It is those who are successful, in other words, who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success. Itโs the rich who get the biggest tax breaks. Itโs the best students who get the best teaching and most attention. And itโs the biggest nine- and ten-year-olds who get the most coaching and practice. Success is the result of what sociologists like to call โaccumulative advantage.
Malcolm Gladwellif we can control the environment in which rapid cognition takes place, then we can control rapid cognition
Malcolm GladwellAchievement is talent plus preparation. The problem with this view is that the closer psychologists look at the careers of the gifted, the smaller the role innate talent seems to play and the bigger the role preparation seems to play.
Malcolm GladwellAnd my advice for college graduates is don't reflexively give money to your alma mater, something particular to Americans that I find extraordinary. Take Princeton, for example - it has more money on a per capita basis than any educational institution in the history of educational institutions. There is no scenario where it can spend all the money its endowment generates every year. If there is anyone who gives a single dollar to Princeton, they have completely lost their mind. I will say that without reservation.
Malcolm GladwellShortly after the birth control pill was approved for public distribution, one woman wrote to John Rock, its inventor, "You should be afraid to meet your maker." Rock, despite being Catholic replied, "My dear Madam, in my faith, we are taught that the Lord is with us always. When my time comