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Outliers : The Story of Success (rejacke Paperback – 1 January 2009
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From the bestselling author of Blink and The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers: The Story of Success overturns conventional wisdom about genius to show us what makes an ordinary person an extreme overachiever.
Why do some people achieve so much more than others? Can they lie so far out of the ordinary?
In this provocative and inspiring book, Malcolm Gladwell looks at everyone from rock stars to professional athletes, software billionaires to scientific geniuses, to show that the story of success is far more surprising, and far more fascinating, than we could ever have imagined.
He reveals that it's as much about where we're from and what we do, as who we are - and that no one, not even a genius, ever makes it alone.
Outliers will change the way you think about your own life story, and about what makes us all unique.
'Gladwell is not only a brilliant storyteller; he can see what those stories tell us, the lessons they contain' Guardian
'Malcolm Gladwell is a global phenomenon ... he has a genius for making everything he writes seem like an impossible adventure' Observer
'He is the best kind of writer - the kind who makes you feel like you're a genius, rather than he's a genius' The Times
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPENGUIN UK
- Publication date1 January 2009
- Dimensions1.93 x 12.9 x 19.7 cm
- ISBN-109780141036250
- ISBN-13978-0141036250
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From the Publisher
Product description
Review
Malcolm Gladwell is a cerebral and jaunty writer, with an unusual gift for making the complex seem simple ― Observer
Makes geniuses look a bit less special, and the rest of us a bit more so ― Time
Gladwell deploys a wealth of fascinating data and information to illustrate his thesis ... Outliers challenges accepted wisdom ― FT
About the Author
Malcolm T. Gladwell, born on September 3, 1963 is an English-Canadian journalist, speaker and bestselling author of five books. He graduated with a degree in history from the University of Toronto in 1984. His books and articles often deal with the unforeseen implications of research in social sciences and often make use of extended academic work, especially in the fields of psychology, sociology and social psychology.
Product details
- ASIN : 0141036257
- Publisher : PENGUIN UK (1 January 2009); Penguin Press
- Language : English
- Paperback : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780141036250
- ISBN-13 : 978-0141036250
- Item Weight : 230 g
- Dimensions : 1.93 x 12.9 x 19.7 cm
- Net Quantity : 236 Grams
- Importer : Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
- Packer : Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
- Generic Name : Books
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #108 in Self-Help for Success
- #374 in Personal Transformation
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Malcolm Gladwell has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1996. He is the author of The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw. Prior to joining The New Yorker, he was a reporter at the Washington Post. Gladwell was born in England and grew up in rural Ontario. He now lives in New York.
Customer reviews
Customers say
Customers find the book interesting and meaningful. They appreciate the insightful case studies and analysis of people's success. The writing style is well-written and easy to understand. Readers praise the author's storytelling quality as brilliant. However, some find the book boring and monotonous after a couple of chapters.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a meaningful read that should be read by everyone. The language is simple and succinct, making it easy for readers to understand.
"The best book i can tell. And author explained very clearly" Read more
"Some of the facts shared were an eye opener. The book is a good read for all age groups. The author is articulate in putting forth his points." Read more
"Very interesting book with examples from sports, business...." Read more
"...Overall a great read and I would recommend this book." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and relatable. They appreciate the well-researched facts and accumulative advantage concept. The case studies are well-written and provide proof to support the points made in the book.
"Short and relatable stories with great analysis. Lives to the name." Read more
"...you grew and your child is growing have a subtle yet profound impact in your child’s success...." Read more
"Some of the facts shared were an eye opener. The book is a good read for all age groups. The author is articulate in putting forth his points." Read more
"...He explains how passion , hard working nature and being at the right place has created so many successful IT wizards...." Read more
Customers find the book's writing style engaging and well-written. They appreciate the author's clear articulation and simple language that makes reading easy. The book is structured in a way that allows the reader to digest the context easily.
"...His style of articulation makes reading so easy and it should be emulated by all authors" Read more
"The best book i can tell. And author explained very clearly" Read more
"...The book is a good read for all age groups. The author is articulate in putting forth his points." Read more
"...The language remains simple, succint and enables the reader to digest the context in a seamless manner, which is imperative for any work of non-..." Read more
Customers find the storytelling quality good. They appreciate the author's storytelling style and background information. Some find the stories inspiring and interesting, highlighting successful people and outliers. The content is described as engaging rather than a thriller, with simple language and short, legible stories. However, some readers feel the book starts off interesting but tends to become boring later on.
