Book: Range
Author: David Epstein
Pages: 368
This is my 58th read for the year
A lot of people will argue that in order to be great at something - one must start early in life. The book opens with the story of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer - two greats in their chosen sport - with two completely different paths. What experts have found, however, is that starting early and becoming great is the exception - not the rule.
This book delvs deep into different stories of people who started late in their careers only to becomes some of the greats we know today (Van Gogh is talked about quite a bit). Experts argue that the path to greatness is when those who on that path experience many interests along the way, not just one focus. They weave a varied path to discovery of what they truly want to be. And more often than not - crossing domains, instead of focusing solely on one area of study, leads to the greats in those fields.
This was a great book. First - we lived in the same town that Roger Federer was from in Basel, and got to know a bit about him while we lived there. What this book says about him (and the Swiss in general) - is spot on. Roger was able to explore many sports and interest before settling on Tennis. Even his parents really didn't want him to focus so much on one particular sport - encouraging him to not take things so seriously and just have fun. He, and Van Gogh, and many other tops of the fields had similar courses to greatness which I found truly inspiring. The message is - it is never too late to find a passion. People who think broadly will increasingly thrive. What a great message.
I encourage you to try this book. I think you will be blown away by what the researchers found when they started to look into the past of famous and talented individuals, and it might encourage you to find your true calling in life.
Stars: 4 1/2
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