In an era of credit hounds in which men and women unabashedly point to self as the origination of their accomplishment, Malcolm Gladwell‘s “Outliers” unmasks the formerly well know secret to success in America: hard work and good timing.
Gladwell, well-known writer for the New Yorker and Bill Simmons‘ website, Grantland, has written what is a nice snapshot of the inner workings of American individual prosperity in the last century. With intricate research into the lives of men such as Bill Gates, Bill Joy, Christopher Langan, and Joe Flom, Gladwell successfully highlights the effect of hard work and blessed timing.
I like this book. I think that Gladwell’s method of thinking when applied to each of our lives can reveal strengths and shortcomings in our quest to ultimately fulfill our God given potential.
In the grand scheme of things, the timing of the birth of a man is God’s choice. The choice to work hard is man’s. When united together, potential can become a thing of the past and success a thing of the present.
A river is the sum total of the streams that flow therein. Such is the life of a man. Humility realizes this. Unfortunately, America does not at this point include humility in her repertoire.
Past generations gave credit where credit was due. There was an appreciation for heritage. Touchdowns were followed with recognition of team accomplishment. I fear that as a country, we have become a giant end zone dance celebration of self.
“Outliers” was a refreshing reminder of what America can be. Hard work, thankfulness, and God’s timing can get us there again. The choice is up to us. Will we be another extraordinary nation that has fallen or will we be the outlier?
Great book review, my friend.
Thanks for the kind words!