Originals

Like other books of its genre, this psychology-based social-science book extracts patterns of originality from our development history of science, business, art, etc., and exemplifies its points with details rich anecdotes. Basically, the book is about how originality springs out from the conventional, rationalizes itself in the face of idle systems of change-averse, hostility, default truth, and makes revolutionary changes in the society. Adam Grant also gives us tips on how to trigger our originality and liberate imprisoned ideas on a daily basis.

One of the critical lessons I learned from the book is that successful entrepreneurs, scientists, artists are not extreme risk-takers. Unlike a popular myth that eminent people are always the first ones bringing original ideas to the market and taking risks of the uncertainties, the truth is that these people are just so good at balancing their risk portfolio. The first-to-market, Adam says, is not a goal, but a strategy. There is a certain degree of risk in every novel idea; however, what turns it into reality is how someone places it on the discussion table, justifies it, and gradually turn people around with empathy. Originality takes time and effort. It is not merely luck from taking a risk.

I think Originals is a reasonably good book for everyone to start thinking about voicing our ideas and be original.