the pirates’ success: ensured compliance to the radically different system, enabled swift adaptability to changing times, preserved integrity to the fundamental pirate ambition of creating a fairer society for themselves. And thereafter he encourages the reader to construct their own pirate code.
The reason I gave the book 4 and not 5 stars is because I felt a bit too much pressure from the author, at times, to complete the journey of ‘becoming more pirate’ so quickly. Allende promises the reader that by the end of the book, the reader should be equipped with the skills needed to bring about change in their society, and compels one to complete their own pirate code. Granted, I appreciate the tips but I think the completion of one’s ‘pirate code’ can wait until they identify what it is exactly they are fighting for. Personally, there just seems to be so much currently...
Overall, highly recommended for anyone looking for some fun, something different, and some inspiration to start to bring about the change they always wanted.
Yes, that is relevant to the content and message of the book. Sam Conniff Allende pleads the reader to stand up for what they believe; rebel against the establishment to alter the status quo for the better, just like the pirates of
the ‘Golden Age’ (late 1600s to early 1700s) of piracy did.
The book is split into 3 parts. Part 1 is used to try and break the stereotype that we all undoubtedly have of pirates being (something like) violent, uncivilised, drunken hooligans. Whilst there were a minority of pirates indeed like this - which the establishment would effectively use to perpetuate such an image - the majority actually employed laws in systems on board their ships that were years ahead of the establishment (e.g equal distribution of the loot they obtained, compensation for any injuries, universal suffrage, equal rights for minorities, and more), and Allende explains why this was the case.
Part 2 is where the reader is provided the advice and guidance on how to implement some of the methodologies that these pirates used to improve their lives, and through slowly influencing the mainstream, improve society in general. This guidance is broken into 5 ‘rules’...
1. Rebel against what you see as wrong and cause ‘good trouble’ (be a nuisance to those who are responsible for injustice - but do so to make headlines and force positive action)
2. Rewrite the rules (once you’ve stood up to the status quo because it is flawed, provide a fairer, more reasonable and more just alternative)
3. Reorganise yourself / community (this warns the reader against the popular view that bigger is better - eg with business trying to grow in size. As an innovative, rebellious hero of justice, Allende argues that size can sometimes be more detrimental. What’s more important is having the right connections, a network between like-minded groups that you can collaborate with and scale up or down when needed; thus being agile and being able to respond fast to dynamic situations)
4. As your cause grows and you obtain power, redistribute it amongst the like-minded people who support you (this will not only protect your integrity - as power can corrupt individuals - but allow your cause to grow more powerful)
5. Sell it well (advertise, use rhetoric and tell a story of your achievements; multiplying their impact)
In all of these chapters, Allende provides examples of the historic Golden Age pirates as well as comtempory 21st century ones who implement such methods, to illustrate the point; this makes the book more enjoyable.
Part 3 is about the ‘pirate code’ (the rules that pirate crews would swear an oath to abide by). Allende highlights the importance that these also played in the pirates’ success: ensured compliance to the radically different system, enabled swift adaptability to changing times, preserved integrity to the fundamental pirate ambition of creating a fairer society for themselves. And thereafter he encourages the reader to construct their own pirate code.
The reason I gave the book 4 and not 5 stars is because I felt a bit too much pressure from the author, at times, to complete the journey of ‘becoming more pirate’ so quickly. Allende promises the reader that by the end of the book, the reader should be equipped with the skills needed to bring about change in their society, and compels one to complete their own pirate code. Granted, I appreciate the tips but I think the completion of one’s ‘pirate code’ can wait until they identify what it is exactly they are fighting for. Personally, there just seems to be so much currently...
Overall, highly recommended for anyone looking for some fun, something different, and some inspiration to start to bring about the change they always wanted.
May 12, 2018
The key message in these blinks:
There are a great many lessons we can learn from the Golden Age pirates who stood up to the exploitative, war-mongering establishment at the turn of the eighteenth century. In fact, so many of their methods and principles were ahead of their time that they’re still relevant today. By taking their lead, you can become a powerful agent of change and social justice. It all starts by finding your cause, rewriting the broken rules, empowering your crew and taking your message straight into the lion’s den.
Actionable advice:
Ask yourself the right questions.
