Is This Anything, Jerry Seinfeld, 2021

In Is This Anything, Jerry Seinfeld shares insights from his decades in comedy, covering the craft of writing jokes, performing, and understanding what makes people laugh. The book includes observations about human nature, relationships, and the creative process.

Top 3 Learnings:

1. We don’t know what we want—we only know it’s not what we have. Like channel surfing on TV—we know it’s not what we’re currently watching, but we’re not sure what we’re looking for. This applies to many aspects of life and decision-making.

2. Men want the same thing from women as from underwear: a certain amount of support and a certain amount of freedom. This observation about relationships highlights the balance between connection and independence that many people seek.

3. The creative process requires constant evaluation: “Is this anything?” This question—whether an idea, joke, or observation has value—is central to the creative process. Not everything is worth pursuing, but you have to create a lot to find what works.

Why and when to read it:

Read this when you’re interested in comedy, writing, or understanding human nature through humor. It’s especially valuable for writers, performers, or anyone in creative fields who wants to understand the craft of observation and turning everyday experiences into something relatable and funny. The book provides insights into the creative process and what makes people laugh, making it perfect for anyone wanting to improve their writing or understand the mechanics of humor.