Ferriss's version of "hacking"—which he defines as getting the biggest result for the smallest amount of work—focuses on entrepreneurship, travel, and self-experimentation. His first book introduced the concept of the "muse," a product that generates plenty of income but requires little supervision, giving one enough time to pursue his or her passions: wakeboarding, visiting Asia, or learning gourmet cooking; in short, living the life of the "new rich."

Alice E. Marwick, Status Update, loc. 447