For years, an iron law prevailed: Specialize when you are young and you will have the winning ticket to a lifetime of success. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, scientists, engineers, and academics traditionally gave their undivided attention to a single area of expertise. but today a populist backlash

For years, an iron law prevailed: Specialize when you are young and you will have the winning ticket to a lifetime of success. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, scientists, engineers, and academics traditionally gave their undivided attention to a single area of expertise. but today a populist backlash is afoot against our monomania and the high-tech rat race. In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, people increasingly are pursuing a more flexible lifestyle, exploring a second interest of vocation to reinvent themselves in new and exciting ways.

Double Lives profiles the paths of 10 extraordinary individuals - from Sony Chairman Norio Ohga and astronaut Sally Ride to World Band head Jim Wolfensohn and Smithsonian secretary Larry Small - who achieved spectacular success and happiness through the pursuit of a second passion. Readers will learn by example how to explore an outside interest or hobby, create a sideline business, or completely switch careers. The book offers 20 keys to a double life, a step-by-step road map readers can use to launch and develop a personal renaissance. These stories also highlight the rewards organizations receive by supporting multifaceted people.