Book summary - The Answer to How is Yes, by Peter Block (2003)
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. ...