Malcolm Gladwell - Why do some succeed where others fail? What makes high-achievers different?

[unklecyril]

Mr Gladwell says that since Obama is not African American he "was not saddled with so many of the particular and exquisitely meaningful burdens that come with being an African American" which probably would have prevented him from becoming President, but recoils from expounding on this statement...too sensitive. It is also noticeable that his audience appears totally white...

[84Drumcircle]

so true about silicon valley.

[notengonickcojones]

Im' going to say, in order to make an exception: William Kamkwamba

[notengonickcojones]

Isn't it wierd that G. W. Bush spent so much time as president but became worst and worst each day??? LOL.

[pismo10]

Incentivizing success is a great thing. We need more of it and less subsidizing/incentivizing failure and laziness. This is what has propelled man out of the caves.

[chrispriveco]

Someone tell that woman in the begining to sit her ass down with those heels...

[abpccpba]

Penn alumni event at the Hudson Union Society.

Would you please listen to you recordings before you publish.

That way I will be able to understand the next guest speaker you publish.

[desmondsparrs]

I dont remember from the book what he says what one can realistically do about a bad environment and doing something with ones talents. anyone? Im a daydreamer with terrible ADD(I also have incredibly high expectations of myself).

[Deadmansparty2002]

I'm a fan of Malcolm Gladwell but I'm not sure I agree with all of his theories presented in this discussion.

[StarWoors]

HAHAHA! I hope he's right because I'm in a positon to get my 10,000 Hours IN!!!!!!!!

[youtert]

Sideshow Bob!?!

[84Drumcircle]

@youtert

Big Shoes to Fill...

[freshkoolaid]

"Our overemphasis on individual responsibility for achievement is a way of evading responsibility for our collective efforts on behalf of success." Wow! What I've always felt but never been able to express!

[TroyBlackford]

I hate how this gentle, thoughtful man is such a lightning rod for pseudointellectuals to hate just because he calmly and pleasantly found success while their elitist douchebaggery repels everybody. Malcolm wasn't setting out to prove how much smarter than his readers he is, that's why he's good to read.

[playasonline]

What an exceptional writer. Malcolm Gladwell's book " Outliers" is an unparalleled explanation of what success is and how our everyday understanding of success is tarnished.

[xxyanlixx]

genius is the ability to explain complexity in simple and interesting terms. that's Malcolm Gladwell.

[srimansrini]

Arguably, one of the greatest thinkers of our time, Malcolm Gladwell always thinks smart, a quintessential out-of-the-box thinker. This is wonderful video and highly recommended for all types of people.

[Drezero13]

found the video Gio !

[stoneyjonez]

This guy is a genius but the other dude on the right has the most annoying voice/accent I've heard in a long time.

[breakdancer100]

I taught mathematics phillipines for a year. It was in the poorest side of town, where the highest education for most is only up to 5 grade. Kids walk 1.5 hours cross the river walk uphill just to go to school. I noticed these kids are actually are very bright by the way they pick mathematics at a faster rate than the bored unmotivated kids of US. For example, I we get through 1 text book in a whole year in phillipines we got through 3.

[JakesArt1]

He's 1 smart dude.

[breakdancer100]

8*365*3.5 = 10,220. By theory we should be able to become great practicing 7 days a week 8 hours a day. Hmmm...... Now lets find out for sure. Time for a 3.5 year experiment.

[Shakou78910]

@breakdancer100 haha niice, im doin it too!

[ion010101]

I'm a fan because I've been dying for someone to finally let people know that, no, you do not succeed because of your efforts alone. People like to think, "well, if I had been in your shoes, I'd have done more with myself...". Pure a**holery. The phrase, "nobody never gave me nuthin'" is one of the dumbest statements ever produced by ape descended life forms.

[2davivadiva]

@ion010101

Agreed! That's one of the things that makes this book great, there's no bullshit!

[FloridaRaider]

The Matthew effect could also be seen as the 80/20 principal.. the continual migration of resources from the many to the few.

[Thamonks]

I thought this was an excellent interview. He really speaks to the things that we sometimes take for granted.

[Prsue92]

what does malcolm think about genghis khan

[davidthecook]

Great interview. I just finished his fourth book that I know of!

[StrawberryBigMac]

wowzam!

[shiningc323]

@yeleo I agree with what you said, except that it’s about cultural differences just as gladwell described. The term "success" here isn't necessarily about contributing to world peace or our planet but sometimes according to our materialistic standard. Here, the 10,000 hrs apply to most fields. The tiger mom who caused a great controversy this yr is a great example of galdwell’s question on how we should try harder to find a way to reduce that inhuman praxis requirement.

