I’m not particularly interested in reviewing Malcolm Gladwell’s latest pop-sociology treatise, Outliers. Who needs another review when such outstanding writers as Stephen Kotkin, Michiko Kakutani, and our buddy Joel Spolsky have all weighed in?
Instead, I thought I might critique the critics.
In order to critique the critics, however, I will have to at least briefly review the book. So, here goes.
I read Outliers. It was a fun and insightful read. The author’s thesis is that innate talent isn’t sufficient to create success, but instead hard work and good fortune are also required. Gladwell points out and refutes two common misconceptions: that the gifted rise effortlessly to the top, and that if you aren’t the very best and brightest you have no chance of success.