“In ‘Originals,’ the author tackles the formidable task of enhancing the world by adopting a perspective rooted in originality: the deliberate choice to champion fresh and unconventional ideas and values that run counter to prevailing norms, challenge conformity, and defy outdated traditions. The central question is this: How can we generate innovative concepts, policies, and practices without jeopardizing everything?
Through a compelling array of surprising studies and narratives spanning various domains such as business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant delves into the art of recognizing promising ideas, finding one’s voice without succumbing to suppression, forging alliances of like-minded individuals, pinpointing the opportune moment for action, and managing the inevitable feelings of fear and uncertainty. Furthermore, Grant explores how parents and educators can nurture originality in children and how leaders can cultivate environments that welcome dissenting viewpoints.
Readers will encounter diverse examples, including an entrepreneur who persuades potential investors by highlighting reasons not to invest, a woman at Apple who fearlessly challenged Steve Jobs from a position three rungs below, an analyst who disrupted the culture of secrecy at the CIA, a billionaire financial maven who dismisses employees for failing to offer constructive criticism, and a television executive with no comedy background who rescued ‘Seinfeld’ from the editing room floor. The ultimate reward is a trove of groundbreaking insights on breaking free from conformity and effecting positive change in the established order.”
