Reviews

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

jeieio's review

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adventurous challenging informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

orangeberry52's review

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5.0

Honestly a really interesting book. They tell you growing up to specialize, specialize, specialize, and if you aren't a prodigy by 18 you feel like a piece of crap. This book tells you the exact opposite, that it is okay to be a "renaissance man" and try many different things, and they can be far more useful than you would think. All of science faces the danger of overspecialization and "parallel trenches." That's great news for me, since I have always had so many interests it felt wrong to try to do them all! Now I feel better about branching out.

sgrj9's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

mortennc's review

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4.0

*3.5

doramary's review

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4.0

Very interesting discussion on the benefits of a range of experience over specific expertise. Both are key to be best positioned to solve problems and maximize creativity.

emilykc's review

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informative slow-paced

3.0

Extremely repetitive

amanda_noel's review

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3.0

Interesting overall message but some points felt belabored and I just kind of got bored with the long list of examples

tomall90's review against another edition

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funny informative fast-paced

4.25

scarletw0lf's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

_kaylee_m_'s review

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4.0

"Which among my various possible selves do I want to explore now?"

Short summary of the book: Grown-ups need to play to be good at their jobs. Hierarchical authority needs to be balanced by open communication at all levels. Nonlinear career paths are normal and beneficial to society.

I still love the idea from "The Giver" that children have lots of opportunities to explore all sorts of careers. Although 12 is way too young to have a specialty. It would be awesome if the public school system supported a sampling time period for youth and young adults well into their twenties.