Gladwell's Outliers: The Story Of Success

What is success? For some, success may mean wealth and for others, it may be becoming the hero that saves one person from their undoing. There are numerous ways someone can grasp success by it’s tail, but it’s sometimes hidden within their mysteries. In his book Outliers: The Story of Success, Gladwell tries to unravel the truth behind prosperity while trying to tell the tales of the unique individuals that stand out within society. Gladwell gives factual examples and breaks down stories, in order to “accurately” present his findings. Although Gladwell’s stories and claims are correct, he blindly misses other important factors that play a great role towards success, making his book incomplete.
In his second chapter, “The 10,000-hour rule”, Gladwell talk about opportunities that led to the success of many that are known to this day. He scribes of the “golden rule”, which is the …show more content…
most people can reach that number only if they get into some kind of special program... or if they get some kind of extraordinary opportunity that gives them a chance to put in those hours,”(42). Gladwell is telling a half truth, because there are ways people can reach the 10,000 hour, without extra help. A person can teach themselves how to play an instrument, and if they are dedicated, they will practice often enough to accomplish the “golden rule”. Gladwell disagrees with this by saying that, “ It’s all but impossible to reach that number all by yourself by the time you’re a young adult. You have to have parents who encourage and support you.” He is automatically generalizing that children who come from supportive homes are the ones to succeed. Most children that have dysfunctional families try their best to get out, thus making them work harder and prosper as well. Gladwell continues by claiming that “You can’t be poor, because if you

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