Product Description

'Ken Robinson writes brilliantly about the different ways in which creativity is undervalued and ignored in Western culture and especially in our educational systems.' JOHN CLEESE

'Out of Our Minds explains why being creative in today's world is a vital necessity. This is a book not to be missed. Read and rejoice.' KEN BLANCHARD

'If ever there was a time when creativity was necessary for the survival and growth of any organization, it is now. This book, more than any other I know, provides important insights on how leaders can evoke and sustain those creative juices.' WARREN BENNIS

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10435 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-15
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
"I shall add Ken Robinson's absorbing account of creativity to my personal list of gems. I was sorry to reach the end of the text, as it had maintained its momentum throughout. The reading may finish, but the thinking goes on, just as you would expect from a book on this intriguing subject." (Times Educational Supplement, 11th May 2001)

"This is a thoughtful book .... A truly mind-opening analysis of why we don't get the best of people in a time of punishing change." (The Director, June 2001)

"This well-written book focuses on the widening gulf between academic institution teachings and the feelings, emotions and imagination that drive us as humans." (Arts Professional, 4th June 2001)

"I recommend that you read the book, take part in the debate and become part of the new paradigm" (People Management, 12th July 2001)

"this book will stimulate and challenge" (Professional Manager, September 2001)

"...a rattling, informal read, sparkling with ideas, jokes, anecdotes and ideas.." (Music Teacher, December 2001)

Book Info
(Capstone) A guide to and rationale for creativity in business, showing how to develop creativity and why it is necessary, and essential. Argues that organizations are ruining their chances at innovation by squelching creativity. Calls for radical changes in perspective that will allow businesses to take advantage of the human capital they already possess. Softcover.

From the Inside Flap
Out of Our Minds There is a paradox. Throughout the world, companies and organisations are trying to compete in a world of economic and technological change that is moving faster than ever. They urgently need people who are creative, innovative and flexible. Too often they can't find them. Why is this? What's the real problem — and what should be done about it? Out of Our Minds answers three vital questions for all organisations that have a serious strategic interest in creativity and innovation.

• Why is it essential to promote creativity? Governments, companies and organisations are concerned as never before with promoting creativity and innovation. Why is this so essential? What's the price of failure?
• Why is it necessary to develop creativity? Why do so many adults think they're not creative (and not very intelligent)? Most children are buzzing with ideas. What happens to them as they grow up?
• What is involved in promoting creativity? Is everyone creative or just a select few? Can creativity be developed? If so, how? What are the benefits of success?

In Out of our Minds, Ken Robinson argues that organisations are trying to fix a downstream problem that originates in schools and universities. Most people leave education with no idea what their real abilities are. He says what all organisations, including those in education, can do immediately to recover people's creative talents. Robinson also argues for radical changes in how we think about intelligence and human resources and in how we educate people to meet the extraordinary challenges of living and working in the 21st century.

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Customer Reviews

Absolutely amazing! Right on target.
I was put on to Ken Robison's work after listening to his TED talk about the same subject. This is probably one of the most influential and thought-changing books I've ever read. It is very well written, is well thought-out, and highly relevant. It is long, but it is thorough, and I appreciated that. I was never bored reading it. I've bought a copy for my Sister, am lending mine to an artist friend of mine, and am considering buying one for my Brother & Sister-in-Law. I truly wish I had read this book in High School or earlier, although I'm not sure I would've appreciated the message fully. I definitely plan on using the book to form how I direct the education of my children, and my own continuing education as an adult. An eye-opener. The only drawback is that, having this kind of understanding will likely generate ideas that are disruptive to the status-quo around you. I highly recommend buying this book and reading it, which is not something I do often, although I do read a lot of books on different subjects.

Finally Recognizing the Need to Teach Creative Thinking
In this day of No Child Left Behind, Teaching to Tests, and Math and Science as a priority, finally Sir Ken comes about and shares with us the need to teach children from an early age how to think creatively.

Creativity is critical to brain development, problem-solving and psycho-social development. Additionally, Innovation, has been recognized as key to the future of our economy.

great material, every parent should read this book
you've never thought about these things. or, if you did, you didn't think about them in relation to your child. this book is a silent call for action; as human beings.