I first heard of Peter Block from his 1981 book, Flawless Consulting. His later 2003 The Answer to How Is Yes is a book about finding meaning - here he challenges the obsession with technical solutions, processes, and step-by-step plans as a way to avoid personal responsibility and meaningful action.
He argues that people often ask “how?” as a defence mechanism - seeking certainty, expert validation, or a foolproof plan - rather than committing to what truly matters. Block advocates for shifting the focus from “how do I do this?” to “what am I willing to commit to?” emphasising personal agency, ownership, and purpose-driven action.
The book aligns strongly with the concept of high agency. Block’s thesis suggests that those who take ownership of their goals and act despite uncertainty — rather than waiting for permission, perfect conditions, or external validation — are the ones who create real change.
In that sense, his book promotes high agency thinking by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their choices rather than outsourcing them to systems, structures, or experts.
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