Outliers: The Story of Success

"Fascinating...a firm rebuke to the cult of the "self-made man". With clear, logical prose, Gladwell demonstrates how such high achievers as Bill Gates, Robert Oppenheimer, the Beatles, and members of his own family owe their successes as much to lucky circumstances as to innate qualities of intelligence or character. What is most revealing is the chapters on those who did NOT have great success in life, despite high intelligence and motivation. Gladwell ruefully concludes that much native talent is squandered because of societal factors that could be easily remedied. While his theories on the role played by cultural heritage will make many uncomfortable, Gladwell takes pains to state that no one culture is superior or inferior overall, but that traits developed in the descendants of rice growers versus those in sheep herders have longer term consequences than we might suppose. He never suggests that cultural heritage is destiny, but that it is a powerful factor which can not be ignored."

"Read this sophomore yr of highschool for my english class; it was interesting and had many different points. Although it’s mainly based on luck and other factors that aren’t changeable."

"Good food for thought..."

"Outliers is a fun read, but in terms of a major thesis... it pretty much comes down to "Really successful people have to be smart and motivated and all, but a huge component of success is luck and the environment in which you grew up and are currently operating in." There are a bunch of in-depth analyses of successful people, from Bill Joy and Bill Gates to owners of successful law firms in New York. A fun read, but I didn't really get much out of it."

"Had to read for a seminar. Pop psychology, junk science, not impressed."

"One of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. My outlook on success will forever be altered."

"I enjoyed the unique view of the world and of successful people that this book offered. It will color my view of myself and my efforts from here on out."

"great read"

"Facts that help change one's perspective on success in the real world "

"3.5 stars. So interesting in parts (especially enjoyed the hockey, plane crash, and KIPP charter school chapters), and in others I thought he was stretching it a bit to make his point."