"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