How the Paper Fish Learned to Swim: A Fable About Inspiring Creativity And Bringing New Ideas to Life

by Jonathon A. Flaum

Illustrations by Raina Bays In a remote fishing village in Japan, Daishinji the origami master creates a beautiful fish from one flat sheet of paper. But the fish says she is lonely, so the master creates a whole paper world for her -- ocean, seaweed, an octopus, and many other creatures. Still, the paper fish begs to be set free in a real ocean, to know the feel of water and understand the mysteries of the deep. Reluctantly, Daishinji sets her creation free, even though she is sure that the paper fish will be destroyed and that "imaginary things must stay in imaginary places." But amazingly (even if briefly) the fish becomes real, and a part of something much bigger than Daishinji could ever have imagined, proving that great ideas outgrow their creators and take on lives of their own. How the Paper Fish Learned to Swim presents the fable as a springboard to unlocking creativity and innovation in the workplace. The story is followed by an outline for a practical process for encouraging and harnessing ideas, and the book also includes questions and discussion points. As beautifully illustrated as it is gracefully told, this book is both an enveloping read and a powerful workplace tool.

146 pages, Hardcover

First published June 29, 1905

Reviews

[Ravi Prakash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast-read book. Half of it is just used in writing a beautiful fable. The message of the fable is to let go your creativity for its greater benefits. Later the book is stretched in giving sermons on managerial task. If you are a CEO/Manager in any MNC, this book can help you.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

An origami master in a remote Japanese fishing village creates designs so true to life that they could be real. From one such creation, a fish, the master learns an important lesson. The origami fish decides that he wants to be set free into the ocean with the other sea creatures. At first, the master is afraid for her creation, it will be destroyed as soon as it hits the water. Finally, she trusts her creation and is utterly surprised at the result.

This analogy fits perfectly with ideas in the workplace. Often, we have these really great ideas but we never speak up. When we do actually put work into a actually creating an idea we never fully commit to the process and trust our vision.

How the Paper Fish Learned to Swim is insightful and inspiring book for business. I particularly liked that each section was divided into In Principle and In Practice sub-sections that connect each idea with actual ways to use them in business. Some of the chapters also include The Case which gave a case study example of the principle in usage.

[Jeannie Mancini]

Small Business Creativity

I have literally been bed ridden for the past few days with an arthritis flare up in my knees. Horrific stuff. However one can only sleep so much. Armed with ibuprofen and ice packs, I grabbed a book that I snagged at work a couple of weeks ago titled "How the Paper Fish Learned To Swim: A Fable About Inspiring Creativity and Bringing New Ideas To Life by Johnathon Flaum.

Based on a Japanese fable about a female origami master, this is a sensational book on how to encourage creativity, ownership, and team work, within a small business environment. This book teaches managers to foster creative ideas from their staff and by doing so allowing fresh new concepts to solve a variety of company problems from big to small. The book is short and sweet and to the point. I read it in an hour and found it to be an excellent example of how creative thinking from inspired minds can make the world of difference when trying to either build a new business, keep an existing business continually exciting, or to resurrect a dying company doomed to take its last gasp.

5 stars!

[Jitendra Mulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first half of the book, the author has narrated a small and simple story. And in the second half of the book, author have explained what to learn from that story and how to implement it in practicality, as specifically as a manager (could be anyone managing anything). Though some points are repeatedly highlighted with multiple scenarios, it’s a good read.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily one of the most insightful and inspiring books I've laid hands on.

[Michal Stransky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice view how to work with best asset companies has - not the people resources (as common management teach) - but team mind