What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life
"An original and beautiful book. It suggests that the surestway to liberate ourselves is through the power of our ideas."
-Nelson Mandela Foundation
"This is not just one of those books that makes you think.It challenges you to think. It demands that you think, andto beware of all those obstacles that would stop you from
trusting your instincts and finding an idea."
-Lee Clow, Global Director of Media Arts,TBWA\Chiat Day
As an award-winning playwright, author, and WorldwideCreative Director of TBWA, John Hunt has witnessed againand again the power of original thinking to transform bothcompanies and individuals. In The Art of the Idea, Huntaddresses everyone from the global boardroom to the manon the street, bridging the gap with ease. Few can argue withHunt's claim that it is ideas that move the world forward,and he refreshingly articulates that anyone can there
is no hierarchy to original thinking.
The Art of the Idea provides a toolbox for achieving excellenceand offers a new way of defining your world. By illustratinghow to create space so ideas can breathe, it provides
a lifeline to those who find themselves stuck in a rut.Unassuming, original, and accessible, the publicationincludes insights by this leader in creative thinking, andis accompanied by 20 original paintings and collages bythe internationally acclaimed South African artist Sam
Nhlengethwa. The Art of the Idea grants permission to trustour instincts, endure initial ridicule, and practice thinkingas a team sport.
Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it.
-Nelson Mandela Foundation
"This is not just one of those books that makes you think.It challenges you to think. It demands that you think, andto beware of all those obstacles that would stop you from
trusting your instincts and finding an idea."
-Lee Clow, Global Director of Media Arts,TBWA\Chiat Day
As an award-winning playwright, author, and WorldwideCreative Director of TBWA, John Hunt has witnessed againand again the power of original thinking to transform bothcompanies and individuals. In The Art of the Idea, Huntaddresses everyone from the global boardroom to the manon the street, bridging the gap with ease. Few can argue withHunt's claim that it is ideas that move the world forward,and he refreshingly articulates that anyone can there
is no hierarchy to original thinking.
The Art of the Idea provides a toolbox for achieving excellenceand offers a new way of defining your world. By illustratinghow to create space so ideas can breathe, it provides
a lifeline to those who find themselves stuck in a rut.Unassuming, original, and accessible, the publicationincludes insights by this leader in creative thinking, andis accompanied by 20 original paintings and collages bythe internationally acclaimed South African artist Sam
Nhlengethwa. The Art of the Idea grants permission to trustour instincts, endure initial ridicule, and practice thinkingas a team sport.
Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it.
136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
John Hunt
4 books10 followersThere is more than one author with this name
John Hunt is the author of the novel The Space Between the Space Between. His book The Art of the Idea, which celebrates the power of ideas to move the world forward, has been translated into several languages. He is currently Worldwide Creative Chair of advertising agency network TBWA, having previously co-founded TBWA\Hunt Lascaris. He grew up in Hillbrow and still lives and works in Johannesburg.
John Hunt is the author of the novel The Space Between the Space Between. His book The Art of the Idea, which celebrates the power of ideas to move the world forward, has been translated into several languages. He is currently Worldwide Creative Chair of advertising agency network TBWA, having previously co-founded TBWA\Hunt Lascaris. He grew up in Hillbrow and still lives and works in Johannesburg.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2016
There are some great one-liners in this book, that say a lot in some very sparse, but beautiful prose. My favorite: 'It's difficult to have an epiphany if all you want revealed is what you already know.'
Beautiful ideas, beautiful writing, beautiful illustrations.
Beautiful ideas, beautiful writing, beautiful illustrations.
October 7, 2018
This little book (136 pages in A5 size, including title page copyrights, etc) is a delightful companion for people concerned with ideas and original thought. It's little but great.
It’s a mixture of personal observations, empiric advice and quotable aphorisms from the mind of one of the nicest, most unassuming, likeable and respected ad men of our times. A man I had the privilege to work with on more than one occasion.
I first read it in 2009, when it was originally released, then I re-read it yesterday (9 years later) and found it just a fresh and insightful. May you find it inspiring.
