The book contains eleven chapters that cover such topics as the nature of an Element, about broadening our notions about the types of intelligence and where it might lie, about the power of creativity, about how to get “in the zone” (a mental space where our abilities suddenly flow freely, about the importance of community groups or “tribes”, about resistance, attitude, mentorship, on finding the Element late in life, and on the role of the education system.
Most of what is said in this book is so obviously right that it seems almost moot, but unfortunately few of us live this way. Pessimists will probably hate The Element, as the book is awash in the humanistic optimism that Robinson exudes. Failure is only a step on the path to success, and success is simply another word for happiness and fulfillment (even if you can't get a record contract, job, or publisher). His examples are, of course, all about success, but few of his examples found their calling easily. Most people relied on mentors, good luck, supportive parents (though that certainly wasn’t always the case), and a ton of tenacity. One of the more interesting examples that Robinson provides is in his chapter “For Love or Money”. Gabriel Trop is a professional who combines an amateur passion for art with a well paid and practical type of job. There are many ways to achieve a life lived close to one’s element and it doesn’t have to involve working as a professional in that area.
The Element is really not a self-help book, nor is it sold as such. It doesn’t provide step by step instructions on how exactly to discover your element or change your own life. While it may provide inspiration for the individual this is a philosophical book with a broad perspective. It might be a frustrating read for those desperately hanging on to a job they hate in the hopes of finding panacea. The link between the need for financial security and the need for self-actualisation is not always clear, although Robinson does suggest that we do our best and potentially most lucrative work when we stick to what we love. I see this book as being targeted towards parents and educators primarily (there’s overlap there of course). For those of us who have responsibility for the future of our children, we need to think very broadly about their gifts, and keep open minds about where those gifts might lie. I completely agree with Robinson that every child is gifted in his or her own way, and that not all of those gifts sit squarely in the line of academic achievement.
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