Name: Fred Rivett's review of Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Kenneth O. Stanley
Item: Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
Rating: 4
Author: Fred Rivett

Kenneth O. Stanley

Joel Lehman

Why does modern life revolve around objectives? From how science is funded, to improving how children are educated -- and nearly everything in-between -- our society has become obsessed with a seductive illusion: that greatness results from doggedly measuring improvement in the relentless pursuit of an ambitious goal. In Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, Stanley and Lehman begin with a surprising scientific discovery in artificial intelligence that leads ultimately to the conclusion that the objective obsession has gone too far. They make the case that great achievement can't be bottled up into mechanical metrics; that innovation is not driven by narrowly focused heroic effort; and that we would be wiser (and the outcomes better) if instead we whole-heartedly embraced serendipitous discovery and playful creativity. Controversial at its heart, yet refreshingly provocative, this book challenges readers to consider life without a destination and discovery without a compass.

The Myth of the Objective

Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned

Fred Rivett

A thought provoking, eye opening read on how achieving great things is way more discovery than step-by-step plan. A worthwhile read and reminder for viewing life as a series of stepping stones instead of trying to work directly towards your end goal unless the goal is a step away.

Fred Rivett &
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Kenneth O. Stanley

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Fred Rivett &Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Kenneth O. Stanley

Reviews

Join the club

Fred Rivett &
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Kenneth O. Stanley