The Book

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From one of the world's leading thinkers and speakers on creativity and innovation, a breakthrough book about talent, passion, and achievement.

The element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the element, they feel most themselves and most inspired and achieve at their highest levels. The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people, from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons; from Meg Ryan to Gillian Lynne, who choreographed the Broadway productions of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera; and from writer Arianna Huffington to renowned physicist Richard Feynman and 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 to 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 also an essential strategy for transforming education, business, and communities to meet the challenges of living and succeeding in the twenty-first century.

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International Editions

English English cover for North American release	Dutch Dutch cover for Netherlands release
Japanese Cover for Japanese release	Korean Cover for Korean release
Spanish Spanish cover for Spain release	English (UK) English cover for UK and English Speaking World release

'The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything' (Penguin/Viking 2009) is being translated into eighteen languages:

• US/UK (Penguin)
• Italy (Mondadori)
• Spain (Random House Mondadori)
• Holland (Spectrum)
• Brazil (Ediouro)
• Korea (Seungsan)
• Turkey (Dogan Egmont)
• Bulgaria (Roi Communication)
• Portugal (Porto Editora)
• China/Taiwan (Commonwealth)
• China/Main (Citic Publishing House)
• Croatia (UBZ)
• Germany (Goldmann Arkana)
• Japan (Shodensha)
• Russia (Mann, Ivanov and Ferber Publishing House)
• Israel (Keter Books)
• Hungary (HVG)
• Greece (Livani)

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Reviews

“The Element offers life-altering insights about the discovery of your true best self. Full of fascinating anecdotes and true to life storeiss about people who have found their hidden treasure.” ~Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 98th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

“The Element is another reminder of why Sir Ken Robinson is one of America’s finest imports. With a crackling wit and a deep humanity, he urges us to ignore the naysayers, bypass the crowd, and find the place where our talents and desires intersect. This is a truly inspiring book.” ~Daniel H. Pink, author of A Whole New Mind

“There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, any dream, a reality. The Element captures that force with passion and insight.” ~Tony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

“A great and inspiring book. It’s been said that an unexamined life is not worth living. True enough and Ken Robinson doesn’t let us off the hook. After the first page, you have to abandon your ego and look for your own gifts and graces.”~Warren Bennis, author of On Becoming a Leader: The Leadership Classic

“Ken Robinson is a remarkable man, one of the few who really look at and into you, so he makes you feel at ease and happy. I’m proud to be in his book as one of the people he feels attained the Element. Reading his book helps you pinpoint the search we must all make to achieve the best in us.” ~Gillian Lynne, choreographer, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera

“While the world is changing faster than ever, our organizations, our schools, and too often our minds are locked in the habits of the past. The result is a massive waste of human talent. The Element is a passionate and persuasive appeal to think differently about ourselves and how to face the future.” ~Alvin Toffler, author of Future Shock and The Third Wave

“Ken Robinson presents the theme of creativity and innovation in a way that makes you want to go out and make your dreams a reality. In his wonderfully easy-to-read and entertaining style he presents the stories of many who have done just that. This is a valuable book for educators and community leaders … most important, it is a book that lightens and lifts the minds and hearts of all who read it.” ~Susan Jeffers, PhD., bestselling author of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway® and Life Is Huge!

“In a time when accepted scientific principles and facts themselves are being tossed into the fire of controversy by some, it is time again, now more than ever, to educate our educators. In Sir Ken Robinson’s rich, deeply entertaining and inspiring new book, “The Element” we learn again. We learn how our academic systems were shaped long ago and why some parts of this ‘knowledge’ seems out of date. Ken Robinson shows us, in the most intriguing way and with humor and humility how we can look again at how we learn and how we teach. How and why we judge and how we appreciate and encourage others to find their own true selves, discovering a new light in the most unsuspected place, just inside of each and every one of us. I invite you to discover, as I have, The Element.” ~Brian Ray, Musician

“Ken Robinson is probably the most gifted communicator on earth when it comes to helping to explain the value of creativity. ~Governor Mike Huckabee

“People who think differently make the world a more interesting place. We need to nurture and help develop creative people, instead of labeling them as damaged.” ~Temple Grandin, Author

“Do yourself a favor and read The Element. If you haven’t already found your life’s passion, this is the book that could change your life forever. Sir Ken has an amazing way of breaking down and clearly defining ways to help you find your purpose and follow your dreams. If you already have found The Element, then just enjoy a good read and marvel at how lucky you are…” ~Ewa Mataya Laurance, “The Striking Viking”

“Every once in a while, someone writes a book that sheds a compelling new light on a subject. Sir Ken’s insight into creativity has done just that. This book is filled with succinct yet brilliant ideas, is replete with vivid examples, and offers timeless application. I have personally made it a required text for my university students and a must-read for my executive coaching clients. The Element transcends traditional thought on how we think about and develop people in virtually any setting. Reading this provocative book will help business leaders, school administrators, parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to unleash the potential associated with people finding and applying their passions in life.” ~Suzanne J. Peterson, Ph.D.- Professor of Management and Leadership, W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University

“The Element provides a real platform for our futures; it is essential reading for anyone with children, unfulfilled dreams or a life still to live.” ~Richard Gerver

“The Element gives you the feeling that all is possible if we dig deeply within ourselves, utilizing imagination and curiosity.”~Vidal Sassoon

“At about six years of age, I discovered my passion…handstands. Doing handstands made me feel truly alive. It did not serve much of a practical purpose, but it was what I wanted to do. I have always felt that if you can connect with your passion whether it be in schoolwork, music, business, volunteerism, or sports, you can translate those same feelings of joy and accomplishment into any area of your life. Although Sir Ken Robinson did not set out to create a typical self-help book, I am incredibly inspired, and energized, by the anecdotes and lessons in The Element.” ~Bart Connor

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