Irony of Hard Work
Ferriss makes the point that the world values business and efficiency over almost everything else, including simple effectiveness. Ironically, this focus on being busy and efficient is actually counterproductive; less work time on more important things can yield better results. This irony plays into Ferriss's valuation of effectiveness over efficiency.
Irony of Kickboxing
In 1999, Ferriss had never participated in kickboxing before, but after a short amount of training, he was able to win the Chinese National competition's gold medal. This impressive accomplishment, however, was actually achieved by technicalities in the rules, not an impressive technique or physical fitness.
Irony of the Perfect Conditions
As Ferriss points out, if you wait for the "perfect time" to realize your dreams (for instance, taking a world trip or quitting your job), it will rarely ever actually happen. The universe doesn't always stop you, but it rarely sets you up perfectly. His advice is to escape this cruel situation and go now; ironically, if you wait for the perfect time, it will rarely come.
Irony of Free Time
Traditionally, the view of hard work is this: longer hours worked with more efficiency leads to less free time, but a much better profit, so it is worth the sacrifice. Ferriss takes an opposite approach: working hard is great in small segments, but overworking is a dangerous possibility, so it's best to take time off to relax. This arrangement, actually, usually results in both a higher profit and better overall health - the New Rich are characterized by the free time that automation affords them. Free time, rather than being a sign of laziness, is actually a sign of success.
Irony of Powerful Contacts
Ferriss attempts to dispel the myth that being well-connected means you have to have been born powerful or incredibly fortunate. He says that, ironically, connecting with powerful people requires no more effort than a simple email or phone call. This little-known fact is the reason why people see powerful contacts as something other, more fortunate, people have, while they could just as easily have them.
