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The Element cover art

The Element

Written by: Ken Robinson Ph.D.
Narrated by: Ken Robinson Ph. D., Lou Aronica
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Publisher's Summary

The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves, most inspired, and achieve at their highest levels.

The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people: Paul McCartney; The Simpsons creator Matt Groening; Meg Ryan; Gillian Lynne, who choreographed the Broadway productions of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera; journalist Arianna Huffington; renowned physicist Richard Feynman; and many others, including business leaders and athletes. It explores the components of this new paradigm: the diversity of intelligence, the power of imagination and creativity, and the importance of commitment to our own capabilities.

With a wry sense of humor, Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the Element and those that stifle that possibility. He shows that age and occupation are no barrier and that once we have found our path, we can help others do so as well. The Element shows the vital need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about human resources and imagination. It is an essential strategy for transforming education, business, and communities to meet the challenges of living and succeeding in the 21st century.

©2008 Ken Robinson, Ph.D (P)2009 Tantor

What the critics say

"Motivating and persuasive, this entertaining and inspiring book will appeal to a wide audience." ( Publishers Weekly)
" The Element offers life-altering insights about the discovery of your true best self." (Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)

What listeners say about The Element

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

educators of all types this us a must read

this book is truly life changing if you can take the message to your heart brain.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Love Ken Robinson, I'm all in on the premise

That said, I struggle with the evolution from "here's the issue, and here is a good, long list of people who beat the odds and stepped into their elements" ... to finding my own path ... to my own element.

I've also downloaded the guide book so I'm looking forward to seeing whether I can translate these stories of the success of others into my own story ... my capacity to understand my own element, to live my truth, to 'open' my gifts and to joyfully share them with my tribe.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great book, a lot of info for educators

This was a good read and Ken is an entertaining story teller. It’s somewhat geared towards those in educational system but it contains knowledge everyone should have about the system’s shortcomings and about how to be better learners ourselves

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful journey into what is passion

The Element teaches us that Elvis failed the auditions for a glee group and that no one noticed Paul McCartney had any musical talent. A great book, wonderfully written about what it is to find (in and outside of work) that which lights a twinkle in our eyes, giving us energy and will, and access to a whole new dimension in our potential as humans.

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1 person found this helpful

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Ever wondered what your gifts are? How about your inner talents?
Amazing listen to rethink what your true calling might be.

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Outstanding

Sir Ken Robinson has been a hero of mine since I first saw his TED talk. This book is like an expanded version of that talk and was just as poignant, humourous, inspiring.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A spectacular and insightful listen.

The stories and lessons told in this book are invaluable for anybody who has ever been told they are the odd ones out. The tales of hyper successful individuals finding their Element puts a new perspective on anybody who lost theirs as they grew older.

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