Originals Summary (7/10)

In “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World”, Adam Grant tackles the question of what drives people to be creative. To find answers, Grant looks at a variety of fields, from business to sports to government, and unveils the strategies that underlie groundbreaking ideas. He also explores how we can identify originals in our own lives and support them in bringing their extraordinary vision to fruition.

In a world where conformity is increasingly the norm, “Originals” is a much-needed reminder that progress depends on originality. This book is essential reading for anyone who cares about helping others bring their boldest ideas to life.

The Power of Non-Conformity

One of the primary themes of “Originals” is the power of non-conformity. Grant explains that many of the world’s most successful people have one thing in common: they’re willing to go against the grain. These so-called “originals” are not afraid to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. Indeed, it is their willingness to take risks and think differently that allows them to bring about meaningful change in the world.

Grant provides numerous examples of individuals who have used their originality to achieve success. For instance, he tells the story of Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, who had the idea to rent out air mattresses in his living room when he was struggling to pay rent himself. This risky proposition paid off, and today Airbnb is worth billions of dollars. Grant also discusses J.K. Rowling, who was rejected by dozens of publishers before finally finding success with her Harry Potter series; Bill Gates, who dropped out of college to start Microsoft; and Amina Cicek, a high school student who started a company that provides sanitary pads to girls in developing countries.

Why Some People Are More Original Than Others

While some people seem to be natural born originals, others find it more difficult to break away from conformity. So what makes some people more likely than others to take risks and challenge the status quo? Grant argues that it often comes down to three things: first, whether we perceive ourselves as capable of generating new ideas; second, how much we value novelty; and third, whether we believe that taking risks is worth it.

People who perceive themselves as capable of generating new ideas are more likely to actually do so because they don’t doubt their ability to come up with good ideas in the first place. They also tend to value novelty more than those who don’t see themselves as creative types; for them, pursuing new experiences is intrinsically rewarding, even if there’s no immediate payoff. Finally, these individuals tend to believe that taking risks is worth it because they know that failure is an essential part of any creative process.

In “Originals”, Adam Grant provides readers with an insightful look into what drives creativity and innovation. By exploring a variety of case studies and real-world examples, Grant shows us that progress depends on originality—and that originality comes from those who are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. This book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to better understand how new ideas come about and how we can support originals in bringing their vision to life.”

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