Imagination First: Unlocking the Power of Possibility

by Eric Liu, Scott Noppe-Brandon, Lincoln Center Institute

When imagination becomes habit, it can transform your work and your life The best corporations know that innovative thinking is the only competitive advantage that cannot be outsourced. The best schools are those that create cultures of imagination. Now in paperback, Imagination First introduces a wide-variety of individuals who make a habit of imaginative thinking and creative action, offering a set of universal practices that anyone can use to transform their life at work, home, and play. These 28.5 practices will enable anyone to become more imaginative and to teach others to do so as well?from corporate executive to educator to platoon sergeant. Bonus content includes The book is filled with illustrative stories of creative leaders, teachers, artists, and scientists that clearly illustrate the original practices and new material that shows how to bring imagination to life.

Genres: Nonfiction

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Geoff from · Rating 1 out of 5]

So empty the vacuum drew energy from me as I read. I gave it time, I gave it me, I gave it thought. It gave me nothing: it took. So full of nothing, it deserves some sort of respect to be able to cover so many pages with so many words ultimately signifying nothing. Packed with platitudes and clichés the authors try and package as original thought. Banal to the point of offensiveness, especially when one considers the title and so-called point of the product. My inspiration ran for cover and cowered whenever the book came into its orbit.

Alarms bells rang when they referenced ‘The Black Swan’ in the early pages, another book that, if it was half as deep as it thought it was, it would still struggle to form a condensation ring on a window-ledge. I didn’t listen to those alarm bells or any of the other early warning signs – more fool me – and got far too far into it before realising it wasn’t worth the effort. Don’t do the same.

Not quite as offensive as the aforementioned ‘The Black Swan’ as it’s either more naive in its intent or is better at hiding its cynicism, but still dire.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to pick up and read from any chapter as it gives insight into creativity and using the imagination. I find it valuable in relation to working with and learning from children and young people. It was a good reminder of the imagination that I have and need to remember to exercise continuously.

[Kelli Brosnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read and it is sparking ideas for my art classroom!

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

In fairness, I could not bring myself to read this cover to cover. I put it on hold at the library after hearing part of an interview with one of the authors on NPR. It must have been on a local, rather than national, segment...not sure it would have made the cut otherwise. The book reads like an undergraduate research paper: more survey than independent thought. It is the kind of large-print-with-big-spacing book that makes you think it might have been a reasonably engaging PowerPoint presentation somewhere (if you really had to sit and listen to a PowerPoint presentation)...but leaves you wondering how in the world it ever grew beyond that.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting list of ways to view the world that will help spark and increase imagination. This book isn't groundbreaking, but with it's rather large print and short chapters, it's worth the quick read.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty easy read but I am having a hard time picking it up.

[Felicityn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better how-to guide. Little snippets that are handy to remember.

[Wina]

People generally assume that differences between two parties create the problem, yet differences can also lead to a solution.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed here - http://exlibrislitprofsue.blogspot.co...

[Olenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and absolutely inevitable reading for young adults, inspiring and positive read