Archive for the ‘sociology’ Category
the two hundred page solution;
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Canadian Malcolm Gladwell represents the crest of modern public intellectuals. For he is a man who is not exclusively defined by one field or subject, but rather by a myriad of interests, and is therefore designated to the deceivingly unassuming term of “writer”. This label is possibly the only one that fully encompasses his intellectual range: from history (the field in which he majored), to sociology, psychology, marketing and his sideline interests in fine arts, sciences and the mine-riddled corporate world. But what makes Gladwell so successful isn’t just his mastery of these often complex subjects; it is his talent to translate their meanings to the everyday man and woman. As a mediator between academia and popular culture, Gladwell consistently highlights some of the most interesting human processes and social phenomenons of the twenty-first century. His most recent publication covers the fascinating epistemology of genius and success – the trajectories “prodigies” follow, and the certain environmental factors that come into play when analysing the odysseys taken by accomplished individuals. His methodology may be somewhat contested, particularly in the way by which he nonchalantly dismisses genetic and cultural elements quite obviously influential in his subjects’ spheres. However despite these hiccups, and quite possibly owing to the aura conjured by his previous bestsellers, most readers will turn a blind eye to these inconsistencies and extract instead the motivational benefits he proffers through his engaging prose.
Whilst this second video again covers Fermat’s Theorem and the 10,000 hour rule, it does explore the concept of genius quite differently, and through a lens that uses genius types in order to answer the larger question of global problem solving. Of course when observing the 10,000 rule practically, regardless of how convincing Gladwell portrays it, is nonetheless subject to the capacity and limitations of its undertaker (as some are immediately able to concede). Similarly, it’s quite clear that regardless of the hard working yards devoted to a craft, some innate talent is a legitimate prerequisite. Just as Gladwell uses Mozart as a primary example to support his 10,000 hour theory, pianist and singer Tori Amos can also be used to illustrate this pronounced point. Whilst Amos’ persistence and dedication to her craft has been well documented (both as a teenager performing in bars and as an adult performer with a consistently astounding live show record), it is implicitly understood that this performer was a child prodigy able to play the piano by ear at the age of two and a half. Such details highlight that just as pure talent will only get one so far without the accompanying commitment, the same can be said for the pledge of 10,000 hours to a discipline that will undoubtedly develop skills through experience, but ultimately will never have the natural edge that true “geniuses” inherently possess.
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