Summary
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is a groundbreaking motivational business fable. Published in 1998, this international bestseller uses a simple parable to explore profound truths about dealing with change in both professional and personal spheres. At its core, the book follows four characters—two mice and two “littlepeople"—as they navigate a maze in search of cheese, which serves as a metaphor for what we desire in life. Through their experiences, Johnson illustrates different approaches to change and offers valuable insights on how to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving world. Used by wide-ranging companies as a tool for managing organizational change, the book has won praise for its ability to foster resilience and adaptability among employees. With over 30 million copies sold in 37 languages, Who Moved My Cheese? remains one of the most influential business books of all time.
Plot
A business fable, Who Moved My Cheese? follows four characters living in a maze. Two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two “littlepeople,” Hem and Haw, search for cheese, which represents what we desire in life. The characters discover an abundant source of cheese at “Cheese Station C” and settle into a comfortable routine.
One day, the cheese disappears. Sniff and Scurry, being adaptable, immediately set out to find new cheese. However, Hem and Haw react with disbelief and anger, unprepared for this sudden change. Haw eventually realizes the need to move on and ventures into the maze, leaving Hem behind. As Haw explores, he writes encouraging messages on the maze walls, hoping Hem will follow.
During his journey, Haw faces his fears and learns valuable lessons about change. He discovers that change is inevitable, and anticipating and adapting to it leads to success. After overcoming various challenges, Haw finally finds a new cheese supply at “Cheese Station N.” This new station is filled with different types of cheese, symbolizing new opportunities and experiences.
The story concludes with Haw reflecting on his journey and the insights he's gained. He continues to explore the maze regularly, staying vigilant for future changes. The fable ends with the hope that Hem will eventually overcome his fears and join Haw in embracing change. This simple parable serves as a metaphor for dealing with change in both personal and professional life.
Themes
Adapting to change
Overcoming fear of the unknown
Embracing new opportunities
Persistence in the face of challenges
Importance of flexibility and agility
Self-reflection and personal growth
Taking responsibility for one's own success
Setting
Who Moved My Cheese? takes place in a metaphorical maze, representing the complex environments in which people navigate their personal and professional lives. The setting is intentionally vague, as Spencer Johnson aims to present a universal parable applicable to various situations. The book's themes and language suggest the late 20th century, when rapid technological advancements and economic shifts were causing significant workplace changes. The maze serves as an allegory for any organization, community, or life situation where individuals must adapt to evolving circumstances.
Within this maze, the characters frequent various “Cheese Stations,” which symbolize sources of fulfillment or success. The most prominent locations are Cheese Station C, where the characters initially find abundance, and Cheese Station N, which represents new opportunities. These stations, along with the winding corridors of the maze, create a dynamic landscape that challenges the characters to respond to change and seek out new possibilities.
Key Figures
Sniff: One of the two mice characters. Sniff is quick to detect changes in the environment and adapt accordingly. He represents those who anticipate change and are prepared to act swiftly when it occurs.
Scurry: The other mouse character. Scurry is action-oriented and wastes no time in moving when change happens. He embodies the idea of taking immediate action without overthinking.
Hem: One of the two “Littlepeople” characters. Hem is resistant to change and stubbornly refuses to adapt when the cheese disappears. He represents those who fear change and become paralyzed by it, often denying that change is happening at all.
Haw: The other “Littleperson” character. Initially hesitant to change, Haw eventually learns to adapt and embrace new opportunities. His journey of overcoming fear and finding new cheese serves as the central narrative of the book, illustrating the benefits of adapting to change.
Michael: A minor character who appears in the framing story. He is a business manager who shares the cheese story with his former classmates during a reunion.
Unnamed Classmates: Minor characters who appear in the framing story. They listen to Michael's cheese story and discuss its implications in their own lives.
Quick facts
Who Moved My Cheese? was published in 1998 and became an instant bestseller.
The story takes less than an hour to read but is packed with powerful insights.
Author Spencer Johnson was also the co-author of The One Minute Manager.
Who Moved My Cheese? uses mice and “littlepeople” as characters to illustrate different approaches to change.
Who Moved My Cheese? spent over 200 weeks on Publishers Weekly's hardcover nonfiction bestsellers list.
A company called “Who Moved My Cheese Inc.” was founded in 1999 to handle book orders from businesses.
Who Moved My Cheese? has been both praised as a motivational tool and criticized as “downsizing propaganda."
Several parodies of the book have been published, including Who Cut the Cheese? and Who Moved My Soap?
A video version of the book was created for corporate training purposes.
Who Moved My Cheese? has sold nearly 30 million copies worldwide in 37 languages.
About the Author
Spencer Johnson, MD, (1938-2017) was a renowned American author best known for his motivational business fable, Who Moved My Cheese? Published in 1998, this powerful little book became a global phenomenon, selling nearly 30 million copies worldwide. Johnson's ability to distill complex ideas into simple, actionable advice made him one of the world's most respected thinkers and beloved authors.
Born and raised in small-town South Dakota, Johnson pursued a diverse educational path. He earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Southern California and later obtained his MD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. His medical training included clerkships at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, providing him with a unique perspective that would later inform his writing.
Johnson's literary career was marked by collaborations and series. He co-authored the One Minute Manager series with Ken Blanchard and wrote the ValueTales series of children's books. His other notable works include "Yes” or “No": The Guide to Better Decisions (1992) and Out of the Maze, a posthumously published sequel to Who Moved My Cheese? that drew inspiration from his battle with cancer.
Throughout his life, Johnson held various positions, including roles at the Harvard Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He served as the chairman of Spencer Johnson Partners and resided in Hawaii and New Hampshire. Johnson passed away in San Diego, California, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of accessible wisdom that continues to impact readers worldwide.
