These questions originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.
Answers by Adam Grant, Wharton professor, New York Times writer, author of Give and Take and Originals, on Quora.
A: It's hard to know with anything approaching certainty, since I don't have the counterfactual-- I have always been a white male. But after reading extensive research and speaking with many women and minorities about their experiences, I feel confident saying the following: It has made everything I've ever done, or tried to do, easier. I have never had to deal with being sexually harassed or seen as too bossy; I have never been the target of racial slurs or prejudice based on the color of my skin. I have never had to prove that in spite of my gender or race, I am every bit as capable as others.
On this topic, Nell Scovell shared a brilliant article with me. I think it should be required reading for everyone who lives on Earth, and it's just as applicable to gender as race:
...
A: Wonderful question. I think the greatest originals break free from mentors earlier than their peers, because they're itching to start pursuing their own ideas and worried about doing derivative work. But I couldn't find any supporting evidence.
...
A: Reb Rebele coined a great phrase for this: be fast to start but slow to finish. Begin a task early, but delay completing it so you have time for incubation and space for divergent thinking.
...
Q: In an interview you said that originals are more likely to practice magic. Why do you think that is?
A: Nobel-Prize winning scientists are twenty-two times more likely than their peers to perform as actors, dancers, or magicians. Why? I think part of the story is that scientific breakthroughs and performances require some common skills: focused attention, curiosity, and a desire to have an impact on an audience. For magic in particular, I think it's the draw to the element of surprise, which also helps with making new scientific discoveries.
- Gender: Do you believe that a portion of someone's irritation with a "bossy" female stems from unconsciously assigning a lower status due to gender?
- Hobbies: How important are artistic hobbies to adults and children? Why are they important?
- Originality: How do your ideas about original people and non-conformists apply to me?