The Element by Ken Robinson

A couple of months back the JB and I were eating dinner whilst tuned into Red Kerry when a guest speaker of his captured our attention.  Neither of us had heard of Ken Robinson even though he’s been knighted by the British Government for his services to education.  Considered “one of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation” (as per the front cover of his book) we were impressed and quite raptured with the interview which was interesting enough for me to think I should read a copy of his book.

On the train the next morning, I was seated next to a gent who just happened to be reading The Element by Ken Robinson.  An hour or so later I headed into Readings Hawthorn who didn’t have the book in stock and were a little unsure as to when it would be stocked.  So I headed to Borders and again no luck, but they were sure it would be in stock within a couple of weeks.  Lo and behold a week and a bit later, I had a copy in my hands. 

What an inspiring read.  For anyone who’s never really been sure about the career they’ve chosen or fallen in to, or always dreamed of pursuing a more creative life (I know you’re all out there – I often sit next to you in my writing classes!) this is the type of read that lets you know another career is possible.  If you have ever been unsure about your true direction, this is the type of book that will point you in the right way.

The book includes a series of anecdotes of well known people who have achieved success in their respective fields simply by following instinct or being exposed to key people in their lives who recognised their innate  talents.  The likes of Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac who to this day can’t read music, but is a highly successful musician because he can pick up tunes just by listening.  Robinsons’ book is littered with many examples – he cites Paul McCartney, Aaron Sorkin, Matt Groening and Terence Tao amongst others. 

As it’s part biographical, this book is both interesting and inspiring.  Whilst a lot of what Robinson says is common sense and quite logical it’s amazing that so many people accept their unfulfilling careers/jobs.