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'''''Studie II''''' ({{Lang-de|Study II}}) is an [[electronic music]] composition by [[Karlheinz Stockhausen]] from the year 1954 and, together with his ''Studie I'', comprises his work number ("opus") 3. It is [[Serialism|serially]] organized on all musical levels and was the first published [[Sheet music|score]] of electronic music.
Four or five years ago, a reader of some of my columns bought the domain name jamesaltucher.com and gave it to me as a birthday gift. It was a total surprise to me. I didn't even know the reader. I hope one day we meet.<br>Two years ago a friend of mine, Tim Sykes, insisted I had to have a blog. He set it up for me. He even wrote the "About Me". I didn't want a blog. I had nothing to say. But about 6 or 7 months ago I decided I wanted to take this blog seriously. I kept putting off changing the "About Me" which was no longer really about me and maybe never was.<br>A few weeks ago I did a chapter in one of the books in Seth Godin's "The Domino Project". The book is out and called "No Idling". Mohit Pawar organized it (here's Mohit's blog) and sent me a bunch of questions recently. It's intended to be an interview on his blog but I hope Mohit forgives me because I want to use it as my new "About Me" also.<br>1. You are a trader, investor, writer, and entrepreneur? Which of these roles you enjoy the most and why?<br>When I first moved to New York City in 1994 I wanted to be everything to everyone. I had spent the six years prior to that writing a bunch of unpublished novels and unpublished short stories. I must've sent out 100s of stories to literary journals. I got form rejections from every publisher, journal, and agent I sent my novels and stories to.<br>Now, in 1994, everything was possible. The money was in NYC. Media was here. I lived in my 10�10 room and pulled suits out of a garbage bag every morning but it didn't matter...the internet was revving up and I knew how to build a website. One of the few in the city. My sister warned me though: nobody here is your friend. Everybody wants something<br>
 
And I wanted something. I wanted the fleeting feelings of success, for the first time ever, in order to feel better about myself. I wanted a girl next to me. I wanted to build and sell companies and finally prove to everyone I was the smartest. I wanted to do a TV show. I wanted to write books<br>
==History==
But everything involved having a master. Clients. Employers. Investors. Publishers. The market (the deadliest master of all). Employees. I was a slave to everyone for so many years. And the more shackles I had on, the lonelier I got<br>
The composition was provisionally titled ''Bewegungen'' (Motions), but the name was later changed to ''Studie II'' (Stockhausen 1963, 44). It was commissioned by what was then the [[Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk|NWDR]], in whose Studio für elektronische Musik in [[Cologne]] the piece was created. The world premiere took place in Cologne  on 19 October 1954 in the concert series Musik der Zeit, together with Stockhausen’s ''Studie I'' and works by [[Henri Pousseur]], [[Karel Goeyvaerts]], [[Herbert Eimert]], and Paul Gredinger (Morawska-Büngeler 1988, 115).
(Me in the Fortress of Solitude<br>
 
Much of the time, even when I had those moments of success, I didn't know how to turn it into a better life. I felt ugly and then later, I felt stupid when I would let the success dribble away down the sink<br>
In contradistinction to [[musique concrète]], Stockhausen wanted no longer "to use any electronic acoustic sources, with the sound spectra already built up (Melochord, Trautonium), but only produced from the pure tones of a frequency generator ("pure" notes without overtones)" (Stockhausen 1964, 23), therefore using neither electroacoustic instruments nor other found sounds. The ideal was to produce each sound synthetically and thus separately determined in its details: "The conscious organization of music extends to the micro-acoustic sphere of the sound material itself" (Stockhausen 1964, 22).
I love writing because every now and then that ugliness turns into honesty. When I write, I'm only a slave to myself. When I do all of those other things you ask about, I'm a slave to everyone else<br>
 
Some links<br>
He had previously tried out sound synthesis with pure tones in ''Studie I''. However, an aesthetic problem arose: "Instead of a fusion of the pure tones into new, more complex sounds, the individual pure tone components appeared separately audible and are easily identifiable. Thus, the impression develops of chords formed from pures tone instead of a new sound quality. On the other hand, the individual pure tones receive their own sound quality owing to their easy identifiability, about comparable to the specific sound of a simple music instrument somewhere between a flute and special pipe-organ registers" (Lack 2002).
33 Unusual Tips to Being a Better Write<br>
 
"The Tooth<br>
==Materials and form==
(one of my favorite posts on my blog<br><br>
[[Image:Stockhausen - Elektronische Studie II group I tone mixtures.png|thumb|400px|Tone mixtures in Group I of Stockhausen's ''Elektronische Studie II'' (Maconie 2005, 134). {{audio|Stockhausen - Elektronische Studie II group I tone mixtures.mid|Play Group I: 1}}]]
2. What inspires you to get up and start working/writing every day<br>
 
