Range
By David Epstein
- Release Date: 2019-05-28
- Genre: Psychology
Description
The #1 New York Times bestseller that has all America talking: as seen/heard on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, Morning Joe, CBS This Morning, The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rich Roll, and more.
“The most important business—and parenting—book of the year.” —Forbes
“Urgent and important. . . an essential read for bosses, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about improving performance.” —Daniel H. Pink
Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.
David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.
Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.
Reviews
I’m defense of a broad based education
5By Nathan El DooderinoEpstein does a great job of making the case for why we should try to build broad humans with diverse experiences vs automotons. Filled with lots of great anecdotes and examples I found myself frequently highlighting it throughout.Wonderful
5By JoanieColoradoThis book will change how you think about everything.Educational & Interesting
4By nonfiction L❤️VRThis was a very well written book. The ideas and opinions were backed by facts or research. The first half is super interesting, keeps your attention well. The last few chapters can be hard to follow with all the tech and engineering stuff. Again, I really enjoyed it and I’m glad I read it.Never made a point
1By pnc stinksMaybe the most boring book I’ve ever attempted to read. Took forever for the author to try to get to a point which frankly never arrived. I tried but I had to bail on the book. Goes to show you that heavily promoted books aren’t always good. That just spend more on marketing prior to launch.