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A review by nrt43
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson
3.0
Without a doubt Robinson is an exemplary communicator. In The Element he formulates the argument that if we find that thing which ignites both passion and talent (aka the element), we feel most ourselves, most inspired, learn how to "flow," and achieve our highest level of success. And he argues that if we can empower others to find their element, we will be access true human potential and empower humanity to overcome the difficulties ahead of us.
Throughout he floods the reader with countless stories of smash hit successes in a diversity of fields. Sometimes we cannot engage our element in our full time jobs but find in through serious hobbies/recreation, becoming amateurs, in the truest sense of the word.
Overall, it was a good book, and I plan on reading the follow-up book, Finding Your Element. In a sense, he is describing what feels like a similar idea as that in The Alchemist, who refers repeatedly to one's "Personal Legend." The author of The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) is one of many examples of someone who found their element and Robinson references him. Coelho was forced into a mental hospital by his parent actually for wanting to be a writer, instead of a lawyer as they preferred.
My only pushback on the overall argument is that the many many examples he gave were of people who seemed extraordinary, and incredibly talented in their respective fields. I feel like this might build unrealistic expectations on some level. The vast majority of us cannot be extraordinary. We shouldn't even desire it, but learn contentment, joy, and diligence in where we find ourselves in life. Can someone love something profoundly and be just mediocre? Of course. Does everyone have the capacity to excel at any one thing? I don't know. What if someone is just barely above average at a few things, but they love them? Enjoying what you do seems more important to me than talent and wild success. To conclude, your element may or may not be extraordinary. But it will make life rich. I'm not sure if I have "one element" or a handful of things I love to do... I'll let you know after I finish the next one.
Throughout he floods the reader with countless stories of smash hit successes in a diversity of fields. Sometimes we cannot engage our element in our full time jobs but find in through serious hobbies/recreation, becoming amateurs, in the truest sense of the word.
Overall, it was a good book, and I plan on reading the follow-up book, Finding Your Element. In a sense, he is describing what feels like a similar idea as that in The Alchemist, who refers repeatedly to one's "Personal Legend." The author of The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) is one of many examples of someone who found their element and Robinson references him. Coelho was forced into a mental hospital by his parent actually for wanting to be a writer, instead of a lawyer as they preferred.
My only pushback on the overall argument is that the many many examples he gave were of people who seemed extraordinary, and incredibly talented in their respective fields. I feel like this might build unrealistic expectations on some level. The vast majority of us cannot be extraordinary. We shouldn't even desire it, but learn contentment, joy, and diligence in where we find ourselves in life. Can someone love something profoundly and be just mediocre? Of course. Does everyone have the capacity to excel at any one thing? I don't know. What if someone is just barely above average at a few things, but they love them? Enjoying what you do seems more important to me than talent and wild success. To conclude, your element may or may not be extraordinary. But it will make life rich. I'm not sure if I have "one element" or a handful of things I love to do... I'll let you know after I finish the next one.