15 Quotes by Adam Grant:
1. ”Originality is taking the road less traveled. Championing a set of novel ideas that go against the grain but, ultimately, make things better.”
This quote highlights the importance of thinking differently and challenging the status quo. Originals, according to Grant, are those who push for positive change with unconventional ideas.
2. ”Practice makes perfect, but it doesn’t make new.”
While practice is crucial for skill development, Grant emphasizes the need for creativity. Just repeating what’s already done won’t lead to innovation.
3. ”Original thinkers doubt the default.”
Originality often requires questioning established norms and assumptions. Grant suggests that true originality comes from challenging the “default” way of thinking.
4. ”Knowledge is best sought from experts, but creativity and wisdom can come from anywhere.”
Grant acknowledges the value of expertise but also emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives. New ideas and solutions can emerge from unexpected places.
5. ”Collecting a teacher’s knowledge may help us solve the challenges of the day, but understanding how a teacher thinks can help us navigate the challenges of a lifetime.”
This quote goes beyond simply acquiring knowledge. Grant suggests that learning a teacher’s thought process equips you with better problem-solving skills for the long term.
6. ”The more I help out, the more successful I become. But I measure success in what it has done for the people around me. That is the real accolade.”
Grant emphasizes the importance of giving and helping others. True success, according to him, lies in the positive impact you have on those around you.
7. ”The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.”
This quote reinforces the idea that collaboration and helping others achieve their goals leads to a more fulfilling form of success.
8. ”Excellence is the product of high aspirations and low ego.”
Grant suggests that aiming high and maintaining a humble attitude are key ingredients for achieving excellence.
9. ”If we create networks with the sole intention of getting something, we won’t succeed. We can’t pursue the benefits of networks; the benefits ensue from investments in meaningful activities and relationships.”
Building genuine connections and contributing value are essential for creating lasting and beneficial networks.
10. ”There’s a wealth of evidence that people want to do meaningful work.”
People are often intrinsically motivated by work that has a purpose beyond just a paycheck. Grant highlights the importance of creating work environments that provide a sense of meaning.
11. ”A good debate is not a war. It’s about surfacing the best ideas, not crushing the ones you disagree with.”
Grant emphasizes the importance of healthy debate as a tool for generating better solutions. It’s about fostering open exchange of ideas, not about winning arguments.
12. ”Beware of getting stranded at the summit of Mt Stupid.”
This metaphorical quote refers to the danger of overconfidence and clinging to outdated ideas. Grant encourages continuous learning and reevaluation of one’s beliefs.
13. ”Your ‘should self’ puts the alarm clock across the room at night so your ‘want self’ can’t reach the snooze button in the morning.”
This quote explores the internal struggle between our rational and impulsive selves. Grant suggests strategies to help us make good choices despite immediate temptations.
14. ”Procrastination gives you time to consider divergent ideas, to think in nonlinear ways, to make unexpected leaps.”
While procrastination can be negative, Grant acknowledges that it can also provide space for creative exploration and unexpected solutions.
15. ”Joy can wax and wane, but meaning is more likely to last.”
Grant suggests that finding meaning in your work or pursuits leads to a more sustainable sense of satisfaction than fleeting moments of joy.