[askaichin]

Its sideshow bob

[deinfrank]

Nice stuff. He's a prize researcher

[kossmikham]

Bizarre! I did not know that about Oppenheimer!

[z1z2zeitgeber3]

Thank you for posting this, I have just watched through and really enjoyed it. I will ordering the book.

[selphiexfairy]

@yeleo well.. i wouldn't say they're FORCED lol but he does talk about cultural influence. i don't know if you read the book but he does go very in-depth about culture. i mean the whole idea of this book is that success is sometimes based on culture/environment/time. i don't think he's "ignoring" it; it's just that he's kind of already implied it. the obvious question is WHY would white americans and chinese americans choose differently? their choices probably reflect their circumstances.

[selphiexfairy]

When i heard the about the concept of Outliers I was scared it was going to try and downplay the role of personal hard work in people's success but after reading it actually motivated me to work harder. it was a very inspirational book i think everyone should read it. xD

[tsenterd]

just saying, its not "let's go back to (talking about) hockey" but "lets go back to (talking about) soccer"

[dailyresolution]

to you can become succesfull if you are willing to I MEAN NOW A DAYS WE HAVE SO MANY REASORSES ITS OUTRAGEOUS JUST GO TO A LIBRARY YOU CAN FIND ENOUGH INFORMATION TO GET A GED OR START YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR BECOME A GREAT SALES MAN THERE ARE TONS OF BOOKS JUST WRITTEN ON THE SUBJECT ALONE SO TO SAY THAT YOU DIDNT HAVE THE REASORSE IS BS SORRY FOR MY LANGUAGE BUT IS DOESNT MATTER WHAT PEOPLE DIFINED US OR CATEGORIZED US AS BECAUSE NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFINE YOU BUT YOU!

[dailyresolution]

I like the way this guy put his ideas on paper and categorizes man made system like education, society, and college I think is right specially that IQ is good to have but it isn't everything that there are other defining factor to really put the intellingence to use! In America now a days any one can be succesfull and thats false to say that you cant quite be succesfull if you a under middle class or lower middle class or lower lower class with would be really broke and if you are willing

[dailyresolution]

I like the way this guy put his ideas on paper and categorizes man made system like education, society, and college I think is right specially that IQ is good to have but it isn't everything that there are other defining factor to really put the intellingence to use! In America now a days any one can be succesfull and thats false to say that you cant quite be succesfull if you a under middle class or lower middle class or lower lower class with would be really broke and if you are willing

[sixstring1991]

I feel like the interviewer should be paying more attention to the interviewee

[beyondrunning]

dude this is so right....I was really good soccer player when I was young cause I played up two age divisions. (reason why; my dad was my coach). Then I stopped playing. In school I was in extra help till 5th grade. So when I entered normal class’s higher education I became academically better.

[mibrito666]

I watched this twice, and now feel much better about my mediocracy. When I was a working class (hispanic) child growing up in rural New Mexico I wanted to be an Astronaut. My parents bless their hearts, thought it was not impossible. Now looking back on it, what a laugh. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong culture, and no social capital. that I managed to make it to the middle class, middle age and escape my rural upbringing is in itself as good as it's gonna get.

[RawwestHide]

@mibrito666 Are you serious? That is fucked up.

[mibrito666]

@RawwestHide yes I'm serious, and no it is not fucked up. But I'm retired, if your are still young, you can use his information to change things for yourself, reposition for the rest of your life. Where as I might be able to use this information to get the nurses at my retirement home to bring me real corn instead ot that nasty cream corn. But nothing life changing.

[mibrito666]

WOW.... location location location!!! :)

[SUKKAFREE2323]

The massive constraint on societies capabilities to succeed is intentionally done...smh

[jefftrejb]

Wow! Thank you for the Paradigm shift!

[imacooldude506]

God I wish I was a genius.

[pitachip123]

@imacooldude506 Just work for 10,000 hours at whatever you want to be a genius about!

[MrYomama1988]

This is tight and so true.The bottom line is to work hard. put the effor in your time given

[imacooldude506]

@MrYomama1988 haha thats funny, because thats not the bottom line at all.

[MrYomama1988]

@imacooldude506 What's the bottom line?

[imacooldude506]

@MrYomama1988 The bottom line is that you can work as hard as you possibly can, but your success is still going to be determined by other underlying circumstances.

