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_walter_ 's review for:
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by Malcolm Gladwell
Reading/listening to a (another!) Malcom Gladwell book is like catching up with an old friend; a friend whose voice is smooth and serene, and who likes to tell stories and happens to be gifted at it. He could read the dictionary to me and make me believe it all makes sense. However, it is these stories that are the biggest problem.
Mr. Gladwell's tales have it all: tragedy, comedy, triumph, and ruin. I am totally convinced that given enough time to do research and plenty of coffee to drive my persuasive juices, I could take any issue I agree or even disagree with and make a compelling case for it. The whole premise of this book is case in point. He states in the opening chapter that, historically (and statistically), the "David" or underdog wins twenty five percent of the time. If we are willing to assume there's a tale penned for every win, regardless of which side, then we can always find stories to support whatever stance we'd like to assume. He just as well could have written a book about why it pays to be a Goliath, even though you sometime lose. But I guess that's what business books are for.
Early on through the read I told myself I'd deactivate my 'forensic mode' and just enjoy his efforts. Don't we all have friends for which we'd do the same?
Mr. Gladwell's tales have it all: tragedy, comedy, triumph, and ruin. I am totally convinced that given enough time to do research and plenty of coffee to drive my persuasive juices, I could take any issue I agree or even disagree with and make a compelling case for it. The whole premise of this book is case in point. He states in the opening chapter that, historically (and statistically), the "David" or underdog wins twenty five percent of the time. If we are willing to assume there's a tale penned for every win, regardless of which side, then we can always find stories to support whatever stance we'd like to assume. He just as well could have written a book about why it pays to be a Goliath, even though you sometime lose. But I guess that's what business books are for.
Early on through the read I told myself I'd deactivate my 'forensic mode' and just enjoy his efforts. Don't we all have friends for which we'd do the same?