Book cover of Think Again by Adam Grant — critical summary review on 12min

Think Again

Adam Grant

8 mins

Bestselling author Adam Grant is one of the foremost organizational psychologists of our age. One of his guiding principles in life is to argue like he’s right but listen like he’s wrong. In “Think Again” he illuminates the soundness of this philosophy. Using a wealth of examples and models, the book reveals the value of rethinking and mental flexibility, and the importance of adopting a scientific mindset.

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Who it is for

Best suited for people who are more interested in the truth than in being right all the time, as well as anyone who prefers growth to consistency.

Key Insights

The Power of Intellectual Humility

In 'Think Again,' Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility—a trait that involves recognizing the limits of our knowledge and being open to new information. By embracing this mindset, we allow ourselves to question our own beliefs and assumptions, which can lead to more informed decision-making and innovative solutions. Grant argues that intellectual humility fosters a culture of learning and curiosity, where individuals are more willing to update their views and adapt to changing circumstances. This approach not only enhances personal growth but also improves collaboration and problem-solving within teams and organizations.

Rethinking as a Skill

Grant presents rethinking as a crucial skill that can be developed and honed over time. He suggests that the ability to reconsider our ideas and perspectives is not an innate talent but rather a practice that requires active effort. By treating rethinking as a skill, we can intentionally create opportunities for reflection and growth, such as seeking out diverse viewpoints, engaging in constructive debates, and challenging our own cognitive biases. This proactive approach to rethinking enables individuals to navigate complex situations more effectively and to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

The Scientific Mindset in Everyday Life

One of the key insights from 'Think Again' is the value of adopting a scientific mindset in everyday life. Grant advocates for thinking like a scientist—approaching problems with curiosity, forming hypotheses, and being willing to revise them based on new evidence. This mindset encourages us to view our beliefs as temporary and subject to change, rather than fixed truths. By applying this approach, we become more resilient to false information and better equipped to embrace uncertainty and ambiguity. Living with a scientific mindset promotes continuous learning and helps us make informed choices in both personal and professional domains.

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About the Author

Adam Grant is an American psychologist and author. In 2009, at the age of 28, he became the youngest tenured professor in the history of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was ranked by students as the best professor at the university between 2011 and 2017. Grant has authored four bestsellers: “Give and Take,” Originals,” “Think Again,” and “Option B” (with Sheryl Sandberg).

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Lessons

  • Who Mike Lazaridis is and why you should know him.
  • The four people who live inside your mind.
  • What an armchair quarterback is and why you definitely know at least a few.

Key Takeaways

  • Embrace mental flexibility by regularly questioning your own beliefs and assumptions. This practice can lead to personal growth and better decision-making.
  • Adopt a scientific mindset in everyday life by viewing beliefs as hypotheses that need testing, encouraging openness to new information and perspectives.
  • Improve communication by balancing confidence with humility: argue your points with conviction but remain open to the possibility that you might be wrong.

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