I'm not quite sure how to classify Malcolm Gladwell's books - business, sociology, self-improvement? - but they definitely make for interesting reading.
This book deals with success, or rather the contributing factors to success. In a way, he demystifies the concept of sheer outstanding talent, and highlights instead the importance of opportunities, circumstances and even family background.
What I found interesting was his acknowledgement that certain races (Chinese, Jewish) are more successful in specific industries or activities, but that it has nothing to do with genes. Instead, it is the result of cultural traits shaped by such things as geography and history.
I found it relevant to support the current industrial need for capability development, especially the 10,000 hour rule (the minimum amount of time you need to spend practising something to become an expert in that area). Assuming it's your full time job, at 40 hours a week, that'll amount to almost 5 solid years before becoming a specialist.
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