It’s a mixture of personal observations, empiric advice and quotable aphorisms from the mind of one of the nicest, most unassuming, likeable and respected ad men of our times. A man I had the privilege to work with on more than one occasion.
I first read it in 2009, when it was originally released, then I re-read it yesterday (9 years later) and found it just a fresh and insightful. May you find it inspiring.
April 28, 2013
A little gem, and extra beautiful. An easy read; no mind-blowing insights, but the framework and messages are poetically and charmingly delivered.
February 7, 2016
Me encantó es un libro inspirador que te hace pensar y cuestionar muchas cosas... muy recomendable.
March 21, 2022
i started this book a WHILE ago and it was something that i’d just pick up when i didn’t feel like following a plot or characters. the way john hunt explains how liberating is it to live through your own ideas is like none other. it’s more than just waiting for a light bulb to appear. there’s so many encouraging aspects to what make ideas and what helps them grow. however, he also offers advice on who and what to stay away from to save your ideas from being put in jeopardy.
i started reading when i heard the phrase “sunrise and sunset people”. i was intrigued and looked up the phrase and it led me straight to The Art of The Idea. It was the first chapter and after that i knew it was a book that had a lot to say and was worth reading.
lastly, there is just so much valuable information in this book and not only the information, but the artistry too! :)
i started reading when i heard the phrase “sunrise and sunset people”. i was intrigued and looked up the phrase and it led me straight to The Art of The Idea. It was the first chapter and after that i knew it was a book that had a lot to say and was worth reading.
lastly, there is just so much valuable information in this book and not only the information, but the artistry too! :)
January 7, 2021
John Hunt's observations on ideas translate to many different applications. This book is peppered with many 'ah-ha!' moments and important reminders. Not only do his words offer poignant course-correcting opportunities to strengthen innovation and originality, but the book is artfully designed to showcase these lessons.
I was particularly struck by how engrossed I easily became from the very first observation. My engagement never wavered and I found Hunt's prose to be page-turningly inspirational. Do yourself (and perhaps your friends, relatives, and colleagues) a favor and settle down for an afternoon with this one! You might just find yourself purchasing multiple copies to gift to all your favorite readers.
I was particularly struck by how engrossed I easily became from the very first observation. My engagement never wavered and I found Hunt's prose to be page-turningly inspirational. Do yourself (and perhaps your friends, relatives, and colleagues) a favor and settle down for an afternoon with this one! You might just find yourself purchasing multiple copies to gift to all your favorite readers.
February 5, 2021
Love love love this book!
Not only will the physical book take pride of place on my bookshelf, but its ideas will be well used today and every day from now on.
Its pages beg to be highlighted, words underlined, key ideas circled with the brightest colours I can find. I've already written my name on the inside cover in metallic pink.
A must for any corporate entity seriously wanting innovative change, as well as for the individual who wants their ideas to morph into reality. Read the book again and again.
Favourite quote:
"Diversity doesn't want an air kiss, it's waiting for a tight squeeze."
Not only will the physical book take pride of place on my bookshelf, but its ideas will be well used today and every day from now on.
Its pages beg to be highlighted, words underlined, key ideas circled with the brightest colours I can find. I've already written my name on the inside cover in metallic pink.
A must for any corporate entity seriously wanting innovative change, as well as for the individual who wants their ideas to morph into reality. Read the book again and again.
Favourite quote:
"Diversity doesn't want an air kiss, it's waiting for a tight squeeze."
July 20, 2020
Tenía tiempo sin leer un libro con fines didácticos que tuviera tantas frases dignas de enmarcar como recordatorios diarios. Este texto de John Hunt habla de los tipos de personas ante las nuevas ideas, los principales obstáculos, los trucos y mentiras, la inspiración, los prejuicios, el peligro de las rutinas y más. Algunas cosas parecen muy obvias pero en general me pareció un libro valioso para aprender a observar nuestro entorno, detectar bloqueos y atrevernos a intentar algo nuevo. Lectura obligada para creadores y equipos creativos, por no decir que cualquier empresa y universidad (colegios) deberían tenerlo dentro de sus recursos. "Cualquier cosa que se permita crecer abiertamente nos recuerda que es trabajo de todos permanecer curiosos".
