The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion.
In this
groundbreaking book, world-renowned creativity expert Ken Robinson considers
the child bored in class, the disillusioned employee and those of us who feel
frustrated but can't quite explain why – and shows how we all need to reach our
Element.
Through the
stories of people like Vidal Sassoon, Arianna Huffington and Matt Groening, who
have recognized their unique talents and made a successful living doing what
they love, Robinson explains how every one of us can find ourselves in our
Element, and achieve everything we're capable of.With a wry sense of humour, Ken Robinson shows the urgent need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about ourselves. Above all, he inspires us to reconnect with our true self – it could just change everything.
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My Thoughts on The Element:
After listening to Ken Robinson
on a podcast, I felt inspired to read this book and duly checked it out at my
local library. In the podcast, Mr Robinson, an educator and lecturer, spoke
passionately about the need to find our passion in life, to pursue our true calling
so that we ultimately find ourselves in “the Element”, a place where we are completely
ourselves, where we find absolute fulfilment. Basically, it’s about stepping
outside the square and finding our perfect place, irrespective of whether it’s
the perfect financial place, so that we find and live in our right position in
the universe.
I wanted so badly to enjoy this
book. I wanted so badly to read what Mr Robinson had to say. I wanted to feel
inspired, to feel a desire to run, Rocky-like, up steps, arms waving in the
air, and shouting, “Yes, yes, yes”, my mind lit up like an Osram. However, that
did not happen.
Unfortunately, I can’t help but
feel that the main thrust of this book could have been covered in about 20
pages, including the fantastic few pages given over to illustrations which put
planet Earth into perspective in the scheme of the universe (the book is worth
checking out for those few pages alone). What we do have is, basically, recital
after recital of stories of people who have reached the “Element”, who live
their lives in their perfect place. We learn, for instance, that Sir Paul
McCartney hated music lessons at school and was turned down by the choir he applied
to join because they felt his voice wasn’t up to scratch; we learn that one of
the most famous choreographers in the world came close to being sent to a
“special” school because of her inability to sit still and concentrate in
class, and was saved only through the insight of a brilliant psychologist; we
learn that Sir Richard Branson hated school, leaving very early, and was
considered the boy most likely to either make millions or end up behind bars.
One or two examples of success against the odds are inspiring; a whole book of
them becomes repetitive and you start to check out how many pages you are from
finishing, never a good sign.
Having said all this, if Mr
Robinson was to give a presentation in my home town I would have no hesitation
buying a ticket to go along and listen to him because I am always fascinated by
people of true passion. However, I am very glad that I borrowed this book from
my library and didn’t pay out hard-earned dollars to purchase it.