[LzrWayv]

I adore Mr. Gladwell...could listen to him all day...major crush, lol.

[jpdt007]

Dont buy this book...its a very badly done attempt by the author to present himself as an exceptional human being.

[mabzy2009]

is this the same guy who did what a dog saw.

[mabzy2009]

@mabzy2009 the*

[Mu5clehead]

@mabzy2009 yes

[andthereisntone]

have there been any movies or documentaries made from his writings?

[ramdashk]

Great!

[Taobert]

On a lighter note, if you like Gladwell (and have some interest in understanding and learning about addiction, then you'll love Dr. gabor Mate - in the realm of hungry ghosts. etc. I consider mate the next Freud of child psychology and understanding ALL human behavior.

[GETITBOY75]

What is so awkwardly disturbing are the the comments that come from the mouths of people who clearly are missing a brain stem. This man just gave an incredible speech and all that some of you are concerned about is what is does with his penis. This author, public speaker and humanitarian has done more for people than most of us. Go back and watch another episode of Family Guy and Sponge Bob. This content is clearly too much for you!

[ZachClooney]

Thanks for uploading this Gladwell interview. What a great writer and speaker.

[Skrapmag]

you can even see his personality on him.. his hair shows individuality no tie because its of no use and athletic shoes for comfort and function ..

[umyady]

Fantastic video. His such a talented man.

[DJPashn]

This guy is amazing!

[Sh1ftyDevil]

Wonderful video, thanks for posting it.

[stsgabe]

does distance running require highly developed cognitive function? I don't think so, supposedly neurological efficiency is purely genetic, i.e. elite weightlifters or distance runners are born not made

[stsgabe]

in other words, karma

[Simunomics]

Gladwell's revisiting the old "nature vs nurture" debate, and standing up strongly for the latter. And well done (although the rebuttal deserves some time as well).

To take it to capitalism vs socialism however, let's recognize the effect of his point that prediction models are WRONG. They *expect* IQ to predict success, but it doesn't. In free competition, what really matters comes through. Socialism *requires* centralized prediction, and will therefore be more limiting and more incorrect.

[ZAAL58]

Great video and thanks for posting it.

[flapflapflap4]

I love most of what he is saying, but I do think he overlooks the significance and importance of people's outlooks and the way they interpret the world. How that influences success. (hm, maybe it's all biochemical and out of our control, but I don't really think so.) I do believe people can create luck to some extent, though, yeah. The power of situation is profoundly powerful.

[Unekwu89]

this guy is correct! I have been playing the cello for 10 years. I was unbeatable in my 8th grade orchestra, first chair every time..When I got to high school and started playing soccer on the team and working part time..I wasn't as excellent as I was when I was kid.

What he is saying is a no brainer once you really think about it.

[reverenceforall]

Well said. Thank you Mr. Gladwell.

[STEPHENWRAYSFORD33]

very interesting talk, I don't agree with everything Gladwell says but it was certainly worth listening to. Thanks for uploading.

[Zewaldi0007]

i love this guy!!

[SamuelCyrus]

Capitalism IS a redistribution of wealth system as long as the tax system of the those with guns is not confiscatory. I remember when 'the rich' were once again so villified that the (wise?) decision was made to place an excise tax on high dollar transportation items (high end boats and cars) but guess who got punished, skilled laborers who built them. The gun owners (the government) wanted more of its take (think mafia) and so increased it. And since they owned most of the guns - they won.

[ELHIEGER1]

Socialism is an advantage for some, that turns out to be a disadvantage for all. If our ability to do a specific task generates wealth and income, then what motivation does a person have in a socialist society to put 10,000 hours toward anything? If you know you're going to get your handout, whether or not you put in 10,000 hours, why try? For example, look at all the generations of families on welfare... I guess 10,000 hours are put toward learning to work the system.

[ROSSSSSSSSSSYYYYYYYY]

wow that was actually very wel put! and really cant agree more!

[desertrunrdude]

Well, I guess I would have to say that an individual would "want" to do a good job, that they may "want" to achieve the best that they can. Personal responsibility et al. Socialism or Capitalism should not be the factor that determines one's work ethic.

[vasoxfan79]

It shouldn't; the reward should be intrinsic. However, did Malcolm Gladwell give his books away for free? No. Does Bill Gates give all of his money (except maybe a modest middle class salary)? No. Many wealthy people are great philanthropists, but they don't work long hours and make sacrifices to live on a middle class (or less) salary. Granted, success is a combination of talent, hard work, and good fortune. Even Gladwell admits that hard work and talent are part of the equation.

