Think Again
Making debate more producive by taking on the stance of a scientist, characterized by curiosity and experimentation.
Author(s): Adam Grant
Publisher: Viking
Date of publication: 2021
Manageris opinion
Why is it so hard for us to call our mistaken beliefs into question? This is the thorny question tackled by Adam Grant, a question that is more essential than ever in a time of polarized opinions. In this brilliant and anecdote-packed book, the author makes us aware that when we are confronted with people who disagree with us, we oscillate between several archetypes that distance us from the conditions for a productive debate: the prosecutor who tracks every weakness in their opponent’s arguments, the politician who seeks to influence their audience before all else, and the priest, moved by a faith that will not suffer the slightest questioning. We would gain from developing a fourth way, that of the scientist, who aims above all to become aware of what they ignore and builds their knowledge through successive experiments.
Beyond its advice to reinforce one’s intellectual humility and curiosity, Think Again offers valuable insights for engaging with people who do not appear ready to question their opinions.
