TED Talks Daily What frogs in hot water can teach us about thinking again | Adam Grant
Apr 29, 2021
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author known for his insights on creativity and leadership, tackles the human reluctance to rethink assumptions in the face of crises. He shares personal anecdotes, such as a harrowing mountain hike, to illustrate how tunnel vision can trap us. Grant discusses the dangers of stubbornness versus persistence and the necessity of adaptability, using the metaphor of frogs in hot water to highlight how we often ignore gradual changes in our lives. Embracing flexibility in thinking can lead to new growth opportunities.
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Slow-Boiling Pots
- Humans, like frogs in slowly boiling water, can be slow to react to looming crises.
- This is due to a reluctance to rethink situations and adapt to change.
Intelligence and Bias
- Intelligence can hinder rethinking, making smart people susceptible to "I'm not biased" bias.
- This bias allows individuals to justify their current path, even if flawed.
Panama Hike
- Adam Grant and friends hiked in Panama, misjudging the difficulty due to a wrong map.
- Stranded overnight without supplies, they were eventually rescued, highlighting escalation of commitment.
