The author of this intriguingly-titled book is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. His TED talks have been widely viewed and have received huge acclaim (click on the links below for two examples which are worth seeing before considering buying this book).

Creativity matters

The book’s subtitle, The Power of Being Creative, describes its theme very well. The purpose of the book is to explain “why creativity matters so much, why people think they are not creative, how we arrived at this point and what we can do about it” (p.xv).

The author’s aim is to help individuals understand the depth of their creative abilities and why they might have doubted them. He also wants to encourage organisations to believe in the power of innovation and to create the conditions which will allow this to flourish. To this end it is imperative to promote a creative revolution in education.

Robinson is adamant that we need to run schools, companies and communities differently. He might have added churches too.

Creative church

Robinson is not a Christian so the reader may wonder why I recommend this book on a Christian website. The answer is that when reading about the problems the author outlines and the solutions he offers, my thinking continually turned to realising that everything he is saying can apply equally well to the way we run our churches. Robinson is adamant that we need to run schools, companies and communities differently. He might have added churches too. He didn’t, but we should.

His starting point is that everyone has huge creative capacities simply as a result of being human. The challenge is to develop them. A born-again believer also has enormous potential as a new creation in Christ. Do our churches see this and seek to provide ways for every individual to flourish in their gifting? If not, why not, and how can this change?

Out of our minds?

The thought-provoking title is intended to point the reader in three directions. We create new things from the way we use our minds; we have to get out of our usual ways of thinking if we are to be more creative; and we would really be “out of our minds” if we don’t take up this challenge.

A born-again believer also has enormous potential as a new creation in Christ.

The book is expertly written, with its short, neatly structured sentences building into longer well-designed passages. The final two chapters, 'Being a Creative Leader' and 'Learning to be Creative' are in themselves sufficient to make the book worthwhile. This is a real find.

Out of Our Minds (275pp) is published by Capstone and is available from Buuks for £9.69 (inc. p&p).

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity? | TED Talk
Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson - Bing video