David and Goliath
discussion
Live Video Chat with Malcolm Gladwell: RESCHEDULED FOR 10/22 at 11:30am Eastern
In what way do the Outliers and the unlikely little runt "Davids" represent an inner archetype within oneself that has powerful potential? Kent Ira Groff, Denver, CO
Jo Blacketor - will it take weeding the old out and bringing in the new teachers in order for technology to grab hold of education the way it has in the business sector? Jo Blacketor, South Bend, Indiana
Where does the inspiration for your articles come from?
Loved Outliers. Very interested in David and Goliath as this seems to relate heavily to the every day grind. How do you stay resilient and keep pressing forward when you feel so overwhelming consumed? Thanks, Adam
Where do you think the "pressing forward/never give" up ability comes from? Maturity, experience, training, genetics ? Do we have more of that ability here in the U.S. Is the U.S. capitalization rate for this ability greater than in other countries? Why or why not? And what would you tell the quiet kids that have basically non-existent parents like Chris Langan "the smartest man in the world" (whom you profiled in Outliers), about becoming a success in this world when you don’t have the adult support? In terms of education, this country is facing a Goliath in our ability to get kids into math and science careers. The Goliath is the teaching system, from the school unions to the methods being used to teach these subjects. Jo Boaler a professor math at Stanford is a David and is trying to change the way math is being taught here in the U.S. I would love to have your thoughts on her ideas. Her new website, http://www.youcubed.org has just launched and is being added to. Her math class will run again online in May 2014. Outliers was an outlier. As an author of bestselling books, do you consider yourself an Outlier? Do all Outliers have to face Goliaths that they overcome? If so, do you think their Goliaths are easier for them to overcome because they have had so much practice or that they work harder ? I have enjoyed reading and listening to your books. I am looking forward to reading David and Goliath!
I do have the same question as Jeannine: “Where does the inspiration for your articles come from?”
q The way you interpret the facts in David & Goliath book, it's in the same way aligned with the way we all see the world - the same facts are seen diferently from each other. but who can say what is right or not? and why?
Ever since I've read "Blink" my life way to understand and relate to people has forever changed. As a writer, do you always hope to convince people of your conclusions/beliefs, or are you just happy/satisfied just to share it whether people accept it or not? Lorena Laterra, Asuncion, Paraguay.
q: I wrote my undergrad thesis on underdogs in 1987 after watching my hockey team, which finished in first place, lose again in the first round of the playoffs to an underdog team. My theory is that Americans believe that only underdog success is "legitimate" success, so that all celebrities have to paint themselves as underdogs, even when it's a ridiculous stretch to do so. I tried to argue that this was uniquely American, but I didn't know enough about other cultures to do so. What is your sense of this? Is it American or it human (to like underdogs and grant them legitimacy for success)?
q I read a blog that said that you are underrated as a writer. I agree. I want to write like you do. Any pointers? Starting points?
q: As a student of life, I seek to learn from any and every situation and opportunity I possibly can. Your work has significantly contributed to this outlook I’ve adopted - inspiring me to remain open when identifying the connections between seemingly unrelated subjects/issues/concepts. What method of research do you most enjoy using when finding variables and pinpointing the connections or similarities between them? Similarly, where do you draw your inspiration from when considering topics to write about?
My question to him is: Do you have plans to come to Brazil?
q I've read the first 3 books of Malcolm Gladwell and watched his talks him on TED. My question to him is: Do you have plans to come to Brazil?
Is there any question you wish you were asked more often? (And, what is the answer to that question?)
q I have read and enjoyed all of his books but this one seems weak argumentatively: it relies on only 4 or 5 anecdotes (one of them the well known though highly contentious religious text) . Why did MG focus less on proving a thesis in this book? As a fun aside, is it not true that David was in fact not the underdog in this battle: given his use of far more advanced weaponry, could one not liken David to any nation with advanced weaponry and Goliath, a people living in ignorance of their very existence? Say, for example Canada vs the Pigmies?
You do an amazing amount of research for your books, which underpins them but how do you come up with your ideas and then commit to them? On that same note, how long does it take to deliver such comprehensive books?
q Some of the people with obstacles in "David and Goliath" seem to have the "natural growth" upbringing you talked about in "Outliers." A natural growth upbringing seemed like a path to obscurity and confusion. What about the people you wrote about in "David and Goliath" was so essentially different, from say, Chris Langan in "Outliers" that they were able to negotiate life and succeed?
Outliers, one of our English 11 texts, models a variety of the writing skills that my students study. They love it. I tell them that you took a good quality writing course and applied the skills; you didn't just throw a best seller together out of pure natural wit and talent. Would you agree? Could you share some advice to my students on writing effectively, please? Thank you!
The David and Goliath story has but ONE source, the bible, the historicity of which is much in question. How can you write about the diagnosis of a probably made up character (Goliath)? That said, starting with the premise that the story is true, you missed all the glaring logical inconsistencies in the story. Taking that story as an allegory to make a point, I am enjoying your book as I have enjoyed your body of work.
Will you be going on a book tour? If yes, where can we find out tour locations/dates?
