Must-Read book for Creators in 2025

It’s a RARE thing that I come across a must-read.

Sure there are good books out there…

(Especially the classics)

But this one really is a mandatory read for ANYONE creating online in 2025.

I broke down the top 10 Creator-lessons for you👇

1. The Network State

Instead of waiting for political change, build a digital-first community with shared values, economic strength, and eventually, physical presence.

Digital communities have been a recurring theme for cutting edge discussion — the reason they are so powerful is because of the eventual “network effect” where the community begins to grow independently of the founder.

Many creators are realizing this and are creating digital communities (me included! check out the Growth Network to learn more: https://growthnetworkannual.carrd.co/)

2. Decentralization > Centralization

Power shifts from institutions to individuals when you leverage crypto, remote work, and digital communities.

Build for a decentralized future.

An important side-quest book I’d recommend here is “the Sovereign Individual”, which discusses this tension between decentralization and centralization well — it’s got some forecasts in there, so focus on the concepts and not the details to get the biggest value of this book.

3. Skin in the Game

If someone gives advice but doesn’t live by it, ignore them.

Trust those who have something to lose when they’re wrong.

Digital environments have a tendency to decrease the negative consequences of behaviors — i.e. anonymous trolls online. But many times these voices are also spouting off advice, forecasts, and shaping the narrative.

Look for voices that are still connected to real-world consequences.

4. Leverage: Code, Capital, and Community

Wealth and influence scale with asymmetric tools:

• Code (build once, scale infinitely)

• Capital (money working for you)

• Community (network effects amplify impact)

5. The New Frontier: Exit > Voice

In a digital world, you don’t argue—you build alternatives. 

Instead of reforming broken systems, create parallel ones (DAOs, remote-first startups, network states).

*Brett’s side-note: I’ve seen this happen on many occasions now, and because of the speed that digital products can be created, it’s becoming increasingly true.

6. Fitness Functions for Life

Optimize for health-progress with clear metrics.

Whether in business, personal growth, or community-building, define what winning looks like and track it ruthlessly.

Health is not an optional aspect of a life well-lived.

7. Pseudonymity & Reputation

Many online personas develop using a pseudonym, which allows the ideas to bubble up independently of the persona.

In the digital age, your pseudonym can outlive your real name.

Build credibility in a permissionless world—reputation is the new resume.

This is a double-edged sword though, because as I mentioned above, it can obviously yield troll-behavior online as well. So proceed with caution.

8. Coordination Through Crypto

Smart contracts, DAOs, and decentralized incentives replace outdated bureaucracy.

The future belongs to those who understand how to align incentives at scale.

There is a natural tension between AI models and encryption — AI models are inherently centralized, and decentralized blockchain provides the needed counter-balance.

9. Status vs. Wealth

Chasing status (titles, recognition) is a trap. Status is a comparison game, and by extension it is inherently externally rewarding.

Balaji asks readers to consider focus on wealth instead—ownership in scalable assets (tech, crypto, startups) that work while you sleep.

*I also have to chime in here with my opinion…

wealth is something that only you can define. For some it could mean living comfortably, providing a good life for your family, living simply, etc. Wealth does not automatically imply a high-networth—wealth can mean whatever brings you fulfillment, joy, and enthusiasm. If you want to find fulfillment on your journey, don’t just optimize for more money.

10. Build for the Future, Not the Present

Don’t just optimize for today.

Changes in tech are happening at increasingly shorter intervals.

If you can identify the places where new tech provides you leverage, you’ll be able to be that much more productive and effective in your pursuits.

Balaji’s playbook is clear: Leverage technology, build in the cloud, and create systems that outlast you.

Do I agree with everything Balaji says in this book? Absolutely not.

But that’s beside the point.

With the amount of change happening to technology and society, expanding your ability to think is a critical skill — and this book does just that.

Best,

Brett Erik

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