“Surrounded by Idiots” Book Review: Insights by Thomas Erikson

by Reuben Chircop

I admit that when I first saw the title of this book in the bookstore, my initial thoughts were, “Oh, how arrogant to think that people around you are idiots.” Consequently, I decided not to purchase the book. However, after a couple of months, someone highly recommended it to me. Intrigued, I briefly skimmed through its contents and made the decision to make the purchase.

It sat on my bookshelf for some time, amidst other books, until the right moment arrived. I picked it up, placed a personal bookmark, and started reading. Instantly, the book became captivating, and I found it difficult to put down.

In the meantime, I had already recommended the book to a couple of other people, who read it before me and expressed their gratitude. So, in the pyramid scheme of recommendations, I extend my thanks to whoever suggested this book to me.

The book delves into deciphering human behavior—exploring why people act in certain ways and providing insights on how to navigate those behaviors. To put it simply, I view it as a universal translator, enabling us to understand and effectively interact with others. Some may argue that it has manipulative undertones, but I prefer to see it as fostering harmonious collaboration and efficient work dynamics, rather than reducing conflicts to satisfy individualistic desires.

In my opinion, this book should eventually have a version tailored for children. It would be a valuable addition to educational curricula. It is a compelling read for anyone involved in working with people, from senior managers to non-managers. It enlightens readers and equips them with new skills to effectively engage with diverse individuals.

Did you like this post? share it with others, spread the word.