—Adam Menter, Learning Strategist, Autodesk
“I can’t believe you actually finish your books.”
—Karl Gude, School of Journalism, Michigan State University
“Life is complicated. There are no quick answers to your biggest problems. How are we to make any progress? Train your brain, and become a mental gymnast! Let Dave Gray and Liminal Thinking be your guide.”
—Chris Reimer, Author of Happywork
“Dave Gray has taken the brilliantly simple germ of an idea (how to think across the borders of belief) and written it into a potent virus. Dave’s timing couldn’t be better. As the world slips again into splintered conflicts of belief, I hope and pray his virus spreads.”
—Dan Roam, author of The Back of the Napkin
“Liminal thinking, two words that hold in them such a kind energy to enact powerful change. I read Dave’s book right when I needed it most. I feel many of us will always feel that way picking up this book time and again. It is a light and easy-to-access volume we can return to over and over when we need to nourish ourselves, our values, and our vision to enact change to make a better world. Simple language, clear organization of complex concepts, and ease of accessibility show that Dave is really a master and precise wielder of his art, the art of making the complex simple and the simple compelling.”
—Alicia Dudek, Lead Design Ethnographer and Innovator, Deloitte Australia
“This book will unlock the magical and often hidden parts behind change. You will have the tools to think differently and to help others think differently. Dave has found yet another way to simplify the understanding of the map for the key journeys for evolving human potential.”
—Mike Hruska, President & CEO, Problem Solutions
“Liminal Thinking is a book about how to be mentally healthy, how to be present, and how to be a positive force in the world. But more simply, and more importantly, it’s a book about how to be.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell Is Human
Contents at a Glance
Foreword by Richard Saul Wurman
Preface: How This Book Came to Be
Introduction: What Is Liminal Thinking?
Part I. How Beliefs Shape Everything
Principle 1. Beliefs Are Models
Principle 2. Beliefs Are Created
Principle 3. Beliefs Create a Shared World
Principle 4. Beliefs Create Blind Spots
Principle 5. Beliefs Defend Themselves
Principle 6. Beliefs Are Tied to Identity
Practice 1. Assume You Are Not Objective
Practice 4. Triangulate and Validate
Practice 5. Ask Questions, Make Connections
Practice 7. Act As If in the Here and Now
Practice 8. Make Sense with Stories
Contents and Executive Summary
Foreword by Richard Saul Wurman
Preface: How This Book Came to Be
Introduction: What Is Liminal Thinking?
Liminal Thinking is the art of creating change by understanding, shaping, and reframing beliefs.