The other day I had breakfast with a fascinating guy who had just sold a piece of his fund of funds. He told me what "fracking" was and how the US was going to be a major oil player again. We spoke for two hours about a wide range of topics, including what happens when we can finally implant a google chip in our brains<br>
Stockhausen's two ''Elektronische Studien'' are amongst the earliest examples of composition with what he called "groups", in contrast to the earlier concept of [[punctualism]] or "point composition", in works like ''[[Kreuzspiel]]'' (Toop 2005, 3).
After that I had to go onto NPR because I firmly believe that in one important respect we are degenerating as a country - we are graduating a generation of indentured servants who will spend 50 years or more paying down their student debt rather than starting companies and curing cancer. So maybe I made a difference<br>
 
Then I had lunch with a guy I hadn't seen in ten years. In those ten years he had gone to jail and now I was finally taking the time to forgive him for something he never did to me. I felt bad I hadn't helped him when he was at his low point. Then I came home and watched my kid play clarinet at her school. Then I read until I fell asleep. Today I did nothing but write. Both days inspired me<br>
The idea at the core of ''Studie II'' was the decision to extrapolate everything from the number 5. Five main sections are each divided into five subsections, and each subsection contains five groups consisting of one to five sounds, called "tone mixtures". Each of these tone mixtures is constructed as five equally spaced, reverberated [[sine tone]]s. The width of the tone mixtures remains constant within each group, but changes from group to group in five widths derived from an underlying scale (Toop 2005, 6). For the pitches, Stockhausen built a scale in which the interval between successive steps consists of the frequency proportion <math>\sqrt[25]{5}</math>—in other words, the interval of 5:1 (two octaves plus a just major third) is divided into 25 equal parts. This differs from  the [[Equal-tempered tuning|traditional tempered tuning system]], in which an octave consists of twelve segments, the interval between two adjacent steps being therefore defined by the ratio <math>\sqrt[12]{2}:1</math>. The intervallic unit is a "large semitone", about 10% larger than the semitone of the equal-tempered twelve-tone system. Beginning at 100&nbsp;Hz, this scale reaches to ca. 17,200&nbsp;Hz, with a total of 81 equally spaced pitches. Because of the chosen basic interval, no [[octave]] duplications can occur (Stockhausen 1964, 37). The highest pitch, 17,200&nbsp;Hz, is near the [[Hearing_range#Humans|upper limit of human hearing]], and occurs only in a single tone mixture, as the uppermost of its five pitches (Toop 2005, 6).
It also inspires me that I'm being asked these questions. Whenever anyone asks me to do anything I'm infinitely grateful. Why me? I feel lucky. I like it when someone cares what I think. I'll write and do things as long as anyone cares. I honestly probably wouldn't write if nobody cared. I don't have enough humility for that, I'm ashamed to admit<br><br>
 
3. Your new book "How to be the luckiest person alive" has just come out. What is it about<br>
The five sections of the piece are differentiated in the first instance by the types of groups employed: horizontal (melodic) or vertical (chordal). Horizontal groups are either connected ([[legato]]) or separated by silences; vertical groups either attack all notes together and end with one note after another, or build up gradually into a chord and then end together. The pattern is as follows (Toop 2005, 16):
When I was a kid I thought I needed certain things: a college education from a great school, a great home, a lot of money, someone who would love me with ease. I wanted people to think I was smart. I wanted people to think I was even special.  And as I grew older more and more goals got added to the list: a high chess rating, a published book, perfect weather, good friends,  respect in various fields, etc. I lied to myself that I needed these things to be happy. The world was going to work hard to give me these things, I thought. But it turned out the world owed me no favors<br>
# horizontal, with linked sounds
And gradually, over time, I lost everything I had ever gained. Several times.  I've paced at night so many times wondering what the hell was I going to do next or trying not to care. The book is about regaining your sanity, regaining your happiness, finding luck in all the little pockets of life that people forget about. It's about turning away from the religion you've been hypnotized into believing into the religion you can find inside yourself every moment of the day<br><br>
# vertical, with groups alternately beginning and ending simultaneously
[Note: in a few days I'm going to do a post on self-publishing and also how to get the ebook for free. The link above is to the paperback. Kindle should be ready soon also.<br>
# horizontal, with silences between the sounds
Related link: Why I Write Books Even Though I've Lost Money On Every Book I've Ever Writte<br>
# vertical, as in section 2
4. Is it possible to accelerate success? If yes, how<br><br><br>
# combination of horizontal and vertical.
Yes, and it's the only way I know actually to achieve success. Its by following the Daily Practice I outline in this post:<br>
 
