Many years ago, when I was an aspiring reader more than an actual reader, I picked up Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I attempted, but for whatever reason, I failed to finish. I have always remembered it positively though. Recently, it was recommended by a friend, so I decided that it was time that I finished what I had started.
Everyone knows someone or has seen someone who is gifted. Often enough, those people are successful too. However, the genius doesn’t always match the success. Gladwell decided that he wanted to look into the “outliers” of the world—the especially gifted—to see if he could learn something about success. And he did.
He discovered that no matter how gifted you are, success always comes from a unique opportunity. Of course, hard work is a requirement (true expertise comes at 10,000 hours), but that is not enough for you to be successful. Even having the right genes isn’t enough. Opportunities come from various factors. For example, three of the most successful technology billionaires were born in a five year timespan. Consequently, they had a unique opportunity to get to 10,000 hours on the computer before it was popular.
As a Christian, this reminds me of 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB), “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” What do you have that you have not received? It is important to do the hard work and be ready for the opportunity, but ultimately, all good things are gifts from God.
I enjoyed Outliers. I am giving it a 3.5/5. It was a reminder of a truth that I know has been good to me, but not so good to others. I was reminded to be thankful for my opportunities and to have mercy on those who have not had the same.