Originals

Originality is the driving force behind progress, whether it is technological innovation, social change or works of art that change the way we see the world. In Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, Adam Grant discusses what lies behind people's ability to think outside the box and act boldly. He shows that originality is not an innate trait of a select few, but a skill that anyone can develop. Through examples from history, business, and personal life, he inspires readers to challenge established norms, manage risks, and build a supportive environment to bring their ideas to life. The book provides not only theoretical insights but also practical strategies for developing originality and fostering creativity.

Originality is often seen as a gift reserved for a select few. It sounds noble, but in reality it is more of a skill that can be developed. Being original does not mean being a genius from childhood, but rather being able to discover your own way of thinking, not being afraid to experiment and accepting challenges. Even those who are considered iconic innovators often started out as ordinary people with a desire to go beyond the established. Consider a young Albert Einstein, who worked as a clerk in a patent office before becoming famous for his theory of relativity. His originality did not come from a special talent, but from an unconventional way of thinking and perseverance. Einstein was not the strongest mathematician of his time, but he had the courage to ask questions to which others took the answers for granted. His example shows that originality begins with curiosity and a willingness to go against the tide. Originality is available to anyone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone. Sometimes that means rejecting safe options and choosing a path that seems uncertain. People who change the world are often distinguished not by their abilities, but by their courage to act in spite of their doubts. This approach is the basis of many breakthroughs, from inventions to social change. However, contemporary society does not always encourage originality. Schools and workplaces often favour conformity, which can stifle creativity. In order to be original, we must first overcome this pressure. Research shows that diverse environments, where people are encouraged to share different perspectives, lead to more innovation. The team that developed the first iPhone, for example, was not just made up of technical experts. Its members came from different industries, creating room for new ideas. The opportunity to be original does not mean a complete break with reality. Sometimes it is enough to focus on a small but important area where something can be improved. Ruth Wakefield, who accidentally discovered chocolate chip cookies, just wanted to spice up the menu at her restaurant. However, this simple idea has become a worldwide phenomenon. Even small steps can lead to big changes if we can see them with creativity. Originality is not only available to exceptional individuals, but also to anyone who has the courage to explore, create and learn from their mistakes. It doesn't matter if we are trying to improve our lives, our businesses or the world around us - the key is to believe in the potential of our own ideas and not be afraid to implement them. In fact, originality is just another way of saying that we believe in our own ability to change things for the better.

Every significant change we have experienced in history began with a question: "Does it really have to be this way?" The courage to challenge the status quo is the engine of innovation, cultural change and technological progress. Without it, many groundbreaking ideas would remain in their infancy. Adam Grant shows that this kind of courage is not just the preserve of revolutionaries or visionaries, but is accessible to anyone with the courage to ask uncomfortable questions and seek better answers. An example of the courage to challenge established norms is Rosa Parks, who in 1955 refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. This small but courageous act of defiance became a spark for the civil rights movement in the United States. Parks was not a prominent politician or public figure, but her decision highlighted the injustice of the system and inspired millions of people. Grant emphasizes that challenging the status quo does not always have to be dramatic or confrontational. It can also be about quiet, systematic steps to change established practices. Consider the inventor James Dyson, who after thousands of failed attempts developed the first bagless vacuum cleaner. He challenged the notion that an efficient vacuum cleaner had to use bags, and created a revolutionary product that changed an industry. His story shows that courage also means perseverance, not just a one-off act. But challenging the status quo requires more than determination - strategic thinking is also important. Successful innovators don't just focus on criticism, they deliver better solutions. When Netflix started, it faced stiff competition from video rental companies like Blockbuster. Instead of attacking their business directly, it decided to offer a new model - a subscription-based DVD delivery service. This strategy not only succeeded, but ended up completely changing the way we consume media. The courage to challenge established norms also requires the ability to manage resistance. People who break out of line often face criticism or rejection. Steve Jobs, known for his unconventional ideas, faced distrust from colleagues and investors in the early days. Yet he went on to create iconic products that defined modern technology. Ultimately, the courage to challenge the status quo is essential for personal and collective growth. We don't always have to be the ones to change the world, but even small questions can have a big impact. Whether it's improving work processes, rethinking personal habits, or promoting social change, it's important to have the courage to ask, "What if things could be different?" Doing so opens the door to endless possibilities.

At first glance, it might seem that procrastination is the enemy of productivity and creativity. However, Adam Grant suggests that good timing and even moderate procrastination can foster innovation and lead to better ideas. The key is to learn how to use these factors effectively to enhance the creative process. Procrastination doesn't always have to mean just putting off responsibilities. In some cases, it creates room for 'idea incubation'. An example is Leonardo da Vinci, who worked on his works for decades. While his inability to complete some projects was criticised, this slow approach allowed him to refine his ideas and experiment with new techniques that were ahead of his time. It is this process of reworking and refining that makes his works immortal. A similar principle applies in business. Grant cites the case of Martin Luther King Jr. who often fine-tuned his iconic speeches at the last minute. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech was largely an improvisation, inspired by his momentary feelings and reaction to the audience. Procrastination allowed him to remain open to new ideas and tailor his message to the specific situation, making his words even more powerful. Timing is also key when implementing innovation. History is replete with examples of ideas that failed because they came either too early or too late. Online video pioneers like RealNetworks were ahead of their time in the 1990s, but their technology did not find a place because the Internet infrastructure was not sufficiently developed. By contrast, YouTube came along at the right time, when broadband connections were already common. The art of timing is recognising when market, social or technological conditions are favourable. Procrastination, however, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If it becomes chronic, it can hinder not only creativity but also personal growth. That is why it is important to find a balance between having enough time to think and the need to act. Researchers have found that mild procrastination leads to higher creativity because it gives the brain room to make free associations and seek out unconventional connections. However, if procrastination is too long, it leads to stress and a deterioration in the quality of work. Ultimately, the importance of timing and procrastination is hidden in the ability to consciously manage your time and energy. Instead of seeing procrastination as a habit, we can see it as a tool that helps us find better solutions. We just need to know the line where procrastination goes from fostering creativity to hindering it. It is this fine art of timing that can determine the success or failure of our projects.

Original ideas and innovations rarely emerge in a vacuum. They are often the result of collaboration, support and feedback from others. Adam Grant emphasises that building a support network is key to success, whether it is for individuals or organisations. A strong network can not only support new ideas, but also help to push them through and turn them into reality. A support network is not just a group of people who agree with our ideas. It is a space where different perspectives, experiences and skills come together. An example of such a network is the famous circle of innovators in the early 20th century known as Edison's Laboratory. Thomas Edison surrounded himself with people with different skills - from engineers to entrepreneurs - creating an environment where his ideas could flourish. Without this support, many of his inventions would have remained on paper. Building a network requires openness and a willingness to listen to criticism. For example, at technology start-up Slack, founder Stewart Butterfield regularly held meetings where employees were free to express their views on how the app worked. This culture of open communication allowed the team to improve the product and respond to user needs. A network that encourages feedback can speed up development and increase the quality of results. Support is not just about sharing ideas, but also about overcoming challenges together. The story of the well-known climate justice movement Fridays for Future shows the power of collaboration. Greta Thunberg, the founder of the movement, was able to mobilise young people around the world thanks to the support of local activists and community groups. Their coordination and joint efforts enabled the movement to make a global impact. Support networks do not have to be large, but they do have to be of high quality. All it takes is a few key allies who understand our goals and believe in their value. Steve Jobs often drew inspiration from his close team at Apple, who shared his vision and were able to give him realistic feedback. Such intimate relationships form the basis for creativity and innovation. Building a network also takes time and investment in relationships. It's not enough to just surround yourself with people - you need to get to know them, understand their needs, and actively contribute to the joint effort. Grant reminds us that successful networks are based on reciprocity: if we help others, they are more likely to help us. Ultimately, a support network is not only a tool to promote ideas, but also a source of inspiration and motivation. At its core is the mutual trust and cooperation that enables individuals and teams to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. It is a reminder that the greatest successes are not achieved alone, but through the power of connection.

