David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked the biblical stuff about David and Goliath – the interpretation that David’s victory was about the tactics and ruthlessness of the underdog, rather than a heavenly blessing, was very interesting. The chapter about the Northern Ireland troubles was very depressing though. I loved the bit about the Resistance in WWII France – the community that basically said, ‘We’ve got our Jews, you come get ’em if you want ’em, see what you get!’ was – well, almost funny, although you feel bad laughing at something so serious.
I often finish a Gladwell book feeling as if I’ve been entertained, but not sure what I’m supposed to have really learned. This is one of those.
Know what you mean about Gladwell – read a couple but can’t really remember the message. Tipping Point, for example … er, things build up quickly and then … er, tip over. That it?
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Not to mention ‘Blink’. Blink, and, er, you miss it? Smart guy, though. Interesting.
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Not read that one. What’s it about, having so much to keep your eye on you miss it?
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I think the essence is that we make decisions much more quickly than we think, before we even realise it. Apparently there’s some neuroscience that supports it, but it sounds a bit sketchy still to me.
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Sounds good. I can’t make decisions at all …
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I know the feeling!
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