Episode · The Tim Ferriss Show · 2025-03-19
Books mentioned on #800: Ev Williams — The Art of Pivoting (e.g., Odeo to Twitter), Strategic Quitting, The Dangers of Premature Scaling, Must-Read Books, and More
Ev Williams is the co-founder of Mozi, a new social network that helps you connect in person with the people you care about. Over the past 25 years, Ev has co-founded several companies that have helped shape the modern internet—including Blogger, Medium, and Twitter.
Ev Williams recommended Quit by Annie Duke, and discussed All Fours by Miranda July. Tim Ferriss recommended Little, Big by John Crowley.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
Quit
Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke explores the psychology of decision-making and the hidden costs of stubbornly persevering with goals that no longer serve us.
Recommended“There's a great book by the way by Andy Duke called quit which I highly recommend.”
Where to get it
-
Little, Big
Little, Big by John Crowley is an intricate, epic fantasy novel that follows the mystical, generations-spanning history of the Drinkwater family and their eccentric estate near the edge of a magical realm.
Recommended“Little big by John Crowley. This is the one book that I hesitate to recommend because nine out of 10 people are just like, what the can I can handle it.”
Where to get it
-
All Fours
Miranda July's novel All Fours explores relationships, midlife, and identity in a deeply unconventional way.
Discussed“Oh, I just read this Miranda July book. All fours.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (3) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“So Andy Duke for people who might not recognize the name, well-known poker player, also wrote Thinking in Bets, I believe.”
“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pierig, The Effective Executive by Peter Ducker.”
“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pierig, The Effective Executive by Peter Ducker.”


