I remember as a kid in school being told by teachers to think harder and having no idea what to
do. This book solves that once and for all. We now have a guide for people of all ages to learn
how to think more effectively. I highly recommend this book.--Jack Canfield cocreator of the
New York Times best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series and The Success Principles
Think...fail...question...understand...change...learn: in their powerful new book Burger and
Starbird show students teachers and everyone else how to harness the genius of learning. The
5 Elements argues that the door to knowledge is not opened by a magical test. Instead the key
is for each of us to boldly embrace a willingness to fail while organizing persistent
approaches to thinking. Even more than helping one master content this book can lead to a
satisfying and rewarding life of the mind.--Dennis Van Roekel president of the National
Education Association The authors invoke Michael Jordan Warren Buffett and Winston Churchill
to illustrate practical approaches--including failing--to understanding creativity and
wisdom. Their observations apply to honing any skill from sports and school to leadership and
citizenship. Knowing how to listen and learn has become a rare art--The 5 Elements is a timely
tutorial.--Janet Brown executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates In this
compact and remarkable book two renowned professors share decades of teaching experience with
anyone--from students to business people--seeking advice on how to improve skills and expand
learning. It should be read studied and cherished--then reread.--Fay Vincent former
commissioner of Major League Baseball and former president of Columbia Pictures This book is
just what American education needs. It guarantees invention and discovery.--Barbara Morgan
former NASA Teacher in Space astronaut The 5 Elements is an enormously insightful examination
of what constitutes effective thinking. Everyone will find something of value in it.--Morton O.
Schapiro president of Northwestern University I highly recommend this book for instructors who
care more about their students than test scores for students who care more about learning than
their GPA for leaders of society and masters of the universe who care more about serving the
public good than increasing their profit margin and for artists who constantly remind us of
the human condition. The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking provides comfort in a world that has
lost its equilibrium.--Christopher J. Campisano director of Princeton University's Program in
Teacher Preparation Our brain is our greatest asset in life so it is a 'no brainer' that we
should invest some time learning how to use it effectively. In this concise and carefully
crafted book renowned professors Burger and Starbird demonstrate their talent for making
difficult concepts accessible. An average reader can peruse this book in only a few hours but
for many people those will be the best hours ever spent on a book. Highly recommended.--Brett
Walter president of the Homeschool Buyers Co-op Edward Burger and Michael Starbird became
renowned scholars and educators by demonstrating that mathematical expertise is within the
reach of the general population and not confined to those with the 'right' aptitude. With the
publication of this remarkably wise and useful book they extend their pedagogical principles
to the general realm of practical affairs and the entire range of academic endeavor. Regardless
of the reader's background The 5 Elements offers highly applicable and original lessons on how
to think.--John W. Chandler president emeritus of Hamilton College and Williams College So
this is how Newton stood on the shoulders of giants! Burger and Starbird outline the basic
methods of genius--so that ordinary people too can see further than others.--Robert W. Kustra
president of Boise State University [A] short and brilliant book with tips on being a better
thinker. . . . [I]nspiring.--Derek Silvers