It's the only way I know to exercise every muscle from the inside of you to the outside of you. I firmly believe that happiness starts with that practice<br>
==Reception==
5. You say that discipline, persistence and psychology are important if one has to achieve success. How can one work on improving "psychology" part<br>
 
Success doesn't really mean anything. People want to be happy in a harsh and unforgiving world. It's very difficult. We're so lucky most of us live in countries without major wars. Our kids aren't getting killed by random gunfire. We all have cell phones. We all can communicate with each other on the Internet. We have Google to catalog every piece of information in history!  We are so amazingly lucky already<br>
''Studie II'' was part of the very first "concert presentation of compositions developed in the Cologne studios of NWDR" (from the programme of the premiere of the piece from 19 October 1954). On this evening the public heard for the first time a purely electronic piece based on sine tones. The effect of the sounds and noises was accordingly unforeseeable and new, and the associated composition methods on the public (Blumröder 1993, 309–23; Kölner Gesellschaft für Neue Musik 1991, 72).
How can it be I was so lucky to be born into such a body? In New York City of all places? Just by being born in such a way on this planet was an amazing success<br>
 
So what else is there? The fact is that most of us, including me, have a hard time being happy with such ready-made success. We quickly adapt and want so much more out of life. It's not wars or disease that kill us. It's the minor inconveniences that add up in life. It's the times we feel slighted or betrayed. Or even slightly betrayed. Or overcharged. Or we miss a train. Or it's raining today. Or the dishwasher doesn't work. Or the supermarket doesn't have the food we like. We forget how good the snow tasted when we were kids. Now we want gourmet food at every meal<br>
In the course of time ''Studie II''  became a milestone not only in Stockhausen’s early work, but in the history of the electronic music generally. In his ''[[Gesang der Jünglinge]]'', he used recorded and transformed vocal sounds in addition to electronic sounds; later he built on [[Gottfried Michael Koenig]]'s procedure of "transforming unification of the originally diverse", as he also incorporated sounds performed live (in the orchestral composition ''[[Mixtur]]'' as well as in the instrumental and/or vocal pieces of ensemble of ''[[Mikrophonie (Stockhausen)|Mikrophonie I'' and ''Mikrophonie II]]'') or [[ring modulator|ring modulated]] recordings of traditionally produced music (in the tape composition ''[[Telemusik]]'') (Frisius 1999).
Taking a step back, doing the Daily Practice I outline in the question above. For me, the results of that bring me happiness. That's success. Today. And hopefully tomorrow<br>
 
