The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones [Hardcover]

Andrew Razeghi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Razeghi's self-help text is designed to assist the everyday genius in finding those ah-ha ideas like those Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison came across in the past. Razeghi presents his thoughts in a straightforward, user-friendly manner, which leaves little room for interpretation for narrator Jim Bond. Though his voice is deep and affirming, it becomes monotonous, and listeners may find themselves tuning out halfway through this seven-disc set. Bond sounds like he's simply going through the motions in an uninspired and dreary narration. While the target audience may find some of Razeghi's tips useful, there is little effort made to keep them interested for the duration.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Review

Voted a Smart Book for 2008 by Fast Company

"Razeghi's self-help text is designed to assist the everyday genius in finding those 'ah-ha' ideas like those Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison came across in the past. Razeghi presents his thoughts in a straightforward, user-friendly manner." --Publishers Weekly, February 25, 2008

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (January 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787996327
• ISBN-13: 978-0787996321
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Andrew Razeghi is adjunct associate professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an adviser to organizations on growth strategy, creativity, and innovation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Answer to the Riddle? Starts strong -- finishes weak, February 5, 2008

By 

M. Webb (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones (Hardcover)

The first part of the book is a decent read. The author is interesting and convincing enough in the first four chapters, (The Innovation Intent, The Gods Must Be Crazy, the Eureka Moment, It Came to Me in a Dream). However, much of the support for the author's positions are not well defended, but are still thought provoking in those first few chapters. The most over-used analogy in the book is the Archimedes myth/story "Eureka" moment appears just about everywhere from Chapter three on and does get tiring to the reader. Chapter one and two set the stage quite well. The most interesting content comes in Chapter three and four and are worth your time. Chapter five, (In The Mood for Innovation) falls off the edge of the world by going into creativity measurements focused primarily on Schumann who had been clinically diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Chapter six, (Endlessly Intriguing) picks up the pace again with some interesting but brief treatment on the development of Brail. Interestingly, this chapter could have been about collaboration in the innovation process, but it is not really mentioned. Chapter six, (Painfully Obvious: Constraints) does a decent job of bring a focus on constraints as derived from perception and that we can view them as opportunities and not hard and fast rules to be overcome. From there on the book has little to add to the subject. Chapter ten, Suddenly Brilliant" isn't. The "Codes" are just those particular formula the few individual examples cited in the book use. The "Codes" is not developed well enough for the reader to be convinced this book provides a way to develop your own creativity code, which is the intent as near as I can discern.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent, a fun read with worthy insights, February 8, 2008

By 

Arlyn R. Rubash - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones (Hardcover)

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical Help...for Supposed "Left Brained" Among Us!, May 4, 2008

By 

Mark C. Howell (Chicagoland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Riddle: Where Ideas Come From and How to Have Better Ones (Hardcover)

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.