kickerdad -
"The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything" by Ken Robinson was one of the books I took on my recent beach vacation. I often take several and rotate them around based on how I am feeling. It was my only 'vacation read'.
"The Element" is a blend of motivational messaging intertwined with very brief mini-historical stories about the successes and struggles of numerous pop culture icons, like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Richard Branson. Ken Robinson has created a book that is exciting and relaxing, prodding yet reassuring. The primary concept is everyone can be fullfilled if they find their passion - we've all heard the 'cliche' you never have to work a day in your life if you do what you love.
Obviously, "The Element" doesn't specifically provide a magic formula but illustrates numerous examples with some common themes - everyone is different, therefore everyone's success and happiness will be different; because everyone's passion is different it can never be discovered too early or too late. And most importantly, passion must be discovered, it can't be taught. Which leads to the common theme running thread throughout the whole book is Ken Robinson's frustration with current education methodology.
I was a bit worried when I started reading the book as it is dated 2002 but the relevance of the concepts, I believe, are even more important today. Definitely worth a read for young people attempting to plot a course, older folks attempting to reinvent themselves, or anyone in between who wants to do something, be something better than they are today.
"The Element" is a blend of motivational messaging intertwined with very brief mini-historical stories about the successes and struggles of numerous pop culture icons, like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Richard Branson. Ken Robinson has created a book that is exciting and relaxing, prodding yet reassuring. The primary concept is everyone can be fullfilled if they find their passion - we've all heard the 'cliche' you never have to work a day in your life if you do what you love.
Obviously, "The Element" doesn't specifically provide a magic formula but illustrates numerous examples with some common themes - everyone is different, therefore everyone's success and happiness will be different; because everyone's passion is different it can never be discovered too early or too late. And most importantly, passion must be discovered, it can't be taught. Which leads to the common theme running thread throughout the whole book is Ken Robinson's frustration with current education methodology.
I was a bit worried when I started reading the book as it is dated 2002 but the relevance of the concepts, I believe, are even more important today. Definitely worth a read for young people attempting to plot a course, older folks attempting to reinvent themselves, or anyone in between who wants to do something, be something better than they are today.