6. You advocate not sending kids to college. What if kids grow up and then blame their parents about not letting them get a college education<br>
==References==
I went to one of my kid's music recitals yesterday. She was happy to see me. I hugged her afterwards. She played "the star wars theme" on the clarinet. I wish I could've played that for my parents. My other daughter has a dance recital in a few weeks. I tried to give her tips but she laughed at me. I was quite the breakdancer in my youth. The nerdiest breakdancer on the planet. I want to be present for them. To love them. To let them always know that in their own dark moments, they know I will listen to them. I love them. Even when they cry and don't always agree with me. Even when they laugh at me because sometimes I act like a clown<br>
*Adorno, Theodor W. 1991. "Das Altern der Neuen Musik" (radio lecture, Süddeutschen Rundfunk, April 1954). First published 1956 in his ''Dissonanzen: Musik in der verwalteten Welt'', 7th edition, 136–59. Göttingen: Vanderhoeck & Ruprecht. Also in his ''Gesammelte Schriften'' 14, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp, 1973.
Later, if they want to blame me for anything at all then I will still love them. That's my "what if"<br>
* Adorno, Theodor W. 2002. ''Essays on Music'', selected, with introduction, commentary, and notes by Richard Leppert; new translations by Susan H. Gillespie. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-22672-0 (cloth) ISBN 0-520-23159-7 (pbk).
Two posts<br>
*Assis, Gustavo Oliveira Alfaix. 2011. ''Em busca do som: A música de Karlheinz Stockhausen nos anos 1950''. São Paulo: Editora UNESP. ISBN 978-85-393-0207-9.
I want my daughters to be lesbian<br>
* Blumröder, Christoph von. 1993. ''Die Grundlegung der Musik Karlheinz Stockhausens''. Beihefte zum Archiv für Musikwissenschaft 32, ed. Hans Heinrich Eggebrecht. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag.
Advice I want to give my daughter<br><br><br>
* Burow, Winfried. 1973. ''Stockhausens Studie II''. Schriftenreihe zur Musikpädagogik 7. Frankfurt (am Main): Diesterweg.
7. Four of your favorite posts from The Altucher Confidential<br>
* Decroupet, Pascal, and Elena Ungeheuer. 1994. "Karel Goeyvaerts und die serielle Tonbandmusik". ''Revue Belge de Musicologie'' 48:95–118.
As soon as I publish a post I get scared to death. Is it good? Will people re-tweet? Will one part of the audience of this blog like it at the expense of another part of the audience. Will I get Facebook Likes? I have to stop clinging to these things but you also need to respect the audience. I don't know. It's a little bit confusing to me. I don't have the confidence of a real writer yet<br>
* Frisius, Rudolf. 1999. "[http://frisius.de/rudolf/texte/tx1070.htm Elektronische Musik—Elektronik pur?]". Rudolf Frisius webpage (Accessed 22 June 2011).
Here are four of my favorites<br>
* Heikinheimo, Seppo. 1972. ''The Electronic Music of Karlheinz Stockhausen: Studies on the Esthetical and Formal Problems of Its First Phase'', translated by Brad Absetz. Acta Musicologica Fennica 6 (ISSN 0587-2448). Helsinki Suomen Musiikkitieteelinen Seura / Musikvetenskapliga Sällskapet.
How I screwed Yasser Arafat out of $2mm (and lost another $100mm in the process<br>
* Hilberg, Frank, and  Harry Vogt (eds.). 2002. ''Musik der Zeit, 1951–2001: 50 Jahre Neue Musik im WDR: Essays, Erinnerungen, Dokumentation''. Cologne: Wolke Verlag. ISBN 3-923997-98-1
It's Your Fault<br>
* Kölner Gesellschaft für Neue Musik (ed.). 1991. ''Klangraum: 40 Jahre Neue Musik in Köln 1945–1985: Komponistenlexikon und Veranstaltungschronologie ''. Cologne: Wienand Verlag. ISBN 3-87909-261-3.
I'm Guilty of Torturing Wome<br>
* Lack, Wolfgang. 2002. "[http://www.musik.uni-osnabrueck.de/lehrende/enders/lehre/koelner_schule/em_koeln.htm Elektronische Musik aus Köln: Zur Begriffsdefinition]". Prof. Dr. Bernd Enders' webpage (Accessed 22 June 2011).
The Girl Whose Name Was a Curs<br>
* Ligabue, Marco, and Francesco Giomi. 1998. "Understanding Electroacoustic Music: Analysis of Narrative Strategies in Six Early Compositions". ''Organised Sound: An International Journal of Music Technology'' 3, no. 1 (April): 45–49.
Although these three are favorites I really don't post anything unless it's my favorite of that moment<br>
* Maconie, Robin. 2005. ''Other Planets: The Music of Karlheinz Stockhausen''. Lanham, Maryland, Toronto, Oxford: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. ISBN 0-8108-5356-6.
8. 3 must-read books for aspiring entrepreneurs<br>
* Morawska-Büngeler, Marietta. 1988. ''Schwingende Elektronen: ine Dokumentation über das Studio für Elektronische Musik des Westdeutschen Rundfunks in Köln 1951–1986''. Cologne-Rodenkirchen: P. J. Tonger Musikverlag.
The key in an entrepreneur book: you want to learn business. You want to learn how to honestly communicate with your customers. You want to stand out<br>
* Silberhorn, Heinz. 1978. ''Die Reihentechnik in Stockhausens Studie II''. Herrenberg : Musikverlag Döring. Reprinted, [Rohrdorf]: Rohrdorfer Musikverlag, 1980. ISBN 3-922438-10-5.
The Essays of Warren Buffett by Lawrence Cunningha<br>
*Stockhausen, Karlheinz. 1963. ''Texte zur Musik'' 1, edited by Dieter Schnebel. Cologne: Verlag M. DuMont Schauberg.
"The Thank you Economy" by Gary Vaynerchu<br>
*Stockhausen, Karlheinz. 1964. ''Texte zur Musik'' 2, edited by Dieter Schnebel. Cologne: Verlag M. DuMont Schauberg.
"Purple cow" by Seth Godi<br>
* Stockhausen, Karlheinz. 1992. "''Etude'' (1952): Musique Concrète", in the text booklet for Stockhausen Complete Edition CD 3, 5–7 (German); 95–100 (English).
9. I love your writing, so do so many others out there. Who are your favorite writers<br>
* Straebel, Volker. 2008. "Das Altern der Elektroakustischen Musik: Anmerkungen aus archivarischer Sicht", ''Forum Musikbibliothek: Beiträge und Informationen aus der musikbibliothekarischen Praxis'' 29, no. 4:327–34.
"Jesus's Son" by Denis Johnson is the best collection of short stories ever written. [https://Www.Flickr.com/search/?q=I%27m+afraid I'm afraid] I really don't like his novels though<br>
* Tiedemann, Rolf. 1996. "Nur ein Gast in der Tafelrunde. Theodor W. Adorno: kritisch und kritisiert". In ''Von Kranichstein zur Gegenwart. 50 Jahre Darmstädter Ferienkurse'', edited by Rudolf Stephan, 149–155. Stuttgart: Daco. ISBN 3-87135-028-1.
"Tangents" by M. Prado. A beautiful series of graphic stories about relationships<br>
* Toop, Richard. 2005. "Group Composition". In his ''Six Lectures from the Stockhausen Courses Kürten 2002'', 3–36. Kürten: Stockhausen-Verlag. ISBN 3-00-016185-6.
Other writers: Miranda July, Ariel Leve, Mary Gaitskill, Charles Bukowski, [http://www.pcs-systems.co.uk/Images/celinebag.aspx Celine Bags Outlet], Sam Lipsyte, William Vollmann, Raymond Carver. Arthur Nersesian. Stephen Dubner<br><br>
* Ungeheuer, Elena. 1992. ''Wie die elektronische Musik 'erfunden' wurde…: Quellenstudie zu Werner Meyer-Epplers Entwurf zwischen 1949 und 1953''. Kölner Schriften zur Neuen Musik 2, edited by Johannes Fritsch and Dietrich Kämper. Includes CD recording. Mainz: B. Schott’s Söhne. ISBN 3-7957-1891-0.
(Bukowski<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
 
