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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Audiobook
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Publisher Description
“Range is an urgent and important book, an essential read for bosses, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about improving performance.” —Daniel H. Pink
What's the most effective path to success in any domain? It's not what you think.
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, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.
David Epstein examined the world’s 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. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.
Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range 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.
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"In this Brett Easton Ellis provides a compelling observation on life and American culture from his early career in the 1980's with Less Than Zero and American Pyscho, to Post 9-11, to Post Trump. Not clear on what his political ideology is, he shines a mirror on the hypocrisy of their irrational, woke, identity politics of today's left which he sees as drifting toward irrationality, exclusion and intolerance. I am neither left or right and I appreciate him using this book to demonstrate a cooler head toward political tolerance as America continues to shift, as it has always done. I enjoyed that he narrated the book as well. "
— Ed (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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An important book.
— Wall Street Journal -
The narrative follows Mr. Epstein’s search for the roots of elite sport performance as he encounters characters and stories so engrossing that readers may not realize they’re receiving an advanced course in genetics, physiology, and sports medicine.
— New York Times -
Epstein’s rigor in seeking answers and insights is as impressive as the air miles he must have accumulated . . . his book is dazzling and illuminating.
— The Guardian (London) -
For reasons I cannot explain, David Epstein manages to make me thoroughly enjoy the experience of being told that everything I thought about something was wrong. I loved Range.
— Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and The Tipping Point -
In a world that’s increasingly obsessed with specialization, star science writer David Epstein is here to convince you that the future may belong to generalists. It’s a captivating read that will leave you questioning the next steps in your career—and the way you raise your children.
— Adam Grant, author of Give and Take and Originals -
I want to give Range to any kid who is being forced to take violin lessons—but really wants to learn the drums; to any programmer who secretly dreams of becoming a psychologist; to everyone who wants humans to thrive in an age of robots. Range is full of surprises and hope, a 21st century survival guide.
— Amanda Ripley, author of The Smartest Kids in the World. -
Range elevates Epstein to one of the very best science writers at work today. The scope of the book—and the implications—are breathtaking. I find myself applying what I've learned to almost every aspect of my life.
— Sebastian Junger, author of Tribe, War, and The Perfect Storm -
“Range will force you to rethink the nature of learning, thinking, and being, and reconsider what you thought you knew about optimal education and career paths—and how and why the most successful people in the world do what they do. It's one of the most thought-provoking and enlightening books I've read.
— Maria Konnikova, author of Mastermind and The Confidence Game, professional poker player
Awards
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New York Times bestseller
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A New York Times audio bestseller
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Shortlisted for the 2019 McKinsey Business Book of the Year
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About David Epstein
David Epstein has a master’s degree in environmental science and is an award-winning senior writer for Sports Illustrated, where he covers sports science, medicine, and Olympic sports. His investigative pieces are among Sports Illustrated’s highest-profile stories. An avid runner himself, he earned All-East honors on Columbia University’s varsity track squad. He lives in Brooklyn.
About Will Damron
Will Damron has won several Earphones Awards and been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He has had acting roles off-Broadway and on stage and screen throughout the country.