Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Written by David Epstein

Narrated by Will Damron

A powerful argument for how to succeed in any field: develop broad interests and skills while everyone around you is rushing to specialize.

From the ‘10,000 hours rule’ to the power of Tiger parenting, we have been taught that success in any field requires early specialization and many hours of deliberate practice. And, worse, that if you dabble or delay, you'll never catch up with those who got a head start.

This is completely wrong.

In this landmark book, David Epstein shows you that the way to excel is by sampling widely, gaining a breadth of experiences, taking detours, experimenting relentlessly, juggling many interests - in other words, by developing range.

Studying the world's most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors and scientists, Epstein demonstrates why in most fields - especially those that are complex and unpredictable - generalists, not specialists are primed to excel. No matter what you do, where you are in life, whether you are a teacher, student, scientist, business analyst, parent, job hunter, retiree, you will see the world differently after you've read Range. You'll understand better how we solve problems, how we learn and how we succeed. You'll see why failing a test is the best way to learn and why frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers.

As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, Range shows how people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive and why spreading your knowledge across multiple domains is the key to your success, and how to achieve it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Release date: Jun 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781529021134

David Epstein

David Epstein is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Sports Gene. He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as an investigative reporter for ProPublica and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews for Range

[Moni Abraham Kuriakose · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An alternate view of excellence narrated with convincing evidence. Enjoyed.

[Bianca Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting examples and a way of really making you think about the advice we hear in the world. I felt seen and validated in squiggly career and love for knowledge. I have more tools now to move forward with in my life.

[Gunnar Thor Gunnarsson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

V e r y i n t e r e s t i n g r e a d !

[Joyce · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good read with a few striking examples to drive the point home but not especially innovative ideas or ground breaking work.

[Sonia Dridi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is exactly what I needed to listen to at this stage in my life… For anyone feeling lost, or feeling like they’re “behind”, or constantly comparing themselves to other people - This is for YOU.

The stories told are so endearing and so truthful - actual people and lives lived in so many different ways - they’re bound to make an impact, and make you sit up and take notice there is no “right” or “wrong” path to take in this life, but only the path that is right for you. As simple as that… Hope whoever reads this review, enjoys this book as much as I did, great job by the author.

[Mohamed El-Khatib · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Guide for life. Especially if you are 22 like me.

[Irida · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Couldn't listen to this book without getting a flow of many ideas. Brilliant!