Many writers are only really good storytellers. Most writers come out of a cardboard factory MFA system and lack a real voice. A real voice is where every word exposes ten levels of hypocrisy in the world and brings us all the way back to see reality. The writers above have their own voices, their own pains, and their unique ways of expressing those pains. Some of them are funny. Some a little more dark. I wish I could write 1/10 as good as any of them<br><br>
==External links==
10. You are a prolific writer. Do you have any hacks that help you write a lot in little time<br>
* [http://www.georghajdu.de/gh/studie_ii.html?&L=1 Studie II mit Partitur]<!--what is this unspecified, undescribed software?-->
Coffee, plus everything else coffee does for you first thing in the morning<br>
* [http://www.medienkunstnetz.de/werke/studie2/ MedienKunstNetz] {{de icon}}
Only write about things you either love or hate. But if you hate something, try to find a tiny gem buried in the bag of dirt so you can reach in when nobody is looking and put that gem in your pocket. Stealing a diamond in all the shit around us and then giving it away for free via writing is a nice little hack, Being fearless precisely when you are most scared is the best hack<br><br>
 
11. I totally get and love your idea about bleeding as a writer, appreciate if you share more with the readers of this blog<br>
{{Electronic music}}
Most people worry about what other people think of them. Most people worry about their health. Most people are at a crossroads and don't know how to take the next step and which road to take it on. Everyone is in a perpetual state of 'where do I put my foot next'. Nobody, including me, can avoid that<br>
 
