A. J. Jacobs
A. J. Jacobs: The Unconventional Life of a Modern-Day Renaissance Man
Full Name and Common Aliases
A. J. Jacobs is the full name of this American author, journalist, and commentator. He is commonly known for his humorous and irreverent approach to exploring complex social issues.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 13, 1968, A. J. Jacobs is still alive and active in his writing career.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jacobs is an American author, journalist, and commentator who has made a name for himself through his thought-provoking and entertaining writings on various topics including self-improvement, social issues, and culture.
Early Life and Background
A. J. Jacobs grew up in a Jewish family in New York City. His early life was marked by a strong interest in writing and storytelling. He developed a passion for journalism while studying at Harvard University, where he graduated with a degree in economics and later earned an MBA from the same institution.
Major Accomplishments
A. J. Jacobs' career is marked by several notable accomplishments. One of his most significant achievements was his experiment to live according to the Bible's 2,000+ rules for 1 year. This experience led to the publication of his bestselling book, "The Year of Living Biblically," which explores themes of faith, identity, and cultural norms.
Another notable accomplishment is Jacobs' attempt to improve his life by following a set of arbitrary rules that he created himself. In "The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment," he recounts his experiences living according to these self-imposed regulations, offering insights into human behavior, personal growth, and the power of choice.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Jacobs' notable works include:
"The Year of Living Biblically" (2007) - a non-fiction book that chronicles his attempt to live according to the Bible's rules for 1 year.
"The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment" (2008) - a memoir that recounts his experiences following arbitrary rules he created for himself.
* "Drop Dead Healthy: One Man's Humongous, Stupid, Amazing Quest to Get Strangely Healthy in the Extremely Unhealthy 21st Century" (2012) - a book that explores unconventional methods of achieving good health.
Impact and Legacy
A. J. Jacobs' work has had a significant impact on readers worldwide. His ability to tackle complex topics with humor and wit has made him a beloved figure in the literary world. Through his writings, he challenges readers to think critically about their lives, cultures, and societies, inspiring them to make positive changes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
A. J. Jacobs is widely quoted and remembered for his unique approach to storytelling and his ability to inspire meaningful conversations about social issues. His commitment to exploring complex topics through unconventional means has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the literary world.
Quotes by A. J. Jacobs

The key to making healthy decisions is to respect your future self. Honor him or her. Treat him or her like you would treat a friend or a loved one. A Stanford study showed that those who saw a photo of their future self made smarter financial decisions.

I tried the paleo diet, which is the caveman diet - lots of meat. I tried the raw food vegan diet. And I tried the calorie restriction diet, which is the idea is that if you eat very, very little - if you're on the verge of starvation, you will live a very long time. Whether or not you want to, of course, is the idea.

One of the interesting things to me is that God grows throughout the Old Testament. He evolves, sort of matures, and becomes kinder.

I grew up in a very secular home with no religion at all, so I was starting from zero.

Since I was relatively new to the Bible, I was surprised by the Old Testament God. He's wrathful, but at other times, He's incredibly compassionate. He's not a one-dimensional figure at all.

I found there were things about religion that I really loved; things like the sense of gratefulness that it brings.

I love to live things, so I wanted to immerse myself and get into the mindset - and sandals - of my forefathers.

I am officially Jewish, but I’m Jewish in the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant.