"Short and relatable stories with great analysis. Lives to the name." Read more
"...Absolutely enlightening to read this non-fiction with the perfect blend of storytelling...." Read more
"...In that sense, first part was truly engaging. This engagement was somewhere lacking in the second part...." Read more
"...Some contradictory points here and there . But some nice stories covered ." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it a good seller and say it's worth every penny.
"...Every part of it was exciting and worth buying" Read more
"...Value for money. Ignore this book at your peril :P" Read more
"...Some chapters have good content and value." Read more
"good buy. not in very good condition" Read more
Customers find the book boring and monotonous after a couple of chapters. They say it's a waste of time and not worth buying. Some customers mention that the quality is poor.
"...Insightful to a small extent but it's illogical and very tedious nonsense...." Read more
"...The second part of the book is just nonsense that is vaugelt related to the title but of no real use and worth i am disappointed with the part 2..." Read more
"...This book is full of old and very boring and long stories and I am very much disappointed about that...." Read more
"...However some events could be presented more succinctly. It got boring occasionally but overall a good read." Read more
Reviews with images
Outliers cannot be recommended enough
Top reviews from India
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in India on 18 August 2024Verified PurchaseThis is my 3rd Malcolm Gladwell book and I would recommend this to be ready by everyone. His style of articulation makes reading so easy and it should be emulated by all authors
- Reviewed in India on 23 July 2024Verified PurchaseShort and relatable stories with great analysis. Lives to the name.
- Reviewed in India on 27 August 2023Verified Purchase#Week19 #Book19
Outliers ….The Story of Success
By Malcolm Gladwell
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said “I am not a self made man” a statement that not only conveys gratitude from the man but also emphasizes the pivotal role of different people in different phases - Bodybuilding, Hollywood and Politics- of his accomplishing career, people who happened to be in Arnold’s life at the right time to provide him with exactly the kind of opportunities he had been looking for. Beyond doubt, he was focused, determined to make an impact and willing to put in efforts that it needed , but the fact that he went on to become the finest Bodybuilder of his time - Total 7 Mr. Olympia titles with 6 consecutively won, and that he had an illustrious Hollywood career and that he had been the most loved and one of the most successful US Governors of all time is not because of his determination, drive and diligence alone. Talent and Success work together only up to a point , but beyond that threshold success becomes largely a function of the environment a person grows in and the opportunities- People related, and circumstances related - he / she is presented with.
In a world 🌍where we pretend Success is exclusively a function of individual merit, Outliers provides a breathtakingly fresh perspective on Success.
It is a non-negotiable read for everyone :
🔗An aspiring teenager who is raring to start college and who seeks inspiration from his / her peers . What their success should really mean to him ? and exactly what should he/ she be inspired by ?
🔗A working professional who swears by his skills and thinks what has gotten him/her this far will take him further and
🔗Parents who want to do everything possible in their capacity for their child’s bright future. This book will pose a difficult question for them - Are they doing enough? And their quest for finding an answer will reveal what no amount of education can - Cumulative advantages and opportunities that are inherent in the culture you grew and your child is growing have a subtle yet profound impact in your child’s success.
Outliers is a compelling work that will positively alter your perspective on Success. From analyzing the lives of Geniuses, Iconic Businessmen and Cultural influences To analyzing Plane crashes, Asian’s supremacy on Mathematics and Importance of consistent efforts over quick fixes, Outliers will leave you convinced that we are not self made individuals; In fact Nobody is !
All of us - in that order - are
♐️ Products of the World 🌍 in which we grew up
♐️ Successful because of several opportunities -in terms of People, Situations and Life’s experiences- that we have had and will continue to have
♐️ Are aware about a clear relationship between efforts and rewards. That we have seen our efforts produce results and recognition in the right measure motivates us to work with persistence and doggedness.
Outliers cannot be recommended enough
#Week19 #Book19
Outliers ….The Story of Success
By Malcolm Gladwell
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said “I am not a self made man” a statement that not only conveys gratitude from the man but also emphasizes the pivotal role of different people in different phases - Bodybuilding, Hollywood and Politics- of his accomplishing career, people who happened to be in Arnold’s life at the right time to provide him with exactly the kind of opportunities he had been looking for. Beyond doubt, he was focused, determined to make an impact and willing to put in efforts that it needed , but the fact that he went on to become the finest Bodybuilder of his time - Total 7 Mr. Olympia titles with 6 consecutively won, and that he had an illustrious Hollywood career and that he had been the most loved and one of the most successful US Governors of all time is not because of his determination, drive and diligence alone. Talent and Success work together only up to a point , but beyond that threshold success becomes largely a function of the environment a person grows in and the opportunities- People related, and circumstances related - he / she is presented with.
In a world 🌍where we pretend Success is exclusively a function of individual merit, Outliers provides a breathtakingly fresh perspective on Success.
It is a non-negotiable read for everyone :
🔗An aspiring teenager who is raring to start college and who seeks inspiration from his / her peers . What their success should really mean to him ? and exactly what should he/ she be inspired by ?
🔗A working professional who swears by his skills and thinks what has gotten him/her this far will take him further and
🔗Parents who want to do everything possible in their capacity for their child’s bright future. This book will pose a difficult question for them - Are they doing enough? And their quest for finding an answer will reveal what no amount of education can - Cumulative advantages and opportunities that are inherent in the culture you grew and your child is growing have a subtle yet profound impact in your child’s success.
Outliers is a compelling work that will positively alter your perspective on Success. From analyzing the lives of Geniuses, Iconic Businessmen and Cultural influences To analyzing Plane crashes, Asian’s supremacy on Mathematics and Importance of consistent efforts over quick fixes, Outliers will leave you convinced that we are not self made individuals; In fact Nobody is !
All of us - in that order - are
♐️ Products of the World 🌍 in which we grew up
♐️ Successful because of several opportunities -in terms of People, Situations and Life’s experiences- that we have had and will continue to have
♐️ Are aware about a clear relationship between efforts and rewards. That we have seen our efforts produce results and recognition in the right measure motivates us to work with persistence and doggedness.
Outliers cannot be recommended enough
Images in this review - Reviewed in India on 29 March 2024Verified PurchaseThe best book i can tell. And author explained very clearly
- Reviewed in India on 26 March 2024Verified PurchaseSome of the facts shared were an eye opener. The book is a good read for all age groups. The author is articulate in putting forth his points.
- Reviewed in India on 12 June 2019Verified PurchaseVery interesting book with examples from sports, business. The author proves with examples the importance of being at the right time and getting right training to become successful. He explains how passion , hard working nature and being at the right place has created so many successful IT wizards. The impact of culture in shaping up behaviour was explained in a lucid way. Time trade offs for long term success Vs short-term happiness, ethos behind the Asian prowess in maths were logically explained. Overall the book will re-enforce some of the age old principles passion,hard work and chance for being successful.
- Reviewed in India on 6 December 2015Verified PurchaseThere seems to be a pattern with Gladwell's writing and a brilliant one too for sales or becoming the next 'bestseller' - Find an idea that already exists, coin an intriguing title, write and explain the idea with case studies. Though, the case studies seem well written, when it comes to proving the point, the author has cherry-picked stories that perfectly fit the situation.
This is the second book from Malcolm Gladwell that I've read after The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. After reading Outliers, I am not entirely sure if the three hours of my time were well spent because while I was reading, parts of it seemed very entertaining while in the back of my mind, I was wondering how true can these case studies be. Then I started my research on topics that were covered through the case studies. After spending more time on my research, I can easily say there are 'issues' to say the least. In fact I can point out and criticize the lack of research done with each case study, but I will just take one for now.
' The author talks about how 10,000 hours of practice in any field makes a person world class expert in that field by using Bill Gates and The Beatles personal stories implying success. The author writes in a way to prove this 10,000 hour rule proves with every successful individual on the planet. But on the contrary, academic journal published in July 2014 by Princeton University suggests otherwise saying becoming an expert takes more than practice - ' We conclude that deliberate practice is important, but not as important as has been argued.' Google '10,000 hours rule Princeton' for the article.
The biggest let down is the story lies upon one's luck, apparently being born at the right time and the right place happens to be a major criteria for success according to the author.
The conclusion is with the history of Gladwell's own Jamaican family and how its circumstances shaped him. How is that even relevant? Are we to consider Gladwell to be an outlier too?
It is absolutely discouraging for the less-privileged or the unlucky ones looking for inspiration through this book as Gladwell's core belief system defines luck (born at the right time, in the right place, with the right ethnic background, and the right social class) to the primary cause for success. Insightful to a small extent but it's illogical and very tedious nonsense.
Are there no un-lucky, less privileged people out there who happened to become world wide success stories? Answer that question yourself, but remember - where there is a will, there is a way.
3.0 out of 5 stars Outlier - Overhyped, Illogical and Tedious NonsenseThere seems to be a pattern with Gladwell's writing and a brilliant one too for sales or becoming the next 'bestseller' - Find an idea that already exists, coin an intriguing title, write and explain the idea with case studies. Though, the case studies seem well written, when it comes to proving the point, the author has cherry-picked stories that perfectly fit the situation.
Reviewed in India on 6 December 2015
This is the second book from Malcolm Gladwell that I've read after The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. After reading Outliers, I am not entirely sure if the three hours of my time were well spent because while I was reading, parts of it seemed very entertaining while in the back of my mind, I was wondering how true can these case studies be. Then I started my research on topics that were covered through the case studies. After spending more time on my research, I can easily say there are 'issues' to say the least. In fact I can point out and criticize the lack of research done with each case study, but I will just take one for now.
' The author talks about how 10,000 hours of practice in any field makes a person world class expert in that field by using Bill Gates and The Beatles personal stories implying success. The author writes in a way to prove this 10,000 hour rule proves with every successful individual on the planet. But on the contrary, academic journal published in July 2014 by Princeton University suggests otherwise saying becoming an expert takes more than practice - ' We conclude that deliberate practice is important, but not as important as has been argued.' Google '10,000 hours rule Princeton' for the article.
The biggest let down is the story lies upon one's luck, apparently being born at the right time and the right place happens to be a major criteria for success according to the author.
The conclusion is with the history of Gladwell's own Jamaican family and how its circumstances shaped him. How is that even relevant? Are we to consider Gladwell to be an outlier too?
It is absolutely discouraging for the less-privileged or the unlucky ones looking for inspiration through this book as Gladwell's core belief system defines luck (born at the right time, in the right place, with the right ethnic background, and the right social class) to the primary cause for success. Insightful to a small extent but it's illogical and very tedious nonsense.
Are there no un-lucky, less privileged people out there who happened to become world wide success stories? Answer that question yourself, but remember - where there is a will, there is a way.
Images in this review - Reviewed in India on 24 August 2024Verified PurchaseGood
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 August 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable and thought provoking read
Verified PurchaseThe book challenge your perception (or at least I can positively say it about mine) about what makes out of ordinary success, and why one person achieves it and others do not.
We often hear the stories of really successful/ influential/ famous people and how they "did it themselves " - and are under impression that their success is due to their talents and effords.
While talents and effords have their super important role, this book shows, in a way of telling life stories and analysing the impact on different factors, that it is not as simple. It shows that without other "hidden" factors, even with high IQ, talent and effords, success would not be so remarkable or even possible.
The hidden factors/ hidden advantages could be opportunities the person had in their life, where they live, how they are raised, cultural backgrounds, what was economics and demographic were like when they were of the certain age and even the date of birth (don't worry it is not about horoscopes).
I still have a lot of questions and would like to challange some of the statements in the book, but this is why I rate it so high. It is written in a way that gives you knowledge, things to think and digest, and triggers further curiosity.
It is written in a way that is easily and enjoyable to read - it has been a while since I enjoyed reading book as much as this one.
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 August 2024
We often hear the stories of really successful/ influential/ famous people and how they "did it themselves " - and are under impression that their success is due to their talents and effords.
While talents and effords have their super important role, this book shows, in a way of telling life stories and analysing the impact on different factors, that it is not as simple. It shows that without other "hidden" factors, even with high IQ, talent and effords, success would not be so remarkable or even possible.
The hidden factors/ hidden advantages could be opportunities the person had in their life, where they live, how they are raised, cultural backgrounds, what was economics and demographic were like when they were of the certain age and even the date of birth (don't worry it is not about horoscopes).
I still have a lot of questions and would like to challange some of the statements in the book, but this is why I rate it so high. It is written in a way that gives you knowledge, things to think and digest, and triggers further curiosity.
It is written in a way that is easily and enjoyable to read - it has been a while since I enjoyed reading book as much as this one.
Images in this review -
RatreroReviewed in Spain on 28 August 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy sorprendido
Verified PurchaseMe esperaba un libro de autoayuda y para nada, historias muy interesantes que hacen ver hasta que punto afecta tu entorno y tu historia a tus logros. El autor escribe de forma amena y fácil de leer con un nivel de inglés B2, el primer libro que leo en inglés.
- AishaReviewed in the Netherlands on 27 February 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Verified PurchaseThis book has an insightful perspective to the various factors of how people become smart.
I recommend this book to those who are searching for an answer of how different cultures produce different levels of human ability to thinking.
-
Oikonomos 225Reviewed in France on 15 May 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent: Concret et bien écrit
Verified PurchaseEn particulier pour les "business" outliers, j'avais commencé à faire quelques petites recherches sur la toile. Ce bouquin revenait chaque fois en référence.
En le lisant, il met en lumière des éléments clairs et factuels: Les outliers sont des gens dont l'extraordinaire passion (pour ce qu'ils font) les pousse à travailler énormément et à saisir un faisceau de nombreuses opportunités.
Excellent ouvrage !