Think Again Book Review: Why Intelligence Isn’t Enough – Adam Grant’s Powerful Guide to Rethinking. Can a book really change a person’s thoughts, decisions, and even the direction of their life? History says—yes, it can. Because the right idea at the right time shakes the foundation of our beliefs, and that’s where real change begins. In today’s blog, we will discuss one such book—Think Again, written by organizational psychologist Adam Grant. In this blog, we will see how Think Again teaches us, not just to be smart, but to think anew when necessary, which is real wisdom.
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Who should read the book Think Again?
Are you a student who wants to learn how to think differently?
Is a professional ready to hear opposing views before making decisions?
A teacher or leader who wants to open minds?
Or someone in debates who values learning over winning?
Then Think Again is for you. In this powerful book, Adam Grant shows you how to question your own opinions, embrace being wrong, and build the courage to rethink. Because true intelligence isn’t just about thinking fast— It’s about thinking again.
What you will find in the book Think Again
- Preacher, Prosecutor, Politician explains how to defend your beliefs. Encourages you to adopt a “Scientist mindset” for change. Example: Finding the truth, not winning a debate.
- The Armchair Quarterback: Your overconfidence can often be a liability. People think they know it all. Change: Accepting the limits of your knowledge. Example: Being overconfident can lead you astray.
- The Joy of Being Wrong: View your mistakes as opportunities to learn. Change: Finding joy in forgetting. Example: Scientists change hypotheses.
- The Good Fight Club: How to have productive debates. Change: Challenge ideas, not people. Example: Healthy office debates.
- Dances with Foes: Talking to people who disagree with you.
- Change: Asking questions to understand. Example: A musician changes haters’ minds.
- Bad Blood on the Diamond: How to defuse deep conflict. Change: Finding common ground. Example: Sports rivalry.
- Vaccine Whisperers: Empathy is needed to change difficult opinions. Example: Persuading parents to get vaccinated.
- Charged Conversations: Calm discussions about sensitive topics. Change: Controlling emotions. Example: Political disagreements.
- Rewriting the Textbook: How to increase curiosity in education. Change: Learning by questioning, not by rote.
That’s Not the Way We’ve Always Done It. Bringing organizational change. Change: Questioning old rules. - Escaping Tunnel Vision: How to see your own limitations. Change: Listening to diverse opinions.
- Rethinking Groupthink: The fallacy of groupthink. Change: Encouraging dissent.
A call to think in Scientist Mode:
In his book Think Again, Adam Grant explains that we usually approach thinking in three different ways. First, in Preacher Mode, we focus on defending our beliefs, trying to present evidence whenever someone contradicts us. Meanwhile, in Prosecutor Mode, the main goal shifts to proving others wrong, often prioritizing winning a debate over understanding. Additionally, Politician Mode revolves around seeking approval, worrying about who supports or accepts us. However, Grant argues that the most effective approach is Scientist Mode. Here, we think like scientists: we formulate hypotheses, test them with an open mind, and remain willing to change our opinions when new evidence emerges. Ultimately, adopting this mindset fosters genuine learning, continuous improvement, and intellectual integrity.
The Power of Dialogue and the True Meaning of Rethinking
In Think Again, Adam Grant demonstrates that changing people’s minds is possible not through force or conflict, but through thoughtful dialogue. For example, he shares the story of a Black musician who, rather than confronting white supremacists aggressively, calmly asked questions, listened carefully, and patiently guided discussions that encouraged them to reconsider their beliefs. This illustrates the true power of rethinking—creating space for reflection without attacking others. Similarly, the book highlights an international debate champion who doesn’t simply win by defending his own argument. Instead, he first examines the weaknesses in his reasoning, understanding that real victory comes not from proving a point, but from learning, adapting, and, when necessary, changing his position.
Being smart is not everything.
“Being good at thinking can make us worse at rethinking.”
That is, the smarter you are, the more you can defend your mistakes with logic. We often think not of finding the truth, but of proving our position is right. As a result, intelligence sometimes becomes our biggest weakness. This is the real danger—not being able to let go of being wrong.
Conclusion: True intelligence means rethinking
But if we learn, there is no shame in being wrong, and changing our minds is not a weakness.
Then we will not only be smarter, but wiser.
Because—if knowledge is power, then knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.
So next time…
Before defending your opinion—Think Again.