Amazon Reviews
The Art of Possibility
Posted: 2002-08-27 13:37:00
Great book from a very inspirational man, May 11, 2002 Reviewer: Onno Hamburger from Leiden, Zuid Holland Netherlands A wise book about transforming yourself and others. I went to a lecture of Benjamin Zander in Holland and enjoyed it every bit. He practices what he preaches. Great inspirator. Opening the door to possibility, April 17, 2002 Reviewer: JAL from UK Having been brought up in the north of England where stoicism is still more highly prized than emotional candour, I have always been suspicious of "self-help" books. Consequently when a collegue gave me a copy of The Art of Possibility, I approached it with some cynicism, or at least with scepticism. I need not have worried because this is in no way a self-help book. Readers will find no quick fixes or tricks here, and so it is bound to disappoint those seeking psychological sticking-plasters (as we can see in a review below). Rather the Zanders offer sets of practices - "possibilities to live into" - which, due to the way society has conditioned us, are extremely demanding to put into practise. Each idea is illustrated with real life accounts from the Zanders to demonstrate the idea in action. Most impressive is the willingness and honesty with which the Zanders discuss their own faults and mistakes. This rather proves the point that the ideas they propose are in no way easy to perfect, in this less than perfect world. Just as in learning a musical instrument, or acquiring a new skill there are no shortcuts. However, as with most worthwhile skills, the effort is more than repaid by the consequences of living into possibility. The greatest compliment that I can pay the Zanders is that I have read and re-read the book many times, and practice it every day. I can't claim to be successful, but in the attempt have created waves that continue to open up possibilities I would not have considered possible before I read this book. I highly recommend The Art of Possibility to anybody seriously seeking to release their full potential from the control of our human conditioning. A "must read" if you believe in change, January 8, 2002 Reviewer: Mihran Aroian from Austin, TX USA I purchased my first copy of "The Art of Possibility" after attending a Boston Philharmonic concert. After the concert, the authors were promoting their book. At one point, while I was uncertain, they offered to buy it for me and told me how important reading the book would be. Well, I am writing to tell you that that it has had a profound effect on me and I am thankful for their persistence. I have already purchased more than 10 copies for friends and business associates. I am thankful to the Zander's for sharing their stories with their readers. It is a timeless book that touches the very essence of being a human being and how to see things in a new light. I look forward to reading their next book! A Good Read, May 22, 2001 Reviewer: A reader from MA This book is fantastic for anyone on a self-discouvery journey. One should look for books like this and people like Zander for help through life. Reading a book can't do any harm, and reading this one has done good for so many people. I strongly suggest it. Finding passion and fulfillment in the pursuit of your dream, March 30, 2001 Reviewer: John Ryabik from Bethedsa, MD USA "Where do you want to go today." "The possibilities are infinite." "A new world. A new way." Just about everyone is talking about the opportunities that are available in the world. If they are right, why (notwithstanding the lack of time) aren't more of us pursuing them? The Art of Possibility (Harvard Business School Press, 2000) is a wonderfully written, inspiring, and wholly actionable book of practices for living more passionate and fulfilling lives in connection with the people and world around us. "Being with the way things are," "speaking in possibility," and "one-buttock playing" are just a few of the bits of wisdom packed into this extraordinary work. The authors, Benjamin and Rosamund Zander, contend that new ways of being, perceiving and thinking are required to thrive in our ever-changing world - a world in which we frequently can find ourselves "out of the boat." Developing these new ways requires the ability to draw a different frame around a given set of circumstances. Using metaphors, stories, first-person accounts, and personal revelations, the authors go on to introduce a dozen practices that can serve as different frames. These include Giving an A, Being a Contribution, Leading from Any Chair, and, my favorite, Being the Board. Used individually or in combination, the practices can help redefine perceptions of what is possible and empower each of us to make every day perfect. While the book is written largely as a guide for personal development and creativity in any context, the concepts have tremendous potential for transforming the environment within organizations as well. I ardently recommend this book to anyone who is striving to enrich her/his personal life or professional effectiveness and/or that of the people in the organization in which you work. How fascinating!, March 25, 2001 Reviewer: Greg Plumb from Melbourne, Australia I've made a lot of mistakes in my life (part of the human condition?), but now I know to just raise my arms and exclaim -'How fascinating!' I had the privelege to see Mr Zander speak at last year's TechLearn2000 conference in Orlando. (It became a family trip since the conference destination was