Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know

“Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” by Adam M. Grant is a book about the importance of rethinking one’s assumptions and beliefs. The author argues that in today’s rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to be willing to question one’s assumptions and consider new information and perspectives. The book offers insights and strategies for developing a “think again” mindset, which can help individuals and organizations adapt to changing circumstances, overcome biases, and achieve greater success.

“The hallmark of successful rethinking is keeping an open mind, while being willing to act decisively as soon as the evidence for a better path becomes clear.”
Adam M. Grant

The book is divided into three main sections. The first section, “Rethinking Our Own Minds,” explores the cognitive and emotional barriers that can prevent us from rethinking our assumptions and beliefs. The author discusses how confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, and other cognitive biases can lead us to seek out information that confirms our beliefs and ignore information that challenges them. He also explores the emotional factors that can make it difficult to change our minds, such as fear, pride, and identity.

The second section, “Rethinking Others,” focuses on how to engage with others who hold different perspectives and beliefs. The author discusses strategies for overcoming defensiveness and building empathy, such as active listening, asking questions, and finding common ground. He also explores how to navigate difficult conversations and disagreements in a constructive way, using examples from business, politics, and social issues.

The third section, “Rethinking Culture,” explores how to create a culture of “thinking again” within organizations and communities. The author discusses the importance of psychological safety, diversity, and inclusion in fostering a culture where people feel comfortable challenging assumptions and taking risks. He also explores how leaders can promote a culture of experimentation, learning, and growth.

Throughout the book, the author uses a wide range of examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points. He draws on research from psychology, neuroscience, and other fields to explain how our minds work and how we can overcome our biases and limitations. He also profiles a number of individuals and organizations that have successfully embraced a “think again” mindset, such as the comedian Jon Stewart, the NFL coach Pete Carroll, and the social justice organization Black Lives Matter.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of intellectual humility, which the author defines as “the recognition that the things we believe, the things we know to be true, might not be as certain as we thought.” He argues that intellectual humility is essential for learning, growth, and innovation, and that it can help us overcome our biases and blind spots. He provides a number of practical strategies for cultivating intellectual humility, such as seeking out feedback, admitting mistakes, and exposing oneself to diverse perspectives.

Another key theme of the book is the importance of being willing to change one’s mind. The author argues that changing one’s mind is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of intellectual strength and openness. He provides numerous examples of individuals who have changed their minds on important issues, such as the journalist Malcolm Gladwell, the politician Barack Obama, and the scientist Charles Darwin.

Overall, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” is a thought-provoking and practical guide to developing a “think again” mindset. The author’s insights and strategies can help individuals and organizations overcome their biases, challenge their assumptions, and achieve greater success in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.