Question 1: what are your hobbies and why? Question 2: how do you analyse and dissect information you read and receive for example un David and Goliath, Goliath was a giant and therefor one of the side effects was the inability to see properly?
q How is that much of the thinking contained in your work is not only unconventional and counter-intuitive, yet your books have been so commercially successful?
Jesus, "God, The One & Only" empowered the original David in defeating Goliath. What do you feel might be the activity of supernatural power, for both good & evil, in Outlierers?
Q: There are two problems that I worry about that don't seem to be on anyone else's radar--a book on either of these subjects? I'm detecting a disturbing "brain drain" in which our best and brightest are no longer pursuing education and careers in science and engineering in favor of quick money in finance. How do we stop this? And second, are fertility drugs and women having babies well into their 40s the cause of what seems to be a dramatic spike in serious allergies and autism, or are both of those being over diagnosed?
Einstein once said that imagination is more important than knowledge, when I was reading The Long Tail, I started to think more and more about that. I guess for you to be able go down the tail or even be able to survive on the head, you need to know how to explore and see things in a different way. What you think about that?
Hi Malcolm - having read all of your books and found them quite interesting, the one question that has popped into my mind is :"How does he come up with these topics and ideas?". So I'd like to ask you the following - what inspires you? How do you simplify it into a story? Where did you learn this skill?
You've seen lots of research and met many successful people. What are a couple of easy/small things that people can do that have a big positive effect?
q How did you trace one of the causes for tipping, back to hush puppies shoes worn in the Tipping Point.
Mr. Gladwell, you've received a lot of criticism in your writing for giving exposure to occasionally unpopular and sometimes not fully supported or replicable research. This obviously means you’re both creative and disagreeable (and perhaps therefore a genius?). I personally view you as an exceptional journalist doing some of the best writing in the non-fiction space and giving coverage to interesting research that for many would otherwise go unnoticed or worse may disappear for lack of funding. Some may take your well-thought out theses and extensive research and excellent writing to frame you more as a pure scientific expert in these fields as opposed to your position as an intellectually curious journalist. Can you speak for a few moments about how you view yourself with respect to your reportage and the way in which you choose to present it? Is the presentation you provide part of the reason you take such criticism? Your writing often takes disparate areas of research and weaves them together into a larger framework – is this responsible/irresponsible given your platform which can often place you into the position of “expert” rather than as a creative hypothesis generator – something which is implicit in your writing, but which an uncritical reader might miss? Though you give excellent references and resources, is it a lazy readership that is to blame for some of the criticism you’ve received? I’m curious how you view your critical public - who are they and why do you think they are they so critical?
Thank you for speaking with us! You've written about everything from ketchup/french fries to the homeless population to hockey players and more. How do you decide on the topics you will research and then write about? Allie Coker-Schwimmer, Durham, NC
One thing I really appreciate about your subject matter is how it looks at society in this unflinching honesty. The last chapter of Outliers was one of the most honest things I've ever read. What helped you to see and make sense of the world - and your own family history- with such brutal honesty and understanding? I guess I just want to know what makes Malcolm Gladwell tick.
In "What the dog saw" you wrote that your work is meant to engage, not to persuade. And your beautiful writing is engaging. But people are changing their lives and their children's lives based on your writings, so I don't think readers believe these are just stories for fun. Should you maybe have a disclaimer on the cover?
I enjoyed reading Outliers and just started What the Dog Saw. I plan on reading all your books! Since asking questions seems to be inherent in your success, I am curious if in person when you chat informally with people are you a good conversationalist? By that I mean, do you ask good questions that get people talking? If so, I bet you find that almost everyone has a story that might be of interest to others if presented by an articulate person like yourself.
What is your all-time favourite work of Fiction?
q I have - and I am truly thankful for- read all of your books , and I love how creative and independent your ideas and personality are. Two questions please :1. the idea of David & Goliath applies also to the arab spring as you said once in an interview , therefore I would like to know your opinion on Syria now ? . 2. do you have any plans of visiting the middle east soon ? . Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity.
I am glad to hear about a chat. When do you usually write on yours? I think it was about in a just society and the early ad organized. I read your international bestseller and congrats on goodreads and good job! What is your next plan? When do you get the interesting motivation?
How has researching and writing about David and Goliath impacted your personal faith and understanding of Christ's humanity, ministry and victory.
What do you think are the ingredients required to be a successful writer and to produce work as as good as you do?
Which are the people who most inspire you ?
q Do you take requests concerning issues that desperately need journalistic attention?
For my students: At what point do you as a researcher say, "I have read enough - here are my ideas." Research seems like it can go on for weeks, months and years but at some point the researchers must put down their research and write what they have to say. How do we teach them when to say when besides a deadline?
Toward the end of David and Goliath, you said Jean-Pierre Trocme hung himself. Do you know why he did that?
Q I have just listened to your speech on proof in Penn University , and towards the end you mention that your believes are quite different than your christian religious family ? therefore , what do you believe in considering god and hell/paradise ?
Could you send us the link to the video chat on October 21 at 2pm ET/11am PT with author Malcolm Gladwell? Thanks
What do you see as the future of K-12 public education?
What do you see as the future of higher education institutions?
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