Subtract

The Untapped Science of Less

By: Leidy Klotz

Narrated by: Leidy Klotz, Robert Petkoff

This program includes an introduction and epilogue read by the author.

Blending evidence across science and design, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less offers a revolution in problem-solving: proving why we overlook subtraction, and how we can access its true potential

We pile on “to-dos” but don’t consider “stop-doings.” We create incentives for good behavior, but don’t get rid of obstacles to it. We collect new-and-improved ideas, but don’t prune the outdated ones. Every day, across challenges big and small, we neglect a basic way to make things better: we don’t subtract.

Leidy Klotz’s pioneering research shows why. Whether we’re building Lego models or cities, grilled-cheese sandwiches or strategic plans, our minds tend to add before taking away. Even when we do think of it, subtraction can be harder to pull off because an array of biological, cultural, and economic forces push us towards more. But we have a choice—our blind spot need not go on taking its toll on our cities, our institutions, and our minds. By diagnosing our neglect of subtraction, we can treat it.

Subtract will change how you change your world. In these pages you’ll meet subtracting exemplars: design geniuses, Nobel Prize-winners, rock-stars, and everyday heroes, who have subtracted to dismantle racism, advance knowledge, heal the planet, and even tell better jokes. These and more guiding lights show how we can revolutionize not just our day-to-day lives, but our collective legacy. A paradigm shift of a book, Subtract shows us how to find more of the options we’ve been missing—and empowers us to pursue them.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

“This is a captivating, perceptive read on one of the most basic mistakes that we make in the pursuit of success and happiness...If the defining word of your life is ‘more,’ you need to read this book.”--Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Originals, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife

All Time Classic

WOW 👌. I like books or Authors who use facts to back statements so it's objective material. This book so far uses the scientific method through his proposed thoughts and backs it with both qualitative and quantitative studies. Also I dare say possible mixed method! It is eye opening especially the part about stress and anxiety contributing to hoarding or clutter accumulation. Use of Lorax, Marie Condo, and other socially recognized persona aides in the connection felt to the material presented. Further more one of my favorite saying Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ♻️ he proposes the 1st step to be Remove! I strongly 💪 agree 💯!! I am sipping his Cool 😎 Aide 🤣🤓. This is a new favorite and should be an all time classic!

Amazing What We Learn from Subtracting

As our houses collect more things and our “To Do” lists get longer do we stop and think to subtract? Leidy makes us stop and think that the solution may sometimes be easier by subtracting than adding to our lives.

Gold!!!

Needed this introduction to the practice of subtracting. This has helped me increase my productivity tremendously.

Transformational!!!

The power of less, of substraction and stop doings. This is a great tool to add to your toolbox, and help you eliminate some of the other clutter!!!

fine, but just fine

not a lot there beyond some examples of subtraction. no real actionable advice beyond the message you get from the title.