The first book I read by this author was “Outliers: The
Story of Success." This was an intriguing book that described how
successful people like Bill Gates, the Beetles and others became truly great at
what they do. Essentially, Gladwell demonstrates through stories that it
is the practices and time spent in their lives and background. It is the
environment and opportunities they have used to propel their excellence.
But, it is also the hard work and self-determination that makes them
great. Gladwell shares with us that these people practiced over 10,000
times. Practice really does make perfect, but then we'd have to change
the saying, practice makes successful!
The second book I read from this individual
was "Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking."
This book describes how we make decisions and how often times it is the
gut, fast decisions that are more right than the slower methodical decisions.
His discussion is good, and valid in some instances, but I don't think I
will begin to make decisions by shooting from the hip anytime soon!
I've also read “David &Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits,
and the Art of Battling Giants,” by Malcolm Gladwell. This book
discusses how the story of David and Goliath is often realized in our lives
when we face obstacles. Gladwell demonstrates that might often is defeated
because the greater loses the perspective for themselves, as well as the
legitimacy in others eyes to conquer the opposing force. The author discusses
this concept when challenging educational beliefs that smaller class size is better
or the ivory league will be the best for a student. These are not always
confirmed in our lives. He covers the struggle between criminals,
crime, jail and the justice system. Even girls basketball teaches us
lessons. Gladwell discussed the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin
Luther King and his various associates. He presented us the history about a
lone doctor slogging through the deaths of almost 99% of deaths in children a
few decades ago, when we came face to face with leukemia. This
doctor through his efforts persisted until chemotherapy was born.
Considering recent events, I wonder what this author
would have to say about our current election cycle?
I've enjoyed and gleaned some great insights from all
three books. I recommend them highly. Just wish Gladwell would
write something new!
