Outliers, a book by Malcolm Gladwell, is centered on one statement which, while an opinion, is stated as fact. That no star can truly go from "Rags to riches" By themselves. No one can make it just with raw talent. That is all relies on there surroundings, where they came from, and their cultural background. Gladwell has chapters on each of these things.
At some level I agree with this. A musician needs to be able to afford a teacher and an instrument. Young adults need time to develop their skills, and a supporting family. One can't start with literally nothing and make it big. . Gladwell presents an interesting argument with lot's of supporting facts and interesting details. He has an "10,000" hour practice theory that is quite fascinating.
Yet I don't believe some of it. In Social Studies we're learning about Carnegie and Rockefeller, people who Gladwell would claim, made their fortunes because of the year they were born. But in these two, I see self made men. People who define the "Rags to Riches" motto. Sure they had things going for them, but that doesn't mean that they didn't play a large part in shaping their own destiny.
While Gladwell makes some good points, he should stop presenting his opinion as fact. Maybe he should consider that people cling to the Rags to Riches saying because it inspires. His book almost seems like a dream crusher to me.
you have a very good point peter
ReplyDeletei like how u have another blog and the title of it is an opostraphie ( ' )
ReplyDeletei like how you look at both sides of the arguement. Like, you sympathize with the authors opinion, but you also form your own opinion. I think this is slightly more of a book critic, than a book response, but even so, you do make some good points.
ReplyDeleteDear Peter Diller
ReplyDeleteI like your blog title. And I read your blog. Its pretty good. I like how you include social studies. personal experinece.
-Tasmina
Peter I really liked how you didn't just stay on one side of the argument but showed how the other side would make sense to. Unlike some other blog posts I have read this one really helped me see both sides.
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