The Art of Insubordination by Todd B. Kashdan Summary
Overview of The Art of Insubordination
In "The Art of Insubordination," psychologist Todd Kashdan reveals how principled rebellion drives innovation and social change. Featured in The New York Times and embraced by Microsoft and the Pentagon - could your next act of constructive defiance transform your world?
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Key takeaways
When the Rule-Breakers Are Actually Right
What if the people we dismiss as troublemakers are actually our best hope for progress? In 1854, Elizabeth Jennings boarded a New York City streetcar and refused to leave when ordered off because of her race. The confrontation turned violent-she was physically thrown from the vehicle and injured. Most would have accepted this injustice as unchangeable reality. Instead, Jennings sued, won her case with help from a young lawyer named Chester Arthur (yes, the future U.S. president), and changed transportation policy to give Black people equal access. Her forgotten act of defiance illustrates a profound truth: the rebels we resist today often become the heroes we celebrate tomorrow. Yet we continue punishing non-conformists even when they're demonstrably correct. Consider NBA players who sacrifice millions in earnings rather than shoot free throws underhand-a technique proven to work. Rick Barry achieved a 90% success rate using the "granny shot," yet players reject it because it looks "sissy." Even Wilt Chamberlain abandoned the method that improved his percentage from 38% to 61% because he "felt silly." We're so terrified of social judgment that we'll sabotage our own success to avoid standing out.
The Invisible Forces Keeping Us in Line
How Dissent Transforms Everyone
The Secret Weapons of Effective Rebels
Building Your Rebellion Squad
Staying Sane While Breaking Rules
The Rebel's Ultimate Challenge: Winning Without Becoming the Oppressor
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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