The Outliers Chapter 4 Analysis

Chapters 3 and 4 of The Outliers (Gladwell, 2008) serve to further prove that there is more to success than society believes. It is a common notion that higher accomplishments are granted to individuals with extreme talent and persistence. Gladwell argues there are uncontrollable circumstances on the pathway to success that the general public overlooks. Gladwell aims to target audiences who are unaware of the minuscule factors that shape a person’s future. The purpose of The Outliers is to inspire his readers to think of an individual more critically: “”They had to look beyond an individual. They had to understand the culture he or she was a part of, and who their friends and families were, and what town their families came from. They to appreciate the idea that the values of the world we inhabit and the people we surround ourselves with have a profound effect on who we are” (11). Gladwell aims to influence the reader to consider a more practical idea of success. He directly addresses his audience several times throughout these two chapters. He initially grabs the reader’s attention in his opening paragraphs by referencing a well-known television show, thus capturing their interest and attention. He also communicates with his

These men are arguably equally intelligent, but Oppenheimer is perceived as more successful. After examining each man’s family background, Gladwell deduced Langan lacked a “practical intelligence”, explained as: “knowledge that helps you read situations correctly and get what you want” (101). He goes to explain this trait can only be taught or instilled at an early age. Oppenheimer had a wealthy and enriching childhood, while Langan suffered from poverty and abuse. Oppenheimer had the luxury of acquiring social skills that would eventually guide him to a life of