The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves, most inspired, and achieve at their highest levels. The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people: Paul McCartney, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Meg Ryan, Gillian Lynne, who choreographed the Broadway productions of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, journalist Arianna Huffington, renowned physicist Richard Feynman, and many others, including business leaders and athletes. It explores the components of this new paradigm: the diversity of intelligence, the power of imagination and creativity, and the importance of commitment to our own capabilities. With a wry sense of humor, 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 that once we have found our path, we can help others do so as well. The Element shows the vital need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about human resources and imagination. It is an essential strategy for transforming education, business, and communities to meet the challenges of living and succeeding in the twenty-first century.
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"Ken Robinson is my new hero. He connected the economy, the environment and education reform. What all these have in common is that they need resources to survive - and the current educational system is not growing the resources in the ways that are needed. When businesses and governments are needing creativity and a more global view point, education systems rely on standardized tests and segmented curriculum. Sir Ken Robinson argues that individualizing education and allowing children to discover and develop their strengths will lead to a more holistic view of the world and transform society. These changes are greatly needed during this time of great revolution in technology and global connectivity." — Roxanne (4 out of 5 stars)
"Ken Robinson is my new hero. He connected the economy, the environment and education reform. What all these have in common is that they need resources to survive - and the current educational system is not growing the resources in the ways that are needed. When businesses and governments are needing creativity and a more global view point, education systems rely on standardized tests and segmented curriculum. Sir Ken Robinson argues that individualizing education and allowing children to discover and develop their strengths will lead to a more holistic view of the world and transform society. These changes are greatly needed during this time of great revolution in technology and global connectivity."
“The Element offers life-altering insights about the discovery of your true best self.”
“Robinson emphasizes the importance of mentors and reforming and transforming education, making a convincing argument bolstered by solid strategies for honing creativity. Motivating and persuasive, this entertaining and inspiring book will appeal to a wide audience.”
“Ken Robinson is a remarkable man, one of the few who really look at and into you, so he makes you feel at ease and happy. I’m proud to be in his book as one of the people he feels attained the Element. Reading his book helps you pinpoint the search we must all make to achieve the best in us.”
“Ken Robinson presents the theme of creativity and innovation in a way that makes you want to go out and make your dreams a reality. In his wonderfully easy-to-read and entertaining style he presents the stories of many who have done just that…It is a book that lightens and lifts the minds and hearts of all who read it.”
" I first heard Ken Robinson at an online education conference and again on a TED Talk video. This book was the next logical step. Most of what he says about The Element is what it said about finding you bliss and following you heart for happiness and effectiveness. But what I like most is he perspective on the element and education, teaching and learning. These basic consideration and concerns are needed to make the necessary changes to our out of date and antiquated public school system. "
" Sir Ken is brilliant! This is what education should be about!!!! "
" All educators should read this one. "
" I love Ken Robinson and whole-heartedly agree with him about our need for educational reform. Although I enjoyed the book and the case studies in it, it doesn't beat hearing him speak on stage. If you've never seen his TED talks then you should definitely give them a watch. He's absolutely fascinating and captivating on stage as a speaker. "
" The reason the book kept me engaged was all of the personal stories of successful people and how they found their way into something that they are extraordinary at. However, I didn't finish the book feeling that I could do the same (because I haven't found anything yet that I'm that passionate about). "
" very inspirational! I can hardly wait for the sequel! "
" The book was full of examples of people that love what they do. Good for them. "
" Good thoughts, but they do not need to be repeated so much. "
" Inspiring stories about people finding their passion, otherwise feels like it was ghostwritten by whoever writes all these "business/self-help" type books. I don't remember who recommended this. "
" by @SirKenRobinson - fantastic book, best one I've read this year. On finding your element. Highly recommended. "
" Eeeeeeehhhhh. The individual, triumphant stories of this book are slightly interesting. I found I had to dig through alot of textbook dryness to get to the motivational pieces. I wanted this book to be better than I found it. "
" An excellent listen! I might have to buy the print edition so that I can easily re-read sections. "
" Love this book! Excellent stuff on what creativity/intelligence really is, how we tap into it, and how to nurture it. Written in a casual, conversational style with Robinson's dry humor. Good stuff. "
" According to Robinson The Element is the intersection between your talent/aptitude and your passion. This book includes the stories of people from diverse fields and I found it quite thought-provoking. Don't be put off by the "new agey" title. "
" Good read, although it is mostly just a further explanation and detailing of his TED talk. Nonetheless, I found it interesting and worthwhile "
" Great British wit and easy-to-read. Watch him on YouTube - funny motivational speaker. He makes good points about problems in education, but doesn't offer ideas or solutions for fixing. So the book is just an "awareness" commentary. "
" The books came in for next month's book discussion.. SO of course I jumped on the chance to snag my copy early and headed off to detention duty. In the one hour I wad made it through the 1st half of the book. It's very similar to his speeches on ted but with more detail and depth. "
" I really liked this book a lot. It makes so much sense. To bad our society and schools can't embrace this way of looking at how different people learn. We aren't all clones who need to learn the same crap that the school system shoves down our throats. "
" This book is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I highly recommend it to anyone who has become slightly lost and confused about our rapidly changing culture and society across the world. "
Sir Ken Robinson, PhD, is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation, and human potential. He is also one of the world’s leading speakers and has had a profound impact on audiences globally. Born in the United Kingdom, he now lives in Los Angeles.
Lou Aronica is the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestseller The Element and the national bestseller The Culture Code. He lives in southern Connecticut with his wife and four kids.
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