You and I both need to wash our faces in the morning, brush our teeth, shower, shit, eat, fight the weather, fight the colds that want to attack us if we're not ready. Fight loneliness or learn how to love and appreciate the people who want to love you back. And learn how to forgive and love the people who are even more stupid and cruel than we are. We're afraid to tell each other these things because they are all both disgusting and true<br>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Studie Ii}}
You and I both have the same color blood. If I cut my wrist open you can see the color of my blood. You look at it and see that it's the same color as yours. We have something in common. It doesn't have to be shameful. It's just red. Now we're friends. No matter whom you are or where you are from. I didn't have to lie to you to get you to be my friend<br>
[[Category:Compositions by Karlheinz Stockhausen]]
Related Links<br>
[[Category:Electronic compositions]]
How to be a Psychic in Ten Easy Lesson<br>
[[Category:Serial compositions]]
My New Year's Resolution in 199<br><br><br>
[[Category:1954 compositions]]
12. What is your advice for young entrepreneurs<br>
Only build something you really want to use yourself. There's got to be one thing you are completely desperate for and no matter where you look you can't find it. Nobody has invented it yet. So there you go - you invent it. If there's other people like you, you have a business. Else. You fail. Then do it again. Until it works. One day it will<br>
Follow these 100 Rules<br>
The 100 Rules for Being a Good Entrepreneur<br>
And, in particular this<br>
The Easiest Way to Succeed as an Entrepreneu<br>
In my just released book I have more chapters on my experiences as an entrepreneur<br>
13. I advocate the concept of working at a job while building your business. You have of course lived it. Now as you look back, what is your take on this? Is it possible to make it work while sailing on two boats<br><br>
Your boss wants everything out of you. He wants you to work 80 hours a week. He wants to look good taking credit for your work. He wants your infinite loyalty. So you need something back<br>
Exploit your employer. It's the best way to get good experience, clients, contacts. It's a legal way to steal. It's a fast way to be an entrepreneur because you see what large companies with infinite money are willing to pay for. If you can provide that, you make millions. It's how many great businesses have started and will always start. It's how every [http://photo.net/gallery/tag-search/search?query_string=exit+I%27ve exit I've] had started<br>
14. Who is a "person with true moral fiber"? In current times are there any role models who are people with true moral fiber<br><br><br>
I don't really know the answer. I think I know a few people like that. I hope I'm someone like that. And I pray to god the people I'm invested in are like that and my family is like that<br>
I find most people to be largely mean and stupid, a vile combination. It's not that I'm pessimistic or cynical. I'm very much an optimist. It's just reality. Open the newspaper or turn on the TV and watch these people<br>
Moral fiber atrophies more quickly than any muscle on the body. An exercise I do every morning is to promise myself that "I'm going to save a life today" and then leave it in the hands of the Universe to direct me how I can best do that. Through that little exercise plus the Daily Practice described above I hope to keep regenerating that fiber<br><br>
15.  Your message to the readers of this blog<br>
Skip dinner. But follow me on Twitter.<br><br><br><br>
Read more posts on The Altucher Confidential �
More from The Altucher Confidentia<br>
Life is Like a Game. Here�s How You Master ANY Gam<br><br>
Step By Step Guide to Make $10 Million And Then Totally Blow <br><br>
Can You Do One Page a Day?

Latest revision as of 16:48, 26 July 2014

Four or five years ago, a reader of some of my columns bought the domain name jamesaltucher.com and gave it to me as a birthday gift. It was a total surprise to me. I didn't even know the reader. I hope one day we meet.
Two years ago a friend of mine, Tim Sykes, insisted I had to have a blog. He set it up for me. He even wrote the "About Me". I didn't want a blog. I had nothing to say. But about 6 or 7 months ago I decided I wanted to take this blog seriously. I kept putting off changing the "About Me" which was no longer really about me and maybe never was.
A few weeks ago I did a chapter in one of the books in Seth Godin's "The Domino Project". The book is out and called "No Idling". Mohit Pawar organized it (here's Mohit's blog) and sent me a bunch of questions recently. It's intended to be an interview on his blog but I hope Mohit forgives me because I want to use it as my new "About Me" also.
1. You are a trader, investor, writer, and entrepreneur? Which of these roles you enjoy the most and why?
When I first moved to New York City in 1994 I wanted to be everything to everyone. I had spent the six years prior to that writing a bunch of unpublished novels and unpublished short stories. I must've sent out 100s of stories to literary journals. I got form rejections from every publisher, journal, and agent I sent my novels and stories to.
Now, in 1994, everything was possible. The money was in NYC. Media was here. I lived in my 10�10 room and pulled suits out of a garbage bag every morning but it didn't matter...the internet was revving up and I knew how to build a website. One of the few in the city. My sister warned me though: nobody here is your friend. Everybody wants something
And I wanted something. I wanted the fleeting feelings of success, for the first time ever, in order to feel better about myself. I wanted a girl next to me. I wanted to build and sell companies and finally prove to everyone I was the smartest. I wanted to do a TV show. I wanted to write books
But everything involved having a master. Clients. Employers. Investors. Publishers. The market (the deadliest master of all). Employees. I was a slave to everyone for so many years. And the more shackles I had on, the lonelier I got
(Me in the Fortress of Solitude
Much of the time, even when I had those moments of success, I didn't know how to turn it into a better life. I felt ugly and then later, I felt stupid when I would let the success dribble away down the sink
I love writing because every now and then that ugliness turns into honesty. When I write, I'm only a slave to myself. When I do all of those other things you ask about, I'm a slave to everyone else
Some links
33 Unusual Tips to Being a Better Write
"The Tooth
(one of my favorite posts on my blog

