The Element

How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

By: Ken Robinson Ph.D.

Narrated by: Ken Robinson Ph. D., Lou Aronica

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

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

Critic reviews

"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)

A mind opening book about education and your muse

What did you love best about The Element?

Perfect mix of relevant testimonies, storytelling and inspiring ideas.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Element?

Seeing my children (<1, 5, 8) with new eyes, imagining ways to expand their creativity, instead of pushing for learning more grammar or math :). Looking at school differently too now.

Which character – as performed by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica – was your favorite?

There was no particular character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but couldn't :). It took me a few days to finish it, mostly while commuting to work and on a short trip.

Any additional comments?

I'm not an english native speaker, so I was initially hesitant about this audiobook, being Sir Ken from England (which typically have a very different and harder to understand accent than americans). But having heard him in a Ted conference, I grew confident I'd understand him just fine.

I was right. He has a perfect diction, even if he reads a bit fast, he's perfectly understandable for a non-native english speaker.

why this book is not mandatory to read?

most profound words, that depict the experiences in life that we are all familiar with.
this book should be mandatory for all educators, and students to read.

Provokes systemic thought and self exploration

A combination of science, soul, and anecdotes lead a compelling narrative that calls upon the reader/listener to rethink human capacity and the manner in which it is cultivated

A Must Read for Teachers, Policymakers and Parents

This was a wonderful look at what makes individuals succeed as well as a history of our educational system and standardized testing, told through many real life stories.

Life changing

I have always said that the quote "mebody can't do everything but everybody can do something" is really so profound it could change our world. If everybody down there Alan and didn't little something they were born on earth to do we would have The world bursting with human resources, and every current problem known to man solved.
If you don't know what your element this book will help you find it. It brilliant book by a brilliant man I hope one day his books are read by every teacher in training in universities around the world.

something precious

this is a reminder for everyone who thinks they can't that they can. all you have to do is be open to what that Can is and be willing to go out and find it

Inspirational & Educational

Would you listen to The Element again? Why?

Yes. I've already listened to it twice. There are so many interesting stories and ideas presented. Once was not enough. I'll revisit this book often for inspiration and ideas.

Which scene was your favorite?

I appreciated the all the stories. Reading about persons that initially don't meet society's expections or molds and yet persevere & succeed in finding passion in their lives...very hopeful.

What did you learn from The Element that you would use in your daily life?

Affirmed my philosophy of the importance of an open mind - limitless possiblilites and new approaches to learning.

top 10 book

the element has earned itself a place in my top 10 book list. when we focus on teachers teaching and students learning great things we can change the disaster of government run schooling with education.

Brilliant

Ken Robinson has given us a roadway that we, human habitation might aim high and create a world where all might live in joy! Read it, you will know just what I mean!

Awesome!!!

I need to listen to it as many times as I can. It's a new fav.