A former presidential speechwriter for Bill Clinton explores the hidden power of analogy to fuel thought connect ideas spark innovation and shape outcomes. From the meatpacking plants that inspired Henry Ford’s first moving assembly line to the domino theory that led America into Vietnam to the “bicycle for the mind” that Steve Jobs envisioned as the Macintosh computer analogies have played a dynamic role in shaping the world around us—and still do today. Analogies are far more complex than their SAT stereotype and lie at the very core of human cognition and creativity. Once we become aware of this we start seeing them everywhere—in ads apps political debates legal arguments logos and euphemisms to name just a few. At their very best analogies inspire new ways of thinking enable invention and motivate people to action. Unfortunately not every analogy that rings true is true. That’s why at their worst analogies can deceive manipulate or mislead us into disaster. The challenge? Spotting the difference before it’s too late. Rich with engaging stories surprising examples and a practical method to evaluate the truth or effectiveness of any analogy Shortcut will improve critical thinking enhance creativity and offer readers a fresh approach to resolving some of today’s most intractable challenges.
