David And Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, And The Art Of Battling Giants (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This is another very interesting entry from Gladwell, although one I don't find quite as generally convincing as Outliers. Gladwell argues here that society's views of obstacles and disadvantages are fundamentally flawed, and that situations and conditions which initially appear detrimental can become huge advantages for those who endure them. Likewise, he also makes the case that what society considers to be advantages aren't always as beneficial as we think.As usual, Gladwell's arguments are supported by a small number of self-selected case studies. All the cases are interesting, but Gladwell only pays lip service to opposing arguments and it'd be nice to see a little more time devoted to refuting potential counter-arguments. Some of Gladwell's arguments are also slightly more forced than normal, particularly in his final chapter about French Huguenots sheltering Jews during World War Two. While his research methodology is open to a degree of criticism, I think Gladwell's primary aim is to provoke conversation and encourage readers to approach new situations with a different attitude. At this, I found the book highly successful. The chapter on the advantages of being a Big Fish in a Small Pond as opposed to a Small Fish in a Big Pond was particularly thought-provoking, and is also one section of the book backed up with more empirical evidence. On the whole, this was another entertaining and intellectually stimulating read. I don't agree with every one of the author's assertions, but Gladwell succeeds again in providing an engaging and entertaining way of viewing the world. The book was not as good as "Outliers" or "Blink". But the book was good in its own way. The book was gripping through out though it also had its dull moments. Whats more important is I already read other books of Malcom Gladwell before reading this so I had huge expectation on the book which it couldn't meet.But without keeping expectation in mind and If one hasn't read other books of the same author. This book will be greatly appreciated. As a fiction reader there are very few books which kept me hooked till the end and this is one such awesome book.
What do You think about David And Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, And The Art Of Battling Giants (2013)?
As always, Malcolm Gladwell delivers a great make-you-think kinda book.
—ainezzati
Great insights on how our strengths can be packaged in weakness.
—katyayni101