Each step of the way to adopting the pirate mind-set, there are questions you can ask yourself. For example, when finding your cause, ask, “If I could break any rule, what would it be, and how would I rewrite it?” And, “Who out there would I most like to take down?” While bringing together your crew, plotting your mutiny and writing your pirate code, ask, “What, values or ideals am I willing to put my neck on the line for? What principles do I care about so much that I’d actually fight for them?”
Suggested further reading:
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987) explains how to avoid letting our fear hold us back from living the life we want and how to begin leading a committed and empowered life instead. It argues that the way we choose to perceive the world and our lives largely determines our reality, and suggests that taking responsibility for our situation and happiness can lead us to find total fulfillment.
There are a great many lessons we can learn from the Golden Age pirates who stood up to the exploitative, war-mongering establishment at the turn of the eighteenth century. In fact, so many of their methods and principles were ahead of their time that they’re still relevant today. By taking their lead, you can become a powerful agent of change and social justice. It all starts by finding your cause, rewriting the broken rules, empowering your crew and taking your message straight into the lion’s den.
Actionable advice:
Ask yourself the right questions.
Each step of the way to adopting the pirate mind-set, there are questions you can ask yourself. For example, when finding your cause, ask, “If I could break any rule, what would it be, and how would I rewrite it?” And, “Who out there would I most like to take down?” While bringing together your crew, plotting your mutiny and writing your pirate code, ask, “What, values or ideals am I willing to put my neck on the line for? What principles do I care about so much that I’d actually fight for them?”
Suggested further reading:
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987) explains how to avoid letting our fear hold us back from living the life we want and how to begin leading a committed and empowered life instead. It argues that the way we choose to perceive the world and our lives largely determines our reality, and suggests that taking responsibility for our situation and happiness can lead us to find total fulfillment.
September 4, 2018
Thank god I decided to install high speed internet on my Jolly Roger before setting sail or you might never have got to read this review. I am now at least 85% pirate as a result of reading this book. On a serious note though the book is fantastic. Well written, well thought out, humour and a tone that really resonates with the reader. I don't want to get into the content of the book too much as I don't want to spoil it before you read it but let's just finish by saying, if we were all at least 10% pirate then the world could be a much better place.
April 5, 2020
The ultimate test with books like this is how applicable or used it is. It is also probably true that the actual pirates didn't know what they were doing, and applying the ideas in this book to modern situations knowingly is a different kettle of fish.
However, this is an enjoyable read, it's a fascinating perspective which rings true, so 4* from me.
However, this is an enjoyable read, it's a fascinating perspective which rings true, so 4* from me.
July 8, 2018
A must read for anyone who wants to do anything extraordinary.
February 20, 2021
A 3.92 rating tells you that not ALL the ratings are from sockpuppets. (Sockpuppets usually give 5 stars, occasionally 4 when trying to look convincing.) But this has been voted onto a bunch of listopias by sock puppet accounts. Automatic 1-star rating.
July 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book immensely. I read a LOT of business books as the host of The Extraordinary Business Book Club podcast - I usually find something of value in every book, but I can't hand on heart say I get a kick out of them in the way I did with this one. The writing is punchy and persuasive, and there's a good balance of history/story - and these are PIRATE stories, so you're already onto a winner - modern examples and challenges to you the reader to see how the principles might apply to you.
Although I loved the premise immediately I saw it, I assumed there'd be one key point, and the book would start to feel repetitive: so many books have a great core idea but struggle to stretch it to 200+ pages. There was a little repetition, but that's ok because most people don't read most business books from start to finish anyway - you have to weave your key point in and out - but there's SO much in the pirate idea that it didn't feel overworked.
I particularly liked the idea of creating your own 'pirate code', a set of principles that define the character and culture of your organisation, a conscious statement of intent and a benchmark against which decisions can be tested.
And also the power of stories: 'Pirates didn’t just tell stories, they creatively weaponized the art of storytelling.'
Which is pretty much what Sam Conniff Allende has done here.
Although I loved the premise immediately I saw it, I assumed there'd be one key point, and the book would start to feel repetitive: so many books have a great core idea but struggle to stretch it to 200+ pages. There was a little repetition, but that's ok because most people don't read most business books from start to finish anyway - you have to weave your key point in and out - but there's SO much in the pirate idea that it didn't feel overworked.
I particularly liked the idea of creating your own 'pirate code', a set of principles that define the character and culture of your organisation, a conscious statement of intent and a benchmark against which decisions can be tested.
And also the power of stories: 'Pirates didn’t just tell stories, they creatively weaponized the art of storytelling.'
