Working Wonders: How to Make the Impossible Happen

by Ryszard Praszkier

Overview

The difference between what's possible and what's not is a construct of the human mind, a matter of perspective, and it's one that can be changed. Working Wonders explains the fundamentals that shape the mind: how it builds walls to protect itself and how a person can tear those walls down to tackle challenges that would have previously been discounted as unrealistic. This volume shares case studies featuring people making the impossible a reality and, in doing so, changing the world for the better. On a deeper level and yet still using non-technical language, the book identifies possible neurological and psychosocial mechanisms that limit the brain, and techniques that may open it up to exploring the seemingly unachievable. Praszkier also introduces the concept of 'possibilitivity', a personality trait that reflects the propensity to perceive insurmountable challenges as doable, and concludes by presenting a portfolio of 'Do It Yourself' techniques.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108688185
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/08/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Ryszard Praszkier is an emeritus professor at the Institute for Social Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland. He has merged decades of practical experience in the field of social innovation with his passion for academic research and connecting theory with practice.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Those Who Made the Impossible Happen: 1. 'The purpose of work is to feel good about life'; 2. Bringing empathy to schools; 3. 'Moving the world with one hand'; 4. Those who made the impossible happen: drawing conclusions; Part II. Entrenching and Defending the Fortress: 5. Brain unmalleability; 6. Keep it consistent; 7. Majority influence; 8. Connections that close the mind; 9. Personal book on shared reality; Part III. Opening the Mind: Possibilitivity: 10. They did it!; 11. Brain plasticity; 12. Creativity opens closed doors; 13. Complexity, inconsistent thinking and paradoxes; 14. Minority influence; 15. Networks that boost creativity; 16. Sync your mind with others; 17. Opening the mind: possibilitivity; Part IV. Do-It-Yourself Tips: 18. Precondition one: building a supportive ambience; 19. Forest for the trees; 20. The opening value of allegories, metaphors and paradoxes; 21. Games and simulations; 22. Joy and dancing: a royal way to opening the mind; 23. A flexible body opens the mind; 24. Imagination as a key to the impossible; 25. Summary: training possibilitivity; Précis; Appendix: measuring possibilitivity.

Editorial Reviews

'How do you learn from actual stories? When reading through Working Wonders by Ryszard Praszkier, you cannot but learn about real people and new ideas. Humanity is always progressing and human ingenuity can transform the impossible. The book is an invitation to be taken seriously by persons and institutions alike.' Andrea Bartoli, Professor and Dean, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, New Jersey

'In our working and private lives, we wall ourselves within a pen of our limitations. Ryszard Praszkier will tell you how to make yourself free to create and succeed. This perceptive book is based on the author’s surpassing experience as a leader, practicing psychologist, and researcher. Take advantage!' Vladimir Zwass, Inaugural Gregory Olsen Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Computer Science and Management Information Systems, Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey

'Ryszard Praszkier not only inspires us to achieve the impossible, but provides us with a social and biological understanding of how unconventional systemic breakthroughs happen. A must-read for all current and future social entrepreneurs to inoculate themselves against that inevitable response of 'It will never work!' from their peers, family, colleagues, and competitors.' Orit Gal, Senior Lecturer for Strategy and Complexity, Regent's University London

'Ryszard Praszkier's latest book illuminates how each of us can build a better world and positively realize our possibilities. With compelling case studies of real-life entrepreneurs solving problems with systems thinking and sharing insights about our brains via neuroscience, this easy-to-read guide provides on-ramps to improving society and crafting long-lasting solutions.' R. Paul Herman, CEO and founder, HIP Investor Ratings and Portfolios, USA

From the Publisher