Ken Robinson (1) (1950–2020)

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 show more 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. show less

There are three themes running throughout Ken Robinson’s "Out of Our Minds":

1. We are living in revolutionary times.
2. To survive and flourish in these times of change we must think differently about our abilities and make best use of them.
3. We need to operate our organizations in radically different ways than we are presently.

The key to addressing these themes, according to Robinson, is creativity. While Robinson argues that everyone has the capacity to be creative, our current show more educational system and workplaces stifle creative expression. Robinson delineates the problems within our schools and organizations and then prescribes how we may deal with them. He outlines how we need to rethink education and how to exercise creative leadership to redesign our corporations. This is not a detailed how-to manual. Robinson aims to convince us of the need to creatively deal with the challenges of society and to map out an approach to doing so. The book is worthwhile reading for educators, parents, managers, consultants, policy makers, and anyone else concerned about the future of our society and planet. According to Robinson, it is critical for the future of humanity to extricate ourselves from the outmoded paradigms of the past. To do so, we each must claim our inherent creative capacities and unite in addressing the twenty-first century challenges of concern to all of us. show less

Your element has two important features: aptitude and passion.
People talk about “being in their element” when referring to a sense of fulfillment and connection with their true identity and purpose. It sounds great, but how can you find that place for yourself?......You could have an aptitude for anything from software development to poetry to playing the violin. Maybe you have a voice perfectly suited for opera, or for radio–that’s aptitude.....But aptitude isn’t enough. You also show more need passion.
I’m actually reading only the Blinkist version of the book so my review should be considered in this light. It’s easy to be unfair to the original if you have only reqad somebody else’s summary of it.
I’ve actually heard Ken Robinson speak on this subject: in person at an IDP (Education) Conference in Melbourne and somewhat later on TV somewhere. And it was pretty much the same message both times.....so at least he is consistent. But I’ve got to hand it to him. He is a magnificent speaker...funny, great delivery...and great stage presence given that he clearly has difficulty walking. But even that is part of his charm. His basic message is that intelligence is probably an over-rated measure and people can find fulfilling roles for themselves in many different ways. I recall, one of his case studies became a very successful ballet dancer (And you probably don’t need A level mathematics for this).......it’s about “finding your element.
Finding your element requires the right attitude and appropriate opportunities.
You’ll have a difficult time ever finding your element, if you’re not driven by the proper attitude......John Wilson is a good example. At the age of twelve, he was blinded during a mishap in chemistry class. But the experience didn’t defeat him....He excelled at a college for the blind and later at Oxford, where he studied law alongside sighted students.....he went on to play a role in the formation of Sight Savers International,......doing incredible work.
That’s the power of attitude. I read somewhere that Ken, himself, following a bout of polio was sent to a school for the disabled and his future looked bleak....until he was picked out of the crowd as being “bright” and sent off to some other school where he had the chance to excel, to attend University and become the success he was.
Of equal importance is opportunity. To understand why, just imagine being the most talented pearl diver in the world, yet you happen to live in the Sahara Desert..... . I read somewhere that Ken, himself, following a bout of polio was sent to a school for the disabled and his future looked bleak....until he was picked out of the crowd as being “bright” and sent off to some other school where he had the chance to excel, to attend University and become the success he was.....he was given the opportunity.
Intelligence is diverse, dynamic and distinctive.
Most people have a relatively limited perception of intelligence. They think of it as a score on a test, a grade in school or a knack for words and numbers. But, actually, a totally different perspective is required.....Intelligence needn’t be limited by standard definitions. It’s a dynamic force. Like the human brain, it never settles into a single fixed state, and it can be developed by forming connections in a variety of ways....That means there are no two people who use their intelligence in precisely the same way.
Finding the people you naturally gravitate toward will help you discover your element.
Finding your element is much easier if you first find your tribe....So your tribe can help you find your element, but keep in mind that, once you do find your element, it might fully absorb you......You can’t expect to be entirely absorbed in what you’re doing every second of your life. Sometimes the situation just isn’t right or you find your mood isn’t appropriate. You’re bound to get distracted from time to time and it’s important to accept that fact.
Personal and social barriers are par for the course on your way to your element.
Whether you suffer from a physical disability or not, a strong will is essential. Remember, even a perfectly healthy person won’t be able to complete a marathon without a good attitude.
What would you do if your closest friends, or your family, disdained the life path you chose?
Brazilian author Paulo Coelho had that problem. He had a difficult life growing up and his parents were desperate for him to become a lawyer. As a result, when Paulo pushed ahead with his art, they had him put into a psychiatric asylum, not just once–but three times!
“... it is difficult to feel accomplished when you’re not accomplishing something that matters to you.”
It’s rarely too late to find your element: you don’t need to be a professional to do it
The successful author Harriet Doerr......was 72 when her first novel, Stones for Ibarra, finally came out.
To find and enjoy your element, it’s completely unnecessary to be a professional. After all, your element isn’t about getting rich or famous; it’s about living according to your talent and your passion......The academic Gabriel Trop is a good example. When he had to make a choice between music and literature, he chose the latter as his profession. Both pursuits put him in his element, but a career in literature would let him pursue the cello without financial stress.
The key message in this book: Every person can find her element–that place where she feels totally absorbed and fulfilled. Age, career status and personal barriers will be no match for you if you can find the confluence of your talent and passion and commit yourself to sticking with it.
OK after reading the book (or, more accurately, the summary) I’m asking myself, “What is my element” Not sure that I ever found it though I’ve enjoyed the career I’ve h...and, perhaps even had modest success if a few fields. But I certainly never found one element that captured me day and night for years on end. Not even sure that I would want this. So maybe “the element” combined with passion is ok for artists, musicians, dancers.....but is it the same for a public servant in the War Graves Commission? Hmm....I don’t think the book actually envisages that there are people around that don’t have, nor ever will have “their element” Still an interesting book, I give it four stars. show less

Overall, this was a good read but not a must read. If you watched Ken Robinson's TED talks, and it left you wanting more of the same, then you'll enjoy the book. If those talks were sufficient for you, this doesn't offer much new, just more depth.

In the book, the author describes the importance of finding your passion. He doesn't describe -- and doesn't try to describe -- how to find your own passion. Rather, he describes what it feels like and looks like to live a life activated by passion. show more He does this with a mix of personal stories, stories of others, and reference to psychological research.

To me, the primary value of this book was the way it conveyed the energy of living a life around your passion. Such a life is not just one where you feel happy -- at times, pursuing your passion may force you to make decisions that can make you deeply unhappy for a time -- but it is a life where you feel driven to do what you do.

At a wider level, the value brought by a vision like that in The Element is that everyone's element is different. It's not music in general; it may be a particular type of music or an instrument. It's not just programming, but perhaps it's handling complex interactions or giving users a delightful experience. Because of the varieties of talent we have, the author believes that schools need reform. Schools define intelligence narrowly and demand conformity. He spends the last chapter of the book discussing this.

Although the book did not focus on how to find your element, it is possible to extract some tips. Although I used the terms "passion" and "element" interchangeably above, your element is really where your passion and your talents intersect. So looking for those things that both energize you and which you are good at is a part of finding your element.

Another key part to building your element is finding your tribe -- the group of people who share your passion. Your tribe can help you develop your skills, provide inspiration, provide role models, and more.

Taking advantage of opportunities that arise is also key. Often times, these opportunities will require adding more work to an already busy life, but the energy you get from doing the thing you really love can help you push through that and shape your life to hit the right balance.

Sometimes, what you need is not a new idea, but an old idea described well. That is what The Element gives us. show less