2. What inspires you to get up and start working/writing every day
The other day I had breakfast with a fascinating guy who had just sold a piece of his fund of funds. He told me what "fracking" was and how the US was going to be a major oil player again. We spoke for two hours about a wide range of topics, including what happens when we can finally implant a google chip in our brains
After that I had to go onto NPR because I firmly believe that in one important respect we are degenerating as a country - we are graduating a generation of indentured servants who will spend 50 years or more paying down their student debt rather than starting companies and curing cancer. So maybe I made a difference
Then I had lunch with a guy I hadn't seen in ten years. In those ten years he had gone to jail and now I was finally taking the time to forgive him for something he never did to me. I felt bad I hadn't helped him when he was at his low point. Then I came home and watched my kid play clarinet at her school. Then I read until I fell asleep. Today I did nothing but write. Both days inspired me
It also inspires me that I'm being asked these questions. Whenever anyone asks me to do anything I'm infinitely grateful. Why me? I feel lucky. I like it when someone cares what I think. I'll write and do things as long as anyone cares. I honestly probably wouldn't write if nobody cared. I don't have enough humility for that, I'm ashamed to admit

3. Your new book "How to be the luckiest person alive" has just come out. What is it about
When I was a kid I thought I needed certain things: a college education from a great school, a great home, a lot of money, someone who would love me with ease. I wanted people to think I was smart. I wanted people to think I was even special. And as I grew older more and more goals got added to the list: a high chess rating, a published book, perfect weather, good friends, respect in various fields, etc. I lied to myself that I needed these things to be happy. The world was going to work hard to give me these things, I thought. But it turned out the world owed me no favors
And gradually, over time, I lost everything I had ever gained. Several times. I've paced at night so many times wondering what the hell was I going to do next or trying not to care. The book is about regaining your sanity, regaining your happiness, finding luck in all the little pockets of life that people forget about. It's about turning away from the religion you've been hypnotized into believing into the religion you can find inside yourself every moment of the day

[Note: in a few days I'm going to do a post on self-publishing and also how to get the ebook for free. The link above is to the paperback. Kindle should be ready soon also.
Related link: Why I Write Books Even Though I've Lost Money On Every Book I've Ever Writte
4. Is it possible to accelerate success? If yes, how


Yes, and it's the only way I know actually to achieve success. Its by following the Daily Practice I outline in this post:
It's the only way I know to exercise every muscle from the inside of you to the outside of you. I firmly believe that happiness starts with that practice
5. You say that discipline, persistence and psychology are important if one has to achieve success. How can one work on improving "psychology" part
Success doesn't really mean anything. People want to be happy in a harsh and unforgiving world. It's very difficult. We're so lucky most of us live in countries without major wars. Our kids aren't getting killed by random gunfire. We all have cell phones. We all can communicate with each other on the Internet. We have Google to catalog every piece of information in history! We are so amazingly lucky already
How can it be I was so lucky to be born into such a body? In New York City of all places? Just by being born in such a way on this planet was an amazing success
So what else is there? The fact is that most of us, including me, have a hard time being happy with such ready-made success. We quickly adapt and want so much more out of life. It's not wars or disease that kill us. It's the minor inconveniences that add up in life. It's the times we feel slighted or betrayed. Or even slightly betrayed. Or overcharged. Or we miss a train. Or it's raining today. Or the dishwasher doesn't work. Or the supermarket doesn't have the food we like. We forget how good the snow tasted when we were kids. Now we want gourmet food at every meal
Taking a step back, doing the Daily Practice I outline in the question above. For me, the results of that bring me happiness. That's success. Today. And hopefully tomorrow
6. You advocate not sending kids to college. What if kids grow up and then blame their parents about not letting them get a college education
I went to one of my kid's music recitals yesterday. She was happy to see me. I hugged her afterwards. She played "the star wars theme" on the clarinet. I wish I could've played that for my parents. My other daughter has a dance recital in a few weeks. I tried to give her tips but she laughed at me. I was quite the breakdancer in my youth. The nerdiest breakdancer on the planet. I want to be present for them. To love them. To let them always know that in their own dark moments, they know I will listen to them. I love them. Even when they cry and don't always agree with me. Even when they laugh at me because sometimes I act like a clown
Later, if they want to blame me for anything at all then I will still love them. That's my "what if"
Two posts
I want my daughters to be lesbian
Advice I want to give my daughter