Which is pretty much what Sam Conniff Allende has done here.
May 14, 2018
This book attracted me because of its provocative title.
The book debunks a lot of myths about pirates that permeate popular culture, and give a good overview of the philosophy behind piratism - that pirates identified unfair things, things they wanted to change, and worked to outsmart the proponents of these systems and cause 'good trouble'.
Worth a read if you consider yourself a rebel or a changemaker.
The book debunks a lot of myths about pirates that permeate popular culture, and give a good overview of the philosophy behind piratism - that pirates identified unfair things, things they wanted to change, and worked to outsmart the proponents of these systems and cause 'good trouble'.
Worth a read if you consider yourself a rebel or a changemaker.
September 5, 2018
Main takeaways: Pirates were really ahead of their times when it comes to building a fair society, where everyone is treated equally. They practised non-hierarchical structures, fair salary schemes, and even injury compensation. They challenged the status quo and created their own rules. Even branding and marketing was high on their agenda, to create fear and powerful rumours stating their dominance and vigilance. Super cool! This was chapter 1.
The rest of the book goes like this: everyone should be more pirate because pirates broke the law to make impactful changes, and that is the only way change is made. Look for rules to break, and create your own rules. Blah blah lots of self-improvement garbage that has little practical meaning. A clear attempt from the author to sell his workshops and build a personal brand around the concept.
The rest of the book goes like this: everyone should be more pirate because pirates broke the law to make impactful changes, and that is the only way change is made. Look for rules to break, and create your own rules. Blah blah lots of self-improvement garbage that has little practical meaning. A clear attempt from the author to sell his workshops and build a personal brand around the concept.
Want to read
May 12, 2018[blinkisted]
Although pirates give you the image of murderers and drunks, they can actually be politically-minded rebels fighting for some social justice.
The golden age pirates sail the high seas between 1690 and 1725. They have 5 attributes ahead of their time: fair pay, check and balance on power, democracy, social safety net, and (a bit of an odd ball) alcoholic inventions.
As the author sees it, if you are rebelling against injustice of the power that be, you are a (good) pirate. You can adopt the messaging/branding techniques of other literal or metaphorical pirates and fight for the justice you believe in. Remember, once you win, don’t act like the entrenched power that made you a pirate to start with.
Although pirates give you the image of murderers and drunks, they can actually be politically-minded rebels fighting for some social justice.
The golden age pirates sail the high seas between 1690 and 1725. They have 5 attributes ahead of their time: fair pay, check and balance on power, democracy, social safety net, and (a bit of an odd ball) alcoholic inventions.
As the author sees it, if you are rebelling against injustice of the power that be, you are a (good) pirate. You can adopt the messaging/branding techniques of other literal or metaphorical pirates and fight for the justice you believe in. Remember, once you win, don’t act like the entrenched power that made you a pirate to start with.
February 25, 2019
My company already employs the "bucking the trend" ideas that are outlined in this book, so I felt that this preached to the choir somewhat. However, this is not the reasoning behind my low rating; while the historical facts were very interesting and welcomed, the links to modern life that were made were often very strenuous and the book very repetitive. Essentially an essay which could have lasted a couple of pages is stretched to nearly 300.
Having said that, the founding principles/ideas are sound.
Having said that, the founding principles/ideas are sound.
July 28, 2018
Opened my eyes
Interesting, fascinating,inspiring and motivating. Will be recommending this book to lots of people. Well worth read this very different business and life changing book.
Interesting, fascinating,inspiring and motivating. Will be recommending this book to lots of people. Well worth read this very different business and life changing book.
May 15, 2018
An insightful read that's great for people who aren't used to reading dense self help non fiction, but I found it repetitive and it danced around a lot of topics so as to not be 'liable' for telling you to go out and break the rules. Not as ballsy a book as I had hoped, but still a great read for pirate trivia!
July 11, 2019
The world is full of brilliant books written by great minds and I have read some of them. But this book is different; it results in action! Thanks to Be More Pirate, I managed to walk the plank. Leaving my comfortable corporate job to pursue my passion of starting a social enterprise
September 1, 2021
Pirate history: 5 stars
Entrepeneurship and business talk: not really for me (at the moment), 1 star
Bibliography: 5 stars
Entrepeneurship and business talk: not really for me (at the moment), 1 star
Bibliography: 5 stars
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