In Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, Stanley and Lehman challenge the idea that ambitious goals are the best path to success. Through research and surprising examples, they show that many of the most important breakthroughs emerge not from rigid planning, but from curiosity-driven exploration. By shifting focus from fixed outcomes to continual learning and adaptability, the authors reveal how progress often unfolds indirectly—and why embracing uncertainty can lead to more meaningful, innovative results.