The Outliers Gladwell Summary

In Gladwell’s “The Outliers,” the author suggests that the idea of a self-made person is a fantasy. Instead, he proposes the idea that external factors, as well as circumstance, are the primary contributors to success. In some cases, simple external factors such as birthdate, timing, or even plain dumb luck play a huge part in the success of an individual. In my opinion, Gladwell’s outlook on individual success is correct. Though natural talent, hard work, and intelligence are contributors to success, chance plays a huge role. In my personal experience, it is often who is known rather than what is known. For example, thousands of hours can be spent perfecting a craft or career, but in most cases, you still need to know someone, or be plain lucky to get the job. Personally, I believe it is a combination of dedication, hard work, natural talent, and most importantly, luck, that creates immensely successful individuals. In Gladwell’s examples, successful people such as Bill Gates, Bill Joy, and Steve Jobs all had one thing in

Stephen Hawking has overcome incredible odds, including an early diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since being diagnosed in 1963, Hawking has gone on to become one of the greatest scientific minds of modern time. In the case of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban as she rode home from school, she has not only survived, but became a global advocate for women’s education, as well as global peace. In both cases, Gladwell’s theory that external circumstances play a role in success reign true. For Hawking, he would have never graduated college had he not met his wife, and decided he needed a job. In Malala’s case, simply being born in war-torn Pakistan, and during this time period, led to the circumstances that she eventually