October 7, 2017
This book guides me through a cluster of obstacles that I often encounter as a junior creative.
It covers all the fundamentals that people often overlook and sheds light on how I should equip myself if I aim to commit to this stressing yet exciting profession.
A no fuss no muss book. Highly recommended for all creatives out there!
It covers all the fundamentals that people often overlook and sheds light on how I should equip myself if I aim to commit to this stressing yet exciting profession.
A no fuss no muss book. Highly recommended for all creatives out there!
September 6, 2025
A fun an easy read! The book rambles about the nature of ideas and give various observations about how to nurture them. It’s not a very focused or well argued book - but that’s essentially how it wants you to think of ideas, as a volatile and fragile thing that will need to be celebrated and then nurtured.
December 9, 2021
Such an inspiring book! I read a chapter for bed each night and it was such a nice reminder of the many ways to be creative, think outside the box, and dream up new ideas. The combo of illustrations and words was so perfect. Loved this book!
December 25, 2018
Poetic tidbits. A good refresher and prompt on why we think and create. No mind blowing insights but has been good pick me up in my dull December.
March 21, 2019
Simple but brilliant!
April 15, 2020
Great read. An insight on basically every page that makes you pause and think differently not just about ideas but also life in general. Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. A true gem.
February 15, 2022
Honestly one of the most borings book I've read.
Don't know what was the point of this one but I did not got into it at all.
Don't know what was the point of this one but I did not got into it at all.
July 13, 2023
Excelente libro! Cada párrafo contiene una enseñanza para reflexionar. Puede leerse en un rato, pero recomiendo una lectura lenta para digerir su riqueza.
July 20, 2025
A must-read for any who have been made to feel crazy for questioning the status quo.
September 3, 2010
A very fun and easy read about "the idea". I think it will encourage the creative types, not so sure how it will appeal to the logical types. But give you a good look at the world today and how people approach and receive ideas, and I think just about anyone can identify with the concepts he illustraves. If you are a visual person, you'll like the weaving of imagery and cartoons across the pages too. The only lacking part for me was that there was a lot of theorizing that made sense, but it would have been nice to see actual examples in addition to his conclusions.
January 2, 2014
Some parts of this are a little trite, others seem to be good hints towards thinking productively. Seems like a good book to keep at work for reminding myself of shake things up and rethink how to brainstorm ideas..
April 9, 2016
A fascinating book. It is not mean to be read cover to cover. Each chapter should be read and pondered. I'm going to purchase this book and use it more as a reference book to challenge any idea I have.
Read
August 29, 2011I read this in 2011
March 25, 2012
Basic book for everybody whant to push fordwad
January 6, 2013
Original, pero no fue todo lo que yo esperaba. Aún así, lo volvería a leer.
June 26, 2013
Easy to read. Has some inspirational thoughts, but I felt like a lot of the same thoughts were repeated throughout the book, just disguised by different wording.
July 1, 2014
Wat een crap. Die 2 euro in de kringloopwinkel waren ruim 2 euro te veel. Het niet landen van ideeën ligt vooral aan anderen klaarblijkelijk. Les autres. Snel naar iets anders...
November 15, 2014
Read this book!
April 24, 2017
Brief worthwhile observations on the nature of ideas.
"The high mortality of ideas often has less to do with their quality and more to do with their mode of transport" - so starts observation No. 19 in this brief, nicely bound volume.
The author and the illustrator have done theirs to make the mode of this set of observations on ideas (20 or so in total) attractive.
The book appears heavy, it is in fact incredibly light. You'll read it in no time - but like any good meditation, one or two ideas might stick. The medium is part of the message here (ref. McLuhan). If you're looking for the science, look elsewhere.
"The high mortality of ideas often has less to do with their quality and more to do with their mode of transport" - so starts observation No. 19 in this brief, nicely bound volume.
The author and the illustrator have done theirs to make the mode of this set of observations on ideas (20 or so in total) attractive.
The book appears heavy, it is in fact incredibly light. You'll read it in no time - but like any good meditation, one or two ideas might stick. The medium is part of the message here (ref. McLuhan). If you're looking for the science, look elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews