Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World

Grant opens his final chapter with an account of Lewis Pugh, a lawyer who attempted the longest swim across the North Pole. Having completed cold-water swims for decades, Pugh developed a special type of physiological conditioning that allowed his body to raise its temperature in anticipation of cold water. Grant cites psychologist Julie Norem’s two strategies for managing the stress of great challenges: “strategic optimism and defensive pessimism” (182). Norem argues that both strategies perform about the same under pressure. Defensive pessimism is often seen as a disadvantage, but it can be useful in managing the anxiety of specific situations. Imagining the worst allows one to emotionally prepare for it and maintain a sense of control over a given situation. Pugh was motivated by his own doubt and pessimism as well as those of others to do the seemingly impossible.

Grant advocates converting fear, as simply labelling one’s fear as excitement is effective at lessening anxiety before speeches and similar tasks. Rather than forcing oneself to calm down, the idea is to become enthusiastic about a given situation instead. Grant clarifies that this approach is best used before a course of action has been decided to give oneself the push needed to move forward. After an action is chosen, defensive pessimism should be employed. To motivate Pugh before his swim across the North Pole, his audience pumped him up and pushed him to overcome his fear. Grant discusses the notion of “outsourcing inspiration” (190) by creating legacies, turning ideas into symbols, and directly and indirectly recruiting others to help champion a cause. He also explores the power of humor in quelling fear.

Next, Grant explains the “three lines” experiment in which people agree with an incorrect answer to avoid humiliating themselves. However, if a dissenter is introduced who provides the correct answer, others will be more likely to speak up. In other words, originality encourages originality. The same principle applies to politics and rebelling against authoritarian governments: If one person is brave enough to oppose a regime, others will be more likely to join their cause.

Grant explains that people can modify their reactions to fear by reframing the way they communicate. Framing in terms of gains rather than potential losses makes people more likely to attempt risks. This approach, coupled with a sense of urgency, counters apathy and reduces fear. Grant argues that by describing a present issue as a guaranteed loss if no action is taken, people tend to become more willing to tread a riskier path promising solution. Franklin Delano Roosevelt described the struggles of the Great Depression before “unveiling his hope of creating new jobs” in a speech—including the famous line “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (198). This speech inspired Americans, promising urgency and providing hope. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech is similar in quality and style. By focusing on progress during times of doubt, people can remind themselves of achievements and inspire themselves and others to carry on. Grant reminds readers that while anger and excitement can fuel success, it is important to maintain emotional balance. This way, a person is motivated to act but keeps their actions credible and controlled.

Grant cites sociologist Arlie Hochschild, who suggests two possible reactions to anger: “surface acting and deep acting” (201). People who use surface acting pretend to be unaffected and unemotional; people who use deep acting immerse themselves, “dissolv[ing] the distinction between your true self and the role you are playing” (202). Grant considers deep acting more sustainable in the long term because it is less emotionally exhausting. However, it has its limits. Grant cites several studies by psychologist Brad Bushman which show that venting creates more aggression rather than relieving it—because it stirs emotions and focuses on the negative. For this reason, Grant suggests reflecting on survivors and victims rather than perpetrators. Martin Luther King Jr. argued that this approach evokes “empathetic anger—the desire to right wrongs done unto another” (205). Grant concludes his book by reminding readers that originals ultimately “create a better world” (206).