The Riddle

By Andrew Razeghi

Book Overview

While organizations claim to value creativity, they are often at a loss when attempting to conjure up novel ideas, particularly in a world where technology has made information readily available to everyone. As a result, leaders ask, "Where will the next big idea come from?" In response, they allocate significant resources for innovation; however the source of creative inspiration has remained a mystery.

Science has shown that it's possible to create conditions under which the mind is more prepared to have insights, or "a-ha! moments." In this fascinating book, Andrew Razeghi examines the precursors to creative insight and offers clear-cut methods for making "Eureka moments" routine practice rather than lucky accidents. Combining the latest scientific research, interviews with current innovators, and studies of history's most creative minds, he dissects the creative process and presents a practical approach for inspiring innovation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787996327
• ISBN13: 9780787996321
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful, useful book

I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written and highly readable by anyone. I've read many, many books on creativity and this is a good one - perhaps the best one since Michael Ray's 1985 book on creativity. It covers some of the same principles as other things I've read but it does so in an interesting way and the author has loads of interesting examples not found elsewhere. It is also based on solid academic research. I believe readers will be able to take the principles of creativity explained by Razeghi and put them to work immediately. In case you're wondering about my highly positive review, I assure you that I am not related to the author, have never met him and have absolutely nothing to gain by writing this review. I'm just telling you, this is a good book.

Practical Help...for Supposed "Left Brained" Among Us!

Looking for encouragement in your attempt to increase creativity? How about practical exercises that you can employ in stimulating innovation? The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones by Andrew Razeghi proposes that there are five precursors that "appear to be the most effective at inspiring creative insight: curiosity, constraints, conventions, connections, and codes." Does he prove it? I think so. Every chapter is finished off with a helpful list of implementable practices designed to help flex underdeveloped muscles. What could be better? Could certainly use a better collection of stories and examples. Other than that, this is a book that is packed with practical steps for the supposed "left brained" among us.

Magnificent, a fun read with worthy insights

The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones fills a void that serious managers should address to insure long-term success. For ages managers were satisfied to find new opportunities with nothing more sophisticated than serendipity. This mantra can be summarized as "Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile." I have repeatedly asked, "Isn't there a better way to find useful ideas?" Razeghi provides an entertaining overview of the idea creation process. He examines foibles and successes from the past and explains what happened. Unlike other authors who never get past the entertaining phase, Razeghi concludes his book with a prescription for success. He identifies the general precursors needed for creating an environment conducive to fostering innovation. Curiosity, constraints, connections, conventions, and finally codes are used as a cleaver development of his principles. Finally, Razeghi enumerates a specific action plan that can be implemented. If you want your organization to stay in business and remain relevant for the long-term, read this book!

A Positive Read

The Riddle has a lot to offer. Interesting stories that take the reader on a wonderful journey through creativity and history. A must read for anyone who wants to achieve their goals in life. Razeghi takes us through time and makes us realize that the past can indeed inform us of each of our futures and the outcomes we each may want to achieve. I highly recommend The Riddle!

Great Book

Razeghi brings great insight and power in The Riddle. A new way of thinking about problem solving has arrived. Informative and a great read! Find out for yourself.