On April 23, the Irvine Book Club hosted Katherine Tsao at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center for a reading of “Think Again”. She opened with Fiddler on the Roof to explore bias, and used the “boiling frog” metaphor to spark lively, thoughtful discussion.
“Think Again” highlights the importance of rethinking and updating our views for growth and progress in a changing world.
Tsao emphasized Grant’s key message: “To know what you know and what you don’t—that’s true wisdom.” In today’s polarized, fast-paced world, people often jump to conclusions and miss chances to grow.
Grant, drawing on Daniel Kahneman, argues that real intelligence comes from recognizing and correcting our mistakes, not always being right. Tsao highlighted three common thinking traps: the preacher (trying to convince), the prosecutor (trying to win), and the politician (seeking approval).
Instead, Grant promotes empathetic, humble dialogue—“dancing with your enemies”—to foster trust and deeper conversations.
Laura Yen (Left) and Katherine Tsao
Tsao reflected on the book’s critique of traditional education, which often values status over curiosity. Questions like “What do you want to be?” can limit exploration.
Grant argues that interests grow over time and careers don’t have to follow one path. True education should build critical thinking, safety to question, and openness to change.
Tsao emphasized that rethinking should be a daily habit, not just for crises. Grant warns against tunnel vision and rigid goals. Using the “boiling frog” analogy, Tsao encouraged members to reassess their comfort zones.
The discussion deepened as members debated the accuracy of the metaphor, reflecting on how people truly respond to change.
Tsao closed by noting that we’re all still “frogs in a well,” limited by our own thinking. As Grant says, change is growth, not betrayal—and reflection is strength, not weakness.
Letting go of certainty opens the door to a wider world and a truer self.
Irvine Book Club President Laura Yen thanked Tsao for her insightful and creative presentation, especially the use of music to frame the discussion.
She praised the session for encouraging members to rethink with clarity, balance, and curiosity in today’s ever-changing world.
4/23/25 IBC Zoom "Think Again" by Laura Yen
Adam Grant – Profile
Adam Grant is a leading American science writer and professor of organizational psychology at Wharton. Born in Michigan in 1981, he was a former diver, basketball player, and professional magician.
Grant earned his bachelor's from Harvard and a master's and Ph.D. in psychology from Michigan. He joined Wharton in 2009 and became a tenured professor at 28. In 2023, Thinkers50 ranked him the world’s #2 management thinkers.