Risk is integral to originality and innovation. Anyone who chooses to challenge established norms or bring something new faces a degree of uncertainty. Adam Grant shows that original people are not reckless risk takers. On the contrary, they are masters of risk management, maximising the likelihood of success of their ideas. Risk does not mean plunging headlong into the unknown. Rather, it is the ability to identify potential dangers and find ways to minimize them. A great example is entrepreneur Elon Musk. When he founded companies like Tesla and SpaceX, he faced huge financial and technological risks. To minimise the possibility of complete failure, he spread his investments across multiple projects and proceeded in small, controlled steps. This approach allowed him to experiment without completely jeopardising his career. Grant points out that original people often combine bold steps with cautious strategies. Musician John Legend, for example, made sure he had steady employment as a consultant before he became famous. This "Plan B" gave him financial security while he built his music career. A similar strategy allows creative individuals to try new things without fear of losing everything. An important part of risk management is the ability to adapt to failure. After all, not every original idea guarantees success. Thomas Edison, famous for his inventions, is reported to have said, "I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways that don't work." This attitude underscores the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes, which are essential to making risk an opportunity for growth. Genuine people also know how to evaluate which risks are acceptable and which are not. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, refused to leave his job at Hewlett-Packard until he saw that Apple had real potential. This move allowed him to protect his stability while Apple was just beginning to gain momentum. It's an example of how caution can be part of making bold decisions. In addition to an individual approach to risk, teamwork also plays an important role. In well-functioning teams, risk is shared among members, reducing the burden on individuals. For example, in Pixar Animation Studios' product development, the team focused on rapid testing and iteration, which allowed them to eliminate bugs before the project reached the audience. This approach reduces the risk of failure and increases the quality of the end result. Risk management is an art that requires a balance between courage and caution. Rather than letting risk paralyse us, we can see it as a challenge to develop. Those who can work thoughtfully with uncertainty gain a competitive advantage and open the door to breakthrough achievements.

Creativity is not born by accident; it is the result of an environment that fosters curiosity and experimentation. Adam Grant emphasises that the ability to think outside the box starts in childhood. It is during this period that the way children discover the world, solve problems and develop their skills plays a key role. Fostering their creativity can lead them to grow into innovative and original adults. An example of how the environment can influence creativity is Albert Einstein's childhood. Although he was considered a slow learner as a child, his parents and teachers encouraged him to ask questions and seek answers. For example, his father gave him a compass, which led him to a fascination with the laws of physics. This approach to learning shaped his unconventional thinking and ability to seek original solutions. Fostering creativity, however, requires more than gifts or special conditions. It is about encouraging children not to be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. When Walt Disney drew animals as a child, he often faced criticism that he was wasting his time. Instead of giving up, he continued his passion. His parents supported him despite difficult circumstances, laying the groundwork for his later success. Parents and teachers can also foster creativity by exposing children to a variety of stimuli. Traveling, reading different books, or even free play can help children develop the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas. Research has shown that children who have access to a variety of activities such as music, sports, or art are more likely to exhibit original thinking. Another key element is creating a safe environment where children are encouraged to express their opinions and share ideas. In the 1970s, the Montessori couple founded their schools to encourage children to think independently and creatively. This approach, which included free choice of activities and an emphasis on individual development, has had a huge influence on figures such as Jeff Bezos and Larry Page. However, not everything depends on parents or teachers. Society as a whole can play a key role by encouraging children's curious enquiries and not undermining their self-esteem. In Scandinavian countries, for example, children learn from a young age through experimentation and collaboration, creating a culture of innovation that is also visible in their economy and technology. Fostering creativity from childhood is not about directing a child towards a particular career, but about giving them the tools to discover their own path. Children who grow up in an environment where creativity is encouraged are able not only to adapt to change but also to initiate it. Creativity thus becomes not only a tool for success, but also a source of joy and fulfilment in everyday life.

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World is a reminder that originality is available to anyone who has the courage to ask questions, seek new paths, and resist the pressures of conformity. Grant emphasizes the importance of timing, strategic risk management, and fostering a creative environment from childhood through adulthood. Original people are not just visionaries with unconventional ideas - they are also those who can put their ideas into practice, collaborate with others and work tirelessly towards their goals. This book is an inspiring guide for anyone who wants to make their mark on the world and be a force for positive change. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!