Reflection 3: Book Review — “Think Again” by Adam Grant
In “Think Again,” Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School, challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding reasoning and invites readers to embrace intellectual humility and agility. In a world where incentives usually reinforce ideological entrenchment, Grant explores the surprising advantages of rethinking your initial position and admitting uncertainty in order to come to the right decision. Published in 2021, the year after a tumultuous US Presidential election and the division and misinformation of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the book is an extremely timely rumination on the importance of scientific thinking.
At its core, “Think Again” is a manifesto for intellectual flexibility. One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the psychology behind why we cling to our beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Grant delves into concepts such as cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and motivated reasoning, shedding light on the unconscious mechanisms that often hinder our capacity for growth and learning. By dissecting these cognitive pitfalls, he empowers readers to recognize and overcome their intellectual blind spots.
“Think Again” is not merely a theoretical treatise; it offers practical strategies for cultivating a more open-minded approach to life. For example, Grant introduces the three default “personas’’ of reasoning: the preacher, the prosecutor, and the politician. These roles represent common thinking traps we fall into when our viewpoints are challenged. As an antidote, the book then explores the concept of “thinking like a scientist,” advocating for a mindset characterized by curiosity, skepticism, and a willingness to revise one’s views based on new evidence. Grant also emphasizes the importance of seeking out dissenting voices, engaging in constructive disagreement, and embracing failure as a catalyst for learning and innovation.
Throughout the book, Grant weaves together diverse narratives — from the world of business and politics to sports and entertainment — to illustrate the transformative power of intellectual humility. Whether recounting the story of a corporate leader who admits to his team that he was wrong or highlighting the resilience of athletes who bounce back from defeat, he showcases how embracing vulnerability and uncertainty can lead to greater success and fulfillment — and even make decision-makers more convincing to key stakeholders along the way.
One of the most refreshing aspects of “Think Again” is its rejection of the false dichotomy between confidence and openness to new information. Grant argues that true confidence stems not from unwavering certainty, but from the willingness to confront and learn from one’s mistakes. He challenges the notion that changing one’s mind is a sign of weakness, asserting instead that it is a sign of intellectual courage and integrity. Rather than having unwavering confidence in our opinions, Grant charges readers to have full confidence in their abilities, while maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism abou the information and tools at their disposal at any given time. Personally, this was my favorite insight in the book, as I’ve recently been struggling with the frustrations of trying to start my own business. The reminder to separate myself from the experiences, knowledge, and mental models at my disposal and believe in the former while constantly challenging and rebuilding the latter has already been extremely helpful to me.
Although “Think Again” is a pop psychology book, the underlying argument is highly relevant for the field of design. Great designers must practice re-thinking on every project, leaving behind their preconceived notions and experiences to better empathize with the users they hope to build solutions for. In an era where experience design is everywhere, Grant’s emphasis on intellectual humility and adaptability resonates deeply. Designers who embrace the principles espoused in “Think Again” are better equipped to challenge assumptions, iterate on ideas, and ultimately create products and experiences that truly meet the needs of their users. By encouraging a culture of continuous learning and evolution, this book offers valuable insights for designers striving to make a meaningful impact in an ever-changing world.
We live in an age full of feedback loops, where the rate of change — technological, social, ecological — is only accelerating. “Think Again” is a timely and indispensable guide for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world with greater clarity. Adam Grant’s plea for intellectual flexibility challenges readers to transcend their own cognitive biases and embrace a mindset characterized by curiosity, skepticism, and openness to change. By encouraging us to think again — and again — he offers a roadmap for personal and intellectual growth in an age of unprecedented uncertainty.
