Range : why generalists triumph in a specialized world
Epstein, David J., 1983-2019
Book
This book shares counterintuitive advice on the most effective path to success in any domain while revealing the essential contributions of generalist, not specialist, team members. This is a powerful argument for how to succeed in any field: develop broad interests and skills while everyone around you is rushing to specialize. Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, youll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the worlds top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule. David Epstein examined the worlds most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields, especially those that are complex and unpredictable, generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. Theyre also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers cant see. Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, this book makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.
Main title:
Range : why generalists triumph in a specialized world / David Epstein.
Author:
Epstein, David J., 1983-, author
Imprint:
New York : Riverhead Books, 2019.©2019
Collation:
339 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 297-328) and index.
ISBN:
9780735214484 (hbk)9780735214484 (hardback)
Dewey class:
153.9
Language:
English
BRN:
544351
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Library | -Health | HEALTH 153.9 EPST | In-transit from City Library to North Melbourne Library (Set: 07 Jul 2026) |
| Kathleen Syme Carlton | -Health | HEALTH 153.9 EPST | On loan - Due: 27 Jul 2026 |
| North Melbourne Library | -Health | HEALTH 153.9 EPST | In-transit from Kathleen Syme Carlton to narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services (Set: 08 Jul 2026) |
| Southbank Library | -Health | HEALTH 153.9 EPST | On loan - Due: 13 Jul 2026 |