Subtract

The Untapped Science of Less

By: Leidy Klotz

Narrated by: Leidy Klotz, Robert Petkoff

Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

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 We collect new-and-improved ideas, but don’t prune the outdated ones.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 toward 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)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Leidy Klotz (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

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!

Gold!!!

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

Too much

I really like the concept, but he could have said everything in 1/4 of the pages. Same information over and over.

This book blew my mind

This was one of the most interesting books that I’ve read in quite some time. Klotz is a professor who one day noticed our tendency to add when we want to make something better. He shares the story about how when he noticed this, he started doing a bunch of research to see if it’s true, and it was. When someone wants to improve a structure, they typically add something. If we want to improve something we’re writing, we usually add to it. In this book, Klotz uses his research to present strong arguments about how we should get in the habit of thinking about how subtraction can and should be our go-to. After laying out the research and his arguments, he then dives into some real-world issues we face due to our need for adding and abundance such climate change as well as our mental health. There are books out there about the benefits of minimalism, but this book is something different and totally unique. As I read it, I just kept saying to myself, “How have I never noticed this?!” So, get this book, and change the way you tackle problems.

subtract

I was interested in the beginning. Then it just became an onslaught of the same thing over and over again. subtract subtract subtract. I was hoping that it would give you some constructive ways to subtract from everyday life, but was just a bunch of case studies and Ezra.

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.

Good advice but not earth shattering

I’ll a big fan of subtracting as a concept. Would have liked a little more tangible advice got making it happen, convincing others.

Could have been a podcast

While there are some interesting concepts explored in this book; it drags on and, at times, violates the very principle the book espouses.

Worth the length to drive the point home

Contains many anecdotes to hammer home the many permutations of the core idea that things don’t always need to become bigger or more complex to become better. If you ever design things (and that’s a pretty broad qualification), the concepts in this book, if taken to heart, may make your job easier, and you, better at it.