Disney World, but my two boys got chicken pox one after the other - how fascinating? - fortunately we had managed a day at Disneyland before heading further east.) This book restores my memoriies of Mr Zander's presentation and is very worthwhile. But, if you get a chance to hear him, don't miss the opportunity. And jkeep your singing voice ready - it's not often you'll get a chance to sing under the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, which you might well do! Worthwhile and Inspiring Read, March 20, 2001 Reviewer: awerth from New York, NY USA My first impression upon picking up The Art of Possibility was that it would be "fluff." Wrong impression. Instead, this turned out to be a very powerful book that I'm glad to have read. The Zanders present a philosophy and strategy for seeing and living in our world from a standpoint of possibility rather than scarcity and restriction. They describe a set of practices that may sound trite from their chapter headings ("Giving an A") but which are backed up by lucid explanations and very moving anecdotes. (I don't usually go for books that rely so heavily on personal stories, but in this case they are quite inspiring and contribute significantly to the power of the book.) The two authors come at the issues of leadership and personal growth from different perspectives: He from the point of view of an orchestra conductor, and She from that of a psychotherapist. Benjamin Zander fortunately does not try to make the threadbare comparison that being a conductor is like being a CEO; rather, he simply uses his personal experiences as a leader to help make his points with interesting examples related to his career as conductor. It's a worthwhile read (and easy, too, at 200 pages) that at the very least is inspiring and enjoyable, but also likely to make positive changes in your life if you apply the practices the authors describe. REDEFINED BOUNDARIES, February 24, 2001 Reviewer: Donna Nicolls from Nassau, N.P. Bahamas I have been going through a real soul transformation over the past few years and I have read a lot of self help books but the Art of Possibilities has absolutely sent me into fast forward. This is truly a facinating book. The authors captivated me from the first page and kept me to the end. Not only have all my self made boundaries been smashed but I now listen to classical music with a new sense of appreciation. In fact the book reminded me of listening to many of my favourites. I can't thank the authors enough for what the two days of reading has done for me. I will never be the same. My possibilities are endless and I am extremely grateful for the insight. A Unique and Inspired Book:, February 21, 2001 Reviewer: Peter E McNally from Atlanta, GA USA The authors bring a unique and refreshing approach to the subject of achieving our God given potential. This subject has broad application, in both business and personal realms. The authors also provide very practical application techniques for their principles. This is also a great gift for any child or adult who is struggling with who they are becoming. I had my 9 year old daughter listen to a talk that Benjamin Zander gave. This was over 1 year ago. She still refers to many of his principles. This is one the best books I have read in some time. The Power to Change Your Life, January 14, 2001 Reviewer: sec423 from Los Angeles I usually don't read self-help books because they don't work for me. This book is different. It made me realize just how much of my own happiness and success are already under my control and how much the way I choose to think shapes my life. It's already made a big difference for me. And it's beautifully written and engrossing--I read it in one sitting. Now I find myself re-reading sections that particularly apply to my situation. I recommend this book whole-heartedly! Thank you Zanders!, January 13, 2001 Reviewer: Stephanie T. Knowles from Chicago, IL Wow. This book is amazing- one that I will read many more times as a reminder of how to approach each day. I wish it were required reading for everyone... family, friends, world leaders... This is a book that will open doors inside you., January 10, 2001 Reviewer: Barbara Quick from San Francisco, CA I've read (and even written) a lot of self-help books, but I can't remember ever having read such a book that left me feeling so electrified. The Zanders' humanity, creativity and imagination shine on every page, in every anecdote, quote, and description of their 12 practices. This isn't a feel-good, fix all your problems without effort book (I hate those!), but rather a key between two cardboard covers. Grab it, jiggle in all sorts of doors you assumed to be locked forever, both inside yourself and in the outside world. Watch in wonder as those doors swing open. I wish THE ART OF POSSIBILITY could be handed out to all new parents, all teachers, all bosses. 
Much more than a self help book, enlightening, June 3, 2002 Reviewer: knightofgod This book reminds me of "Who moved my cheese?", though it's relatively longer. With outstanding stories and practices, such as "giving an A (to all those aspirational)" and "rule number six (dont take yourself so goddamn seriously)", the authors had put something important but easy to remember concepts into the readers mind, which certainly help them a lot in getting the right perspective/mind/means in dealing with most daily life problems. Can be a classic. Shouldnt be missed by those regular readers of self help/improvement books.
