Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World

“The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.”

In Originals, Adam Grant explores what it means to be an original person and have an original idea. He insists that the main factor in deciding whether someone or something is original or not is a rejection of norms and willingness to seek alternatives. Original people are open to new ideas and challenge the status quo in order to improve themselves and the world around them.

“Although America is a land of individuality and unique self-expression, in search of excellence and in fear of failure, most of us opt to fit in rather than stand out.”

Grant regrets that most Americans lean toward conformity rather than originality. This is the easier route, but not the route that leads to great change or even great success. Grant sees America as a place that touts the values of individuality and self-expression, but with people who fail to live up to these values.

“Ultimately, the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward. After spending years studying them and interacting with them, I am struck that their inner experiences are not any different from our own. They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try.”

Grant strongly believes that originals are people who affect change in the world. Originals challenge the status quo in their given domain, whether it be business, politics, or entertainment. Grant spent many years studying originality through a psychological lens and observes that originals are not immune to fear and doubt. Instead, they fear not giving things at least a try. Originals do not ask themselves whether or not others will like them—they ask themselves whether or not others will benefit from their idea.