Person
Every book Adam Grant recommended on podcasts
Adam Grant engages audiences on podcasts like On Purpose with Jay Shetty and the a16z Podcast, where he explores organizational psychology, originality, productivity, and the psychology behind unconventional success. During his podcast discussions, Grant frequently references a diverse array of literary works to anchor his psychological insights and research findings. He highlights Douglas Adams's science fiction classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to illustrate a compelling leadership theory, arguing that the best leaders are often those who feel the most reluctant to take the job. Grant also reflects on the creative process behind his own bestselling book, Think Again, sharing anecdotes that arose during its writing. In addition to psychological and organizational themes, Grant explores broader cultural touchstones, mentioning Leonardo da Vinci's historical artistic endeavors in the context of productive procrastination, and Dr. Seuss's beloved children's book Oh, the Places You'll Go! to discuss personal path-finding. He also points to childhood favorites of prominent tech entrepreneurs and leaders, citing J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, using these examples to illustrate how foundational narratives shape exceptional minds and original thinkers over the course of their lifetimes.
Books recommended by Adam Grant
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A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is a beloved 1962 science fantasy novel that follows young Meg Murry on a space-time journey to rescue her father from a dark, consuming cosmic evil.
Discussed“Jeff Bezos and Sheryl Sandberg boasted a wrinkle in time”
Where to get it
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.
Discussed“I really think Harry Potter's gonna have this impact I probably put my money on JK Rowling as the most influential original life”
Where to get it
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Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr.
Discussed“and more recently oh the places you'll go I think was the most popular children's book of the 90s which was all about choosing your own path”
Where to get it
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The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is a classic comedic science fiction novel that humorously explores the absurdities of the universe and human existence.
Discussed“and then douglas adams wrote about it in the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy right that the only person we should want as a president is the one who had no interest in doing the job”
Where to get it
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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is a beloved comedic science fiction franchise that follows the misadventures of the last surviving human and his alien friends as they travel absurdly through space after Earth is demolished.
Discussed“and then douglas adams wrote about it in the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy”
Where to get it
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The Last Supper
Discussed“Leonardo da Vinci for example who spent roughly 15 years trying to finish up the Last Supper and kept putting it off”
Where to get it
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The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.
Discussed“if you ask Peter Thiel and Elon Musk to name their favorite childhood books they both pick Lord of the Rings”
Where to get it
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Think Again
Think Again by Adam Grant is a nonfiction exploration of the cognitive science behind mental flexibility, urging readers to question their assumptions, rethink entrenched beliefs, and master the art of intellectual humility.
Discussed“and then there's actually an example that jumped out at me when i was writing think again”
Where to get it
Books Adam Grant wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| "ONLY The 1% MASTER THIS ONE Skill For SUCCESS!" | Adam Grant & Jay Shetty | On Purpose with Jay Shetty | 2021-02-22 | 4 |
| a16z Podcast: How to Be Original and Make Big Ideas Happen | a16z Podcast | 2016-02-02 | 5 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“i've started telling people that you know i've i've increasingly noticed myself this is a great example of self-persuasion right i wrote a whole book about how we need to watch out for slipping into these other mindsets”