7. Four of your favorite posts from The Altucher Confidential
As soon as I publish a post I get scared to death. Is it good? Will people re-tweet? Will one part of the audience of this blog like it at the expense of another part of the audience. Will I get Facebook Likes? I have to stop clinging to these things but you also need to respect the audience. I don't know. It's a little bit confusing to me. I don't have the confidence of a real writer yet
Here are four of my favorites
How I screwed Yasser Arafat out of $2mm (and lost another $100mm in the process
It's Your Fault
I'm Guilty of Torturing Wome
The Girl Whose Name Was a Curs
Although these three are favorites I really don't post anything unless it's my favorite of that moment
8. 3 must-read books for aspiring entrepreneurs
The key in an entrepreneur book: you want to learn business. You want to learn how to honestly communicate with your customers. You want to stand out
The Essays of Warren Buffett by Lawrence Cunningha
"The Thank you Economy" by Gary Vaynerchu
"Purple cow" by Seth Godi
9. I love your writing, so do so many others out there. Who are your favorite writers
"Jesus's Son" by Denis Johnson is the best collection of short stories ever written. I'm afraid I really don't like his novels though
"Tangents" by M. Prado. A beautiful series of graphic stories about relationships
Other writers: Miranda July, Ariel Leve, Mary Gaitskill, Charles Bukowski, Celine Bags Outlet, Sam Lipsyte, William Vollmann, Raymond Carver. Arthur Nersesian. Stephen Dubner

(Bukowski








Many writers are only really good storytellers. Most writers come out of a cardboard factory MFA system and lack a real voice. A real voice is where every word exposes ten levels of hypocrisy in the world and brings us all the way back to see reality. The writers above have their own voices, their own pains, and their unique ways of expressing those pains. Some of them are funny. Some a little more dark. I wish I could write 1/10 as good as any of them

10. You are a prolific writer. Do you have any hacks that help you write a lot in little time
Coffee, plus everything else coffee does for you first thing in the morning
Only write about things you either love or hate. But if you hate something, try to find a tiny gem buried in the bag of dirt so you can reach in when nobody is looking and put that gem in your pocket. Stealing a diamond in all the shit around us and then giving it away for free via writing is a nice little hack, Being fearless precisely when you are most scared is the best hack

11. I totally get and love your idea about bleeding as a writer, appreciate if you share more with the readers of this blog
Most people worry about what other people think of them. Most people worry about their health. Most people are at a crossroads and don't know how to take the next step and which road to take it on. Everyone is in a perpetual state of 'where do I put my foot next'. Nobody, including me, can avoid that
You and I both need to wash our faces in the morning, brush our teeth, shower, shit, eat, fight the weather, fight the colds that want to attack us if we're not ready. Fight loneliness or learn how to love and appreciate the people who want to love you back. And learn how to forgive and love the people who are even more stupid and cruel than we are. We're afraid to tell each other these things because they are all both disgusting and true
You and I both have the same color blood. If I cut my wrist open you can see the color of my blood. You look at it and see that it's the same color as yours. We have something in common. It doesn't have to be shameful. It's just red. Now we're friends. No matter whom you are or where you are from. I didn't have to lie to you to get you to be my friend
Related Links
How to be a Psychic in Ten Easy Lesson
My New Year's Resolution in 199


12. What is your advice for young entrepreneurs
Only build something you really want to use yourself. There's got to be one thing you are completely desperate for and no matter where you look you can't find it. Nobody has invented it yet. So there you go - you invent it. If there's other people like you, you have a business. Else. You fail. Then do it again. Until it works. One day it will
Follow these 100 Rules
The 100 Rules for Being a Good Entrepreneur
And, in particular this
The Easiest Way to Succeed as an Entrepreneu
In my just released book I have more chapters on my experiences as an entrepreneur
13. I advocate the concept of working at a job while building your business. You have of course lived it. Now as you look back, what is your take on this? Is it possible to make it work while sailing on two boats

Your boss wants everything out of you. He wants you to work 80 hours a week. He wants to look good taking credit for your work. He wants your infinite loyalty. So you need something back
Exploit your employer. It's the best way to get good experience, clients, contacts. It's a legal way to steal. It's a fast way to be an entrepreneur because you see what large companies with infinite money are willing to pay for. If you can provide that, you make millions. It's how many great businesses have started and will always start. It's how every exit I've had started
14. Who is a "person with true moral fiber"? In current times are there any role models who are people with true moral fiber


I don't really know the answer. I think I know a few people like that. I hope I'm someone like that. And I pray to god the people I'm invested in are like that and my family is like that
I find most people to be largely mean and stupid, a vile combination. It's not that I'm pessimistic or cynical. I'm very much an optimist. It's just reality. Open the newspaper or turn on the TV and watch these people
Moral fiber atrophies more quickly than any muscle on the body. An exercise I do every morning is to promise myself that "I'm going to save a life today" and then leave it in the hands of the Universe to direct me how I can best do that. Through that little exercise plus the Daily Practice described above I hope to keep regenerating that fiber

15. Your message to the readers of this blog
Skip dinner. But follow me on Twitter.



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