Books like Where Good Ideas Come From

Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson reads as curious, optimistic. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Messy

Tim Harford · 2016

Both explore creativity & innovation

60% genome match

The Checklist Manifesto

Atul Gawande · 2009

Same nonfiction feel

56% genome match

Mastery

Robert Greene · 2012

Both explore creativity

51% genome match

Lateral thinking: creativity step by step

Edward de Bono · 1970

Both explore creativity & innovation

52% genome match

Alchemy

Rory Sutherland · 2019

Both explore innovation

53% genome match

Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman · 1995

Same nonfiction feel

48% genome match

Originals

Adam Grant · 2016

Both explore creativity & innovation

52% genome match

The Element

Ken Robinson · 2008

Both explore creativity

51% genome match

The evolution of useful things

Henry Petroski · 1992

Both explore innovation

52% genome match

Moonwalking with Einstein

Joshua Foer · 2011

Same nonfiction feel

47% genome match

The Millionaire Next Door

Thomas J. Stanley · 1996

Same self-help feel

45% genome match

The Power of Moments

Chip Heath · 2017

Same self-help feel

55% genome match