[vasoxfan79]

I don't think he is advocating socialism, but rather allow more equitable opportunity. This means that one would still have to work. redistribution of wealth is NOT the same as providing opportunity.

[txm7721]

@ELHIEGER1

Well put!

Well thought out.

Solid thinking. 100%

Thanks :)

[potterzebra]

@ELHIEGER1

Capitalism is an advantage for some, that turns out to be a disadvantage for all (which is why Republicans have muted their opposition to Wall Street reform) . Gladwell illustrates the obvious: ANY large human social system will structure itself to advantage some individuals and groups over others. For decades, Russia advantaged elite athletes to produce world-class competitors. Socialist doctors, musicians and athletes didn't work 10,00 hours to succeed ... rediculous!

[flapflapflap4]

@potterzebra What do you mean capitalism is a disadvantage to all? It's certainly the better option over communism. World GDP is increasing all the time... though people in the higher echelons are getting richer at a faster rate, lower classes are still, on average, experiencing a higher quality of life as well vs. 50, 500, 5000, or whatever years ago.

[Taobert]

Outliers, Blink, and the Tipping Point are some of the most enjoyable reads I've read. i think I heard someone say..if only they wrote highschool textbooks as he did.. learning would be much more enjoyable. Thanks Malcolm!

[nutsbutdum]

Exactly! It's a shame that some people even criticize him for oversimplifying complex matters,...DUH!

Is there a rule that says that a book must make your brain hurt for reading it!!?

[ZachClooney]

@Taobert Great writer. Is Gladwell gay? We never hear about his relationships with women. How come? He is a celebrity. I'm surprised that the media haven't explored his private life.

[Taobert]

@ZachClooney well I don't see the relevance of his sexuality. sexuality is just a way for interest groups to dismiss what something has to say. It wouldn't matter either way. I notice a trend though with Canadian writers. Lately have been seeing some very powerful ideas from that region. I'm thinking Gabor Mate...what a great read

[ZachClooney]

@Taobert Sexuality of a celebrity does matter. One can tell a lot about someone by how he chooses to spend his nights in bed? :) It is naieve to think that sexuality of a celebrity is irrelevant. We want these icons to be fully humans. So we need to know who Malcolm is 'loving' !

[Taobert]

@ZachClooney Sexuality is irrelevant. You want these "icons" to be fully human, as you define it. Fully human= a relationship between a man and a woman near the same age. If he doesn't meet those standards, his ideas become irrelevant, is what you're saying. Does he come off as a pedophile to you?

[Taobert]

@ZachClooney Nietzsche will make an interesting read. Trying to will your power over others using their sexuality and/or relationship status over them is horrendous. You probably draw out their insecurities and make them feel bad about themselves. Perhaps you feel insecure alone. Stop imposing your insecurities on others. The unexamined life is not worth living- Socrates

[jpdt007]

@Taobert ejoyable but with false statements...you just bought an attempt by this guy to present himself as an "exceptional" human being.

[bohemiandeborah]

@Taobert And instead the texts are being written by the Texas school board, who are NOT educators nor scientists, nor anyone connected with learning. These are regular people who have a huge agenda. This year they tried to take Thomas Jefferson out of history books. Really.

[gjack80]

malcolm is very entertaining and impressive. However, none of his statements are borne out by hard statistics. I would like to see the raw data, including its sources before accepting anything he says.

[bdr910]

Is statements are borne from " hard statistics", but you have to read the book to get them

[gjack80]

I've read the Tipping Point.

[greenie21]

...you can read his books, I guess

[ERickgibranp]

I love the way this guy thinks. I wonder how he goes about selecting the data he analyzes.

[ahmedabys]

A lot to think about, thank you.

[big2711]

You heard what he said? 78% of Chinese-Americans capitalize on their intellectual ability, compared to around the 50s for Whites and the TEENS for Blacks!!! My mission for the summer is to see how I can motivate my children (biological and otherwise) to maximize/exploit their God-given talents. This was so good!!!!

[big2711]

Bwoy Chance, I really enjoyed this video...from beginning to end. 10,000 hours of deliberate practice will be my mantra from hence forward. Although I sensed the speakers discomfort in discussing cultural heritage, he was nevertheless so correct and honest in his response (the part where he mentioned his mother). The last four minutes of the lecture was brilliant! That's what we need to do as a people....learn how to exploit our intellectual capital. You heard what he said?