Within the field of Education, there is a philosophy,
largely based on the breakthrough genius of Dr. E. Paul Torrance, that the
purpose of education is to develop people's ability to have rich,
fulfilling lives. The means to that end is to develop their creative
problem-solving abilities. These comments are from educators who pursue
that philosophy.
Thank you, Cliff, for the book; I started it already and am
enthralled; conceptually brilliant and poetically conceived...the book,
so far, that is!! (grin) I am telling lots of people about it and hope
that sales will result. I continue to heap (heap?) praise on your book.
I am giving a talk on campus next week (on Systems Thinking what else?)
and bringing the book along. Also, have told everyone in our Chaos group
about your book.
Myrna Casebolt (retired)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
I have finished reading and reviewing your book. Please let
me express my feelings of deep satisfaction. Thank you for an honor.
Sorry it took so long. In addition to the mundane, I was also thinking
for several days on its meaning-the book itself kept me from haste.
First of all congratulations! This is an excellent book with tons of
practical information. Second, it is a very needed book because it
really turns the matters back to their feet from being upside down (your
detailed examples perfectly illustrate it). Third, it is a deep book
with nicely put and well-thought through ideas. Fourth, it is a
beautiful book-its cover is very well designed and looks attractive. All
in all, I am happy you asked me to review it-it is a book of high
quality.
Frankly speaking, I have marked it nearly on every page-either
after finding something that is interesting or something to argue about.
In any case, the book does not leave the reader indifferent! It is
certainly a contribution to the world of business as well as to the
world of business philosophy. Being a specialist in the field of systems
(my PhD was on a systems approach to functions) and certainly knowing
the issues of meaning (Linguistics is my Background), I certainly had
seen both systems and meanings in a different manner before I read the
book. However, it does not matter much-you state your point of view, and
you prove it! Your opinion does not have to coincide with the others-it
is the difference that attracts. In other words, your point of view has
its own right for existence. Moreover, finally, your vision has
definitely broadened my original views.
I have to tell you that sometimes the language seems pretty tough,
but you seemingly meant it to be like that. It makes the book a
down-to-earth work! That may be a plus from the point of view of its
future readability. Some readers may like this.
One more thing! After reading your book, I somehow had a desire to
contact you for help in my own matters. Your being so savvy in
researching the opinion and understanding the customers' set of mind,
makes you a valuable asset to the stuff that I am doing right now.
Again, accept my appreciation. All the best to you.
Andrei G. Aleinikov, PhD
Director, Innovative Education Division
Venturist, Inc.
Cliff Havener has written a book about creativity. Not just why
the creative person has trouble in beauracratic organizations and not
just why the creative process fails in business and industry, but why
divergent thinkers and innovators are doomed to frustration and
exasperation. Intertwining the work of Viktor Frankl and Paul Torrance,
Havener provides an overview of what happens and why to creative
thinkers. Juxtaposing examples from Scott Adams' Dilbert and Mihaly
Csikszentmihalyi's work, Cliff Havener shows us, from a " systems
" perspective , what has gone wrong with education, government,
business and industry. Drawing on the work of Maslow and other
humanists, Havener posits the need for people to ascertain meaning and
purpose to their work and their lives.
Parents teachers, and counselors would benefit from some of the
insights offered, and middle management may even save money, but then
again " that's just not the way we do things around here."
For those interested in serious creativity, this book presents an
amalgam of perspectives and insights and leads the reader to a
comprehensive understanding of what transpires in the corporate world to
a truly creative individual. Havener has a Richard Branson Virgin
approach to business, industry and creativity. One which, it is hoped,
will reenergize a somewhat insipid field.
One looks forward to books by this insightful, divergent thinker,
theorist and researcher in the future.
Michael Shaughnessy
Professor of Psychology
School of Education
Eastern New Mexico University
Past President- National Association of Creative Children and Adults
