When was the last time you consciously admitted to yourself that your convictions, opinions or values may have been wrong and thought about them again?
Adam Grant created a masterpiece, explaining the importance of rethinking our stances and taking a scientific approach to everything we do. Think Again explains that it’s healthy to give the benefit of the doubt and embrace the unknown. According to research, rethinking is something that can be taught, which is exactly what Grant is set to do. Besides, in this ever-changing world of ours, it may be one of the most important skillsets to have.
The whole book has been based on such a simple idea, yet one with such a wide and profound impact: rethinking. Through examples and with wit Grant delivers lessons applicable across fields that could revolutionize the way not only businesses but also we as humans operate. Rethinking isn’t a new idea, but by the time one gets to the last page, it may end up being one for many.
Grant pretty much spent 320 pages alternating between calling me out and making me go “oh” and “huh”. As human beings, we often struggle to give up or question our values because we consider them central to who we are. He explains that it is not necessarily immoral or hypocritical to change our mind—it just means that more evidence has appeared and we are willing to take that into consideration.
The book delivers old and well-known truths in light of new arguments. “Don’t confuse confidence with competence.” “Disagreements don’t have to be disagreeable.” “Build a challenge network, not just support network.” According to Grant, being wrong can be actually a joyful moment, even if it does not feel like it right away: it means we now know more than we did yesterday and will not spend another day being wrong. “Huh…”
The content is based on scientific findings, surveys, yearslong research and experience, yet it’s delivered in such a comprehensible and engaging way that any reader can enjoy it without needing to use Merriam-Webster on the side. The writing is persuasive, yet not forceful—Grant takes his readers on a book-long journey through historical events and his own experiences, explaining how rethinking can serve them (or not, in case of the more stubborn ones), leaving it up to them whether they would would like to join him along.
While reading Think Again I remembered something old, learned something new and felt seen by words pointed right at me from the flat pages.
Don’t think me suddenly all smart and full of self-reflection. In hindsight, I knew it all along. After all, the first rule of the Dunning-Kruger club is that you don’t know you are a member of the Dunning-Kruger club.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️