logo

55 pages 1 hour read

Adam Grant

Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success

Adam GrantNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“The worst performers and the best performers are givers; takers and matchers are more likely to land in the middle.”


(Chapter 1, Page 6)

This statement encourages a nuanced interpretation of reciprocity styles and performance. It suggests that givers have the potential for both remarkable and lackluster performance, which is often influenced by factors such as setting boundaries and ensuring that their generosity is not taken for granted. It also implies that takers and matchers, by operating in a more moderate range, might not achieve extraordinary success but are less likely to face significant failures. In a broader context, this quote may serve as encouragement for givers. It underscores that giving does not inevitably lead to underperformance; instead, it can lead to remarkable achievements. For givers, setting clear boundaries, choosing the right giving contexts, and ensuring that their contributions are valued are essential factors in determining their performance outcomes.

Quotation Mark Icon

“As parents, we read our children books like The Giving Tree and emphasize the importance of sharing and caring. But we tend to compartmentalize giving, reserving a different set of values for the sphere of work. We may love Shel Silverstein for our kids, but the popularity of books like Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power—not to mention the fascination of many business gurus with Sun Tzu’s The Art of War—suggests that we don’t see much room for giver values in our professional lives.”


(Chapter 1, Page 21)

This quote reflects the complex relationship between personal values, societal norms, and professional conduct. This passage uses the term “compartmentalize” to suggest that people consciously or unconsciously adopt different sets of values and principles when navigating their personal and professional lives. It highlights that, despite teaching and cherishing the values of giving at home, people often approach their workplaces with different, perhaps more competitive, and self-focused principles.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 55 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools