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jclare2's review against another edition
3.0
Another RadioLab-esque book, I was familiar with some of the stories from previous presentation (probably on NPR), but I generally enjoyed spending some time thinking about what it really takes to engage in the creative process. I, of course, love the neuroscience angle – even if it sometimes felt like a bit of a stretch to come to the conclusions made. This book was what it was – a slightly thought-provoking, intriguing pop-science presentation.
The best part was a personal tangent I took on the work. I found that it helped prompt my thinking about my own research: how we define what success looks like in learning environments, why true creativity is almost never part of that definition, and how we might start to approach such questions differently. I guess it also got me thinking about strategies to BE more creative in my own work, too, if only I had the time.
The book progressed from an individual perspective on creativity to a collective. I preferred the earlier chapters, and I felt that they were grounded in more solid science; not surprising, since it’s a hell of a lot easier to study individuals than groups or cities or whatever. And on that note, I previously had heard report of the study on the correlation between population size and, like, everything else – including “creativity.” Sorry, theoretical physicists, I have my doubts, and this book did nothing to change that. On the other hand, the assessments looking at the impact of youth, of non-insiders, and of the lack of true innovation springing from government funding because of their overly conservative (not to mention insider’s club) review process...? Well, that stuff struck a chord.
So, all in all, it was another good road trip book. Just enough substance to make me to feel like I wasn’t totally wasting my drive time.
The best part was a personal tangent I took on the work. I found that it helped prompt my thinking about my own research: how we define what success looks like in learning environments, why true creativity is almost never part of that definition, and how we might start to approach such questions differently. I guess it also got me thinking about strategies to BE more creative in my own work, too, if only I had the time.
The book progressed from an individual perspective on creativity to a collective. I preferred the earlier chapters, and I felt that they were grounded in more solid science; not surprising, since it’s a hell of a lot easier to study individuals than groups or cities or whatever. And on that note, I previously had heard report of the study on the correlation between population size and, like, everything else – including “creativity.” Sorry, theoretical physicists, I have my doubts, and this book did nothing to change that. On the other hand, the assessments looking at the impact of youth, of non-insiders, and of the lack of true innovation springing from government funding because of their overly conservative (not to mention insider’s club) review process...? Well, that stuff struck a chord.
So, all in all, it was another good road trip book. Just enough substance to make me to feel like I wasn’t totally wasting my drive time.
shanameydala's review against another edition
3.0
I know the author has been disgraced for falsifying quotes and plagiarizing himself, but I am still curious about this book that hit the bestseller's list.
This was an interesting book with quite a few anecdotes and studies that were referenced, but after the scandal involving Lehrer I am not sure which to believe. One thing about the book that I found amusing is how it made me feel incredibly uncreative. I couldn't relate to any of the behaviors/actions for the "creative" folks he referenced, interviewed, told stories about.
This was an interesting book with quite a few anecdotes and studies that were referenced, but after the scandal involving Lehrer I am not sure which to believe. One thing about the book that I found amusing is how it made me feel incredibly uncreative. I couldn't relate to any of the behaviors/actions for the "creative" folks he referenced, interviewed, told stories about.
jshettel's review against another edition
3.0
Liked it but then read there were some issues with the author fabricating info so that's disappointing.
wishanem's review against another edition
4.0
I wish this book has examined more how an individual can foster creativity, and focused less on how businesses can encourage creativity in their employees. Other than focusing too much on corporate activities which I found uninteresting, I liked the book quite a bit.
wemedgeway's review against another edition
4.0
Probably just 3.5 STARS, but I'll round up because it's well written.
I just finished this book, and I thought I had 60 pages to go... there's a lot of notes, an index, and a chunk of one of the author's other books at the end.
That aside, this was pretty interesting. Most of it seems pretty intuitive, but it's good it can be proven I guess.
So... larger populations help. Diversity within the population is also a plus. Interaction and idea-sharing is key. It helps to collaborate with people you are comfortable with, but outsiders bring a new perspective and keep things fresh. People in unrelated fields can help solve each other's problems. Society needs to encourage academic achievements like they do sporting ones, etc.
The last part is the hardest. That requires long term thinking, and most folks just aren't very good at that.
All that said, I would love to see managers (all the way up the chain) at my old job read and heed. Diversity was a buzz word there, but they were more worried about being PC than actually trying to appreciate the differences in their employees.
I just finished this book, and I thought I had 60 pages to go... there's a lot of notes, an index, and a chunk of one of the author's other books at the end.
That aside, this was pretty interesting. Most of it seems pretty intuitive, but it's good it can be proven I guess.
So... larger populations help. Diversity within the population is also a plus. Interaction and idea-sharing is key. It helps to collaborate with people you are comfortable with, but outsiders bring a new perspective and keep things fresh. People in unrelated fields can help solve each other's problems. Society needs to encourage academic achievements like they do sporting ones, etc.
The last part is the hardest. That requires long term thinking, and most folks just aren't very good at that.
All that said, I would love to see managers (all the way up the chain) at my old job read and heed. Diversity was a buzz word there, but they were more worried about being PC than actually trying to appreciate the differences in their employees.
panthor's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I liked this book, but I just couldn't muster the enthusiasm that I've had for similar books on the subject if creativity. It has some interesting features, and did manage to get me interested in the Pixar book and the Dylan autobiography, so I am glad that I read it.
mclendon75's review against another edition
4.0
I am not sure this is really a treatise on how creativity works, per se, but it is an informative and interesting outlook in organizational psychology. Companies looking to increase creative productivity, whether in the arts or in the fields of research and design, should have a look-see.
kittarlin's review against another edition
3.0
(Was not expecting to trip over my father's FTD doc while reading this.) Highly readable and quite interesting.
mariberries's review against another edition
4.0
What luck that I am reading this book right when the huge scandal breaks. For those unfamiliar, it appears that Jonah Lehrer has made up the Bob Dylan quotes in this book.
I don't want my review to be about this, but it is now hard to ignore. I would feel differently if Mr. Lehrer was doing a biography on Dylan. But this book is not about Dylan.
I like this book regardless of the scandal. Mr. Lehrer is a really good writer. And he shines. I enjoyed this book. I think those who pick it up will also like and gather inspiration from it.
I don't want my review to be about this, but it is now hard to ignore. I would feel differently if Mr. Lehrer was doing a biography on Dylan. But this book is not about Dylan.
I like this book regardless of the scandal. Mr. Lehrer is a really good writer. And he shines. I enjoyed this book. I think those who pick it up will also like and gather inspiration from it.
antlersantlers's review against another edition
1.0
I really liked this a lot when I read it (and rated it 4 stars) but I can't keep the rating that high knowing a bunch of it was fabricated and that Jonah Lehrer is the worst.