--- title: Seth Godin talks about being a Linchpin image: https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/file-1600999699-jpg/blog-files/6a00d83451f23a69e2012876e26d4f970c-200wi.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/2010/01/seth-godin-talks-about-being-a-linchpin.html#maincontent) [ «  View All Posts ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog) # Seth Godin talks about being a Linchpin January 25th, 2010 1 min read By [David Meerman Scott](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/author/david-meerman-scott) ![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/file-1600999699-jpg/blog-files/6a00d83451f23a69e2012876e26d4f970c-200wi.jpg?width=200&height=208&name=6a00d83451f23a69e2012876e26d4f970c-200wi.jpg) [![Seth books](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/file-1600999699-jpg/blog-files/6a00d83451f23a69e2012876e26d4f970c-200wi.jpg)](http://freshspot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451f23a69e2012876e26d4f970c-popup) [Seth Godin's](http://sethgodin.typepad.com/) new book releases today. I was lucky to receive an early copy of [Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1591843162/freshspotpubl-20) and read it in two sittings. I loved *Linchpin*. Now I freely admit I am a Seth fanboy (see my Seth collection for proof) so I guess you can say I am biased. I talk a bit about the book below, but first, check out an interview I conducted with Seth about the book. [Direct link here.](http://vimeo.com/8779866) [![Linchpin](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/file-1600999714-jpg/blog-files/6a00d83451f23a69e20120a7df92b1970b-120wi.jpg)](http://freshspot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451f23a69e20120a7df92b1970b-popup) Unlike the old days of work with management and labor, a linchpin owns his own means of production. A person's success is no longer dictated by following a rule book and asking what's next. A linchpin *decides* what's next. I really like how Seth talks about the "Lizard Brain" which is at the core of our resistance to doing meaningful work. "The lizard brain is hungry, scared, angry, and horny," he writes. "The lizard brain only wants to eat and be safe. The lizard brain is why you are afraid." An understanding this basic animal instinct is required to break free and become *artists*. According to Seth, "An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo." An artist can be a software developer, a customer service rep, well, it can be anyone. Even you. *Especially you. * Some people say Seth's books are "obvious" or "simplistic." I disagree. I think delivering powerful information in easy to digest packages is high art and difficult to do. I always get a great deal out of his books and the messages stay with me. And Seth has an uncanny knack of putting books out at the precise time that I need that particular message. Check out the [Linchpin page on Squidoo](http://www.squidoo.com/the-Linchpin-Posts) to see other people's take on Linchpin. **Thank you, Seth, for doing what you do. ** And good luck with Linchpin. [ David Meerman Scott ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/author/david-meerman-scott) David Meerman Scott is a business growth strategist, advisor to clever entrepreneurs who are building emerging companies, and the international bestselling author of a dozen books published in 30 languages. David’s high-energy keynote presentations, masterclasses, and virtual events educate, energize, and inspire. Connect: [mailto:david@freshspot.com](mailto:david@freshspot.com) Topics: [ Book Reviews ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/topic/book-reviews) [ Personal branding ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/topic/personal-branding) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Dip%20Lindy%20Hop.jpg?width=2000&height=1052&name=The%20Dip%20Lindy%20Hop.jpg) ### Revisiting The Dip May 13th, 2026|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/revisiting-the-dip) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Careless%20People%20book%20cover.jpg?width=1500&height=1117&name=Careless%20People%20book%20cover.jpg) ### Freedom of Speech? 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