'Masterful' - Adam Grant, bestselling author of Think Again
'Wonderful' - Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit

How to do more with less and use limits to stimulate creativity, innovation and collaboration, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Range.

We live in a world that reveres limitless possibilities. We are told to keep our options open and to 'think outside the box'. But what if this is wrong? In Inside the Box, award-winning author David Epstein reveals why we need less freedom, not more.

Dr Seuss revolutionized children's literature after accepting a bet to write a book using just fifty words. General Magic - a startup with unlimited resources and talent - failed spectacularly, while the bestselling solo piano album of all time was performed on a substandard instrument with sticky keys. The invention of the periodic table wasn't down to a spark of genius, but a simple deadline for a publisher's textbook.

The common element in all these examples is the same: constraints do not check our creativity - they provide the impetus we need to harness it. Weaving together gripping storytelling and cognitive science, Inside the Box shows how the secret to expanding our human potential isn't finding more options - it's choosing the right limits. Whether you are building a business, looking for a creative spark or simply navigating the dizziness of modern life, this is a captivating guide to thriving in a fast-moving world.

This is an essential read to become the most creative, productive and satisfied version of yourself.

'David Epstein's first two books - The Sports Gene and Range - were brilliant, but Inside the Box is his best . . . I won't think about my own work the same way ever again' - Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author of Outliers and The Tipping Point

A groundbreaking exploration of how limits can unlock creativity and drive innovation from New York Times bestselling author David Epstein

About the Author
David Epstein is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Sports Gene and Range. He has previously worked as a science and investigative reporter for ProPublica, and as a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. David has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism, and is an avid runner. Inside the Box is his third book.

Reviews
David Epstein's first two books - The Sports Gene and Range - were brilliant, but Inside the Box is his best. Epstein takes a simple but counterintuitive idea - that creativity requires constraints - and brings it alive through a fascinating series of stories. I won't think about my own work the same way ever again -- Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author of Outliers and The Tipping Point
It's a joy to spend hours in the company of a writer as gifted as David Epstein -- Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet
A masterful case that limits are what set us free. Epstein is one of the best science writers on the planet, and he shows how smart boundaries can unblock insight, unleash creativity and unlock potential -- Adam Grant, bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again
David Epstein is one of my favorite writers, and Inside the Box is my favorite of his books - wonderfully personal, blessedly practical, full of stories I found myself retelling. A gift for anyone who, like me, needs to be reminded that less can be more -- Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit
Creativity comes from limits, not excess. This book explains what I've spent years trying to teach cooks: how to make something delicious out of nothing -- David Chang, chef and founder of Momofuku
[A] counterintuitive and groundbreaking exploration . . . Through captivating case studies, Epstein reveals the transformative power of obstacles. It's a game-changer -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A goldmine of surprising insights. Makes you smarter with every page -- James Clear, bestselling author of Atomic Habits, on Range



Book Information
ISBN 9781035031757
Author David Epstein
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Macmillan Business
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 498g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 163mm * 28mm