Explore/Create

My Life in Pursuit of New Frontiers, Hidden Worlds, and the Creative Spark

By: Richard Garriott, David Fisher

Narrated by: Christopher Grove

An inventor, adventurer, entrepreneur, collector, and entertainer, and son of legendary scientist-astronaut Owen Garriott, Richard Garriott de Cayeux has been behind some of the most exciting undertakings of our time. A legendary pioneer of the online gaming industry—and a member of every gaming Hall of Fame—Garriott invented the multi-player online game, and coined the term “Avatar” to describe an individual’s online character.

A lifelong adventurer and member of the Explorers Club, Garriott has used the fortune he amassed from the gaming business to embark on a number of thrilling expeditions. He has plumbed the depths of the Atlantic ocean to see the remains of the Titanic, hunted for meteorites in Antarctica, and in 2008 became one of the first private citizens to be launched into space. Richard has been one of the foremost pioneers of the private space industry, investing his time and energy into making space travel more accessible.

In this fascinating memoir, Garriott invites readers on the great adventure that is his life. An audacious genius with an insatiable curiosity and an irrepressible playfulness, Garriott takes readers on an unforgettable intellectual experience that is enlightening, adventurous, and fun.

inspired

I felt inspired but the stories Richard shared. It was a fun read. I would recommend it for older kids or young adults but it also helps us older adults be in touch with our inner child.

wow<br />

what an amazing person with a great view of life, i wasnt expecting much honestly but boy was i surpised

Fascinating overview of Richard Gariott’s unique life

Part autobiography, part reflective analysis of the nature of creativity, this books is one of the most interesting I’ve listened to in many months. If you’re curious about the origin of Origin and the Ultima series then is a perfect place to go, but you’ll also get wonderful insight into things as disparate and strange as the development of Halloween haunted houses, the titanic, Antarctica, popping in space, and of course Electronic Arts. This is a wonderful book.

The Modern Day Explorer

Richard Garriott is a great example of a modern say explorer. I am a fan of videogames, and an interview between Richard Garriott and gaming news engine IGN is how I found out about him and his book. Great story and would recommend!

My space man

Based on his Eight Virtues of the Avatar featured in Ultima IV, I made the decision that, if there were such an election, I would vote Richard Garriott for "American Space Man", as opposed to the other rich white guys who endeavor to turn cocaine money into space travel for criminals (Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and Elon Musk).

I find it troubling that Garriott seems to have the desire to live forever, but I suppose that's on par with white guys who endeavor to colonize the galaxy.

I'm glad I read the book. It solidifies my imaginary vote.