As a free write, I would like to discuss a recent book that
my ENG 216, Persuasive Policy Writing course has just begun called Outliers, the Story of Success by
Malcolm Gladwell.
The book is very interesting in that it discusses the
various means in which there are different paths to reaching a point of
success. Gladwell talks about how there are means of success, some being born
into the right family, while others are simply rising into their careers at the
right times in history. The most interesting aspect about this though was the
success that was attained through those who followed the 10,000 hours rule.
This rule essentially claims that anybody who practices something for 10,000
hours will reach a level of success—something that I find admirable in that it
does not require your success to be tied to something that you cannot control,
like your birth.
As I continue on with the rest of the book, I will keep
updates on Gladwell’s commentary and different examples of success, but as of
right now, I think this man is on to something great.
Zachary, I'm glad to hear your reading Outliers as a required reading. It is definitely one of the best books out there with regards to understanding life, setting goals, and earning success. I've had this book come up in conversation too many times to count from valued mentors and colleagues. I hope you gain from it as much as I did. All the best.
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