Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Cognitive Surplus summary
Brief summary
Cognitive Surplus explores how new technologies, such as the internet and social media, have given people the means to collaborate and contribute on a massive scale. It offers insights into harnessing our collective intelligence for positive social change.
Topics
Table of Contents
Cognitive Surplus
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Cognitive Surplus
In Cognitive Surplus, Clay Shirky explores the concept of cognitive surplus, the idea that the free time and talents of the world's population can be harnessed for the greater good. He begins by contrasting the post-World War II era, where people spent their leisure time watching television, with the present, where they are using their free time to create and share content on the internet.
Shirky argues that the rise of the internet and social media has unlocked a vast amount of cognitive surplus, which was previously untapped. He illustrates this with examples of how people are using their free time to create and share content, such as Wikipedia, open-source software, and citizen journalism.
The Power of Collaboration
Shirky then delves into the power of collaboration, explaining how the internet has made it easier for people to come together and work towards a common goal. He uses the example of LOLcats, a popular internet meme, to demonstrate how people are using their cognitive surplus to create and share content for fun and entertainment.
He also discusses the success of collaborative projects like Linux and Wikipedia, which have been built and maintained by volunteers. Shirky argues that these projects are successful because they tap into people's intrinsic motivation to contribute and collaborate, rather than relying on monetary incentives.
From Consumer to Creator
Shirky then explores the shift from a culture of passive consumption to one of active participation. He argues that the internet has empowered people to become creators and producers of content, rather than just consumers. This shift, he believes, has the potential to transform society by enabling people to share their knowledge and skills with a global audience.
He also discusses the implications of this shift for traditional media and businesses, arguing that they need to adapt to the new reality of user-generated content and collaborative production. He suggests that they can do this by embracing openness, participation, and sharing, rather than trying to control and restrict the flow of information.
Harnessing the Cognitive Surplus
In the final part of the book, Shirky discusses how we can harness the cognitive surplus for social good. He argues that we need to create platforms and tools that enable people to collaborate and contribute their time and talents towards solving important societal problems.
He uses the example of Ushahidi, a platform that allows people to report and map incidents of violence, to illustrate how technology can be used to harness the cognitive surplus for social and political change. He also discusses the potential of crowdsourcing and crowdfunding to address social and environmental challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cognitive Surplus is a thought-provoking exploration of the potential of the internet to unlock the collective intelligence and creativity of humanity. Shirky argues that we are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity, where we have the tools and the means to harness our cognitive surplus for the greater good. He encourages us to embrace this opportunity and work together to create a better, more collaborative, and more participatory world.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Cognitive Surplus about?
Cognitive Surplus explores the potential of the internet and social media to harness the collective intelligence and creativity of millions of people. Author Clay Shirky argues that we have a vast amount of untapped cognitive surplus, and if we can channel it effectively, we can solve some of the world's most pressing problems and create meaningful change.
Cognitive Surplus Review
Cognitive Surplus (2010) by Clay Shirky is a thought-provoking exploration of how technology and social media are reshaping society. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It presents compelling examples that demonstrate how individuals are using their free time and collaborative efforts to create meaningful contributions to society.
- By examining the concept of cognitive surplus and how it can be harnessed, the book offers a fresh perspective on the potential for positive change in the digital age.
- Written in accessible language with a clear structure, this book avoids technical jargon and keeps the reader engaged throughout, ensuring it is far from a dry read.
Who should read Cognitive Surplus?
- Individuals interested in understanding the impact of digital technologies on society
- Professionals in the fields of marketing, media, or technology
- Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking insights on harnessing collective creativity
Categories with Cognitive Surplus
Book summaries like Cognitive Surplus
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Cognitive Surplus FAQs
What is the main message of Cognitive Surplus?
The main message of Cognitive Surplus is that we have the potential to use our free time and technology to create meaningful and collaborative projects.
How long does it take to read Cognitive Surplus?
The reading time for Cognitive Surplus varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Cognitive Surplus a good book? Is it worth reading?
Cognitive Surplus is worth reading as it highlights the power of collective action in the digital age, inspiring us to harness our free time for creative and productive endeavors.
Who is the author of Cognitive Surplus?
The author of Cognitive Surplus is Clay Shirky.
What to read after Cognitive Surplus?
If you're wondering what to read next after Cognitive Surplus, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly