Shortcut

How Analogies Reveal Connections, Spark Innovation, and Sell Our Greatest Ideas

By: John Pollack

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A presidential speechwriter for Bill Clinton explores the hidden power of analogy to fuel thought, connect ideas, spark innovation, and shape outcomes

From the meatpacking plants that inspired Henry Ford's first moving assembly line to the "domino theory" that led America into Vietnam to the "bicycle for the mind" that Steve Jobs envisioned as the Macintosh computer, analogies have played a dynamic role in shaping the world around us - and still do today.

Analogies are far more complex than their SAT stereotype and lie at the very core of human cognition and creativity. Once we become aware of this, we start seeing them everywhere - in ads, apps, political debates, legal arguments, logos, and euphemisms, to name just a few. At their very best, analogies inspire new ways of thinking, enable invention, and motivate people to action. Unfortunately, not every analogy that rings true is true. That's why, at their worst, analogies can deceive, manipulate, or mislead us into disaster. The challenge? Spotting the difference before it's too late.

Rich with engaging stories, surprising examples, and a practical method to evaluate the truth or effectiveness of any analogy, Shortcut will improve critical thinking, enhance creativity, and offer listeners a fresh approach to resolving some of today’s most intractable challenges.

©2014 John Pollack (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Phenomenal

This was informative, rich, and accessible.

I was really happy and satisfied having completed this gem after stumbling upon it in my quest for more books lately about metaphors.

This book explores the most powerful analogies in history, while subtly teaches us how to think about them.

Consume this. You will be very appreciative afterwards.

A garden without a gardner.

Excellent review and analysis of the garden of analogy. Would be stronger with the gardner.

Interesting subject ... boring book!

Would you try another book from John Pollack and/or Sean Pratt?

I don't think so. I had no "Aha moment", inspiration nor new insights listening to this one.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Ninja Innovation: The Killer Strategies of Successful Businesses by Gary Shapiro

Would you be willing to try another one of Sean Pratt’s performances?

A good narator although sometimes sounded monotone.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. All the stories he used has already been well told: Henry Ford, Speedo Shark, Wright brothers, Great Train Robbery, etc

Any additional comments?

John Pollack touches the subject from a superficial perspective. Most of the examples he uses are bonded the American culture, dismissing a broad anthropological (universal) view.

A Good Book However...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes with Caveats

Have you listened to any of Sean Pratt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. However he did an excellent job on this book.
i will consider reviewing other books he has read.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Shortcut?

I have always used analogies when I explain things to people but I did not realize that they could analyzed so deeply. It will definitely help me better construct my analogies.

Any additional comments?

This book lacks a little balance. It is still worth listening too with a few caveats for Conservatives. If the author is to be believed analogies employed by conservatives are flawed. I do not think that the author realizes that he has based his analysis of conservative analogies on his political slant. Clearly he does not like Ted Cruz, corporations, Adam Smith and Pro Lifers.

Analogies???

I would rather listen to the book Made to Stick by the Heath brothers twice, before re-reading this book. I hoped this book was about analogy, but with it comes the writer's politics and other personal believes, which is fine, if this book was about them. But it is like allot of stories is very tainted by this. The book doesn't really push deep into the subject as I hoped for.