Comments on: Read–Outliers http://bonniewillimott.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/read-outliers/ miscellaneous ramblings Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:52:56 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Evan O http://bonniewillimott.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/read-outliers/#comment-332 Evan O Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:52:56 +0000 http://bonniewillimott.wordpress.com/?p=1038#comment-332 I agree with your point on Gladwell’s leaning towards nurture over nature as the major determinate of our success (or lack thereof). I also agree that his definition of success is not very clear. However, what I find so interesting about his work (from Tipping Point, to Blink, to Outliers) is his ability to make information and research from the realm of Social Psychology so palpable for the everyman (Social Psych is inherently focused on the influence of society and "nurture" in peoples lives). Ultimately natural talents and interests (e.g. nature) combined with the opportunities provided by culture, enable people to make a series of compounding decisions that leads one to create a life that, ideally, is driven by ones passions. I agree with your point on Gladwell’s leaning towards nurture over nature as the major determinate of our success (or lack thereof). I also agree that his definition of success is not very clear. However, what I find so interesting about his work (from Tipping Point, to Blink, to Outliers) is his ability to make information and research from the realm of Social Psychology so palpable for the everyman (Social Psych is inherently focused on the influence of society and “nurture” in peoples lives).

Ultimately natural talents and interests (e.g. nature) combined with the opportunities provided by culture, enable people to make a series of compounding decisions that leads one to create a life that, ideally, is driven by ones passions.

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