The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything - Hardcover

Robinson, Ken; Aronica, Lou

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1846141966 ISBN 13: 9781846141966

Publisher: Allen Lane, 2009

Synopsis

The element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. This groundbreaking new book is all about how every one of us can find our element, connecting with our true talents and fulfilling our creative potential. Creativity expert Ken Robinson believes that we are all born with tremendous natural capacities, but that we lose touch with them as we spend more time in the world. Whether it's a child bored in class, an employee being misused or just someone who feels frustrated but can't quite explain why, too many people don't know what they are really capable of achieving. Education, business and society as a whole are losing out.

The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people - from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to renowned physicist Richard Feynman and many others, including business leaders and athletes - showing how all of them came to recognize their unique talents and were able to make a successful living doing what they love.

With a wry sense of humour and a sense of optimism, Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the element, and those that stifle that possibility. He shows that age and occupation are no barrier and he argues that there is an urgent need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about ourselves.

About this title

About the Author

Ken Robinson is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He has worked with national governments in Europe and Asia, international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, national and state education systems, non-profit organisations and some of the world's leading cultural organisations. He was knighted in 2003 for his contribution to education and the arts.

From the Back Cover

Praise for OUT OF OUR MINDS: Learning to be Creative
'I shall add Ken Robinson's absorbing account of creativity to my personal list of gems. I was sorry to reach the end of the text, as it had maintained its momentum throughout. The reading may finish, but the thinking goes on, just as you would expect from a book on this intriguing subject'
The Times Educational Supplement

'A truly mind-opening analysis of why we don't get the best of people in a time of punishing change'
The Director

'This well-written book focuses on the widening gulf between academic institution teachingsand the feelings, emotions and imagination that drive us as humans'
Arts Professional

'I recommend that you read the book, take part in the debate and become part of the new paradigm'
People Management

'This book will stimulate and challenge'
Professional Manager

From the Inside Flap

The element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. This groundbreaking new book is all about how every one of us can find our element, connecting with our true talents and fulfilling our creative potential.

Creativity expert Ken Robinson believes that we are all born with tremendous natural capacities, but that we lose touch with them as we spend more time in the world. Whether it's a child bored in class, an employee being misused or just someone who feels frustrated but can't quite explain why, too many people don't know what they are really capable of achieving. Education, business and society as a whole are losing out.

The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people - from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons; from Meg Ryan to Broadway choreographer Gillian Lynne; and from writer Arianna Huffington to renowned physicist Richard Feynman and others, including business leaders and athletes - showing how all of them came to recognize their unique talents and were able to make a successful living doing what they love.

With a wry sense of humour and a sense of optimism, Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the element, and those that stifle that possibility. He shows that age and occupation are no barrier and he argues that there is an urgent need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about ourselves. This book is a hymn to the breathtaking diversity of human talent and passion.

Edition details

• Publisher: Allen Lane
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1846141966
• ISBN 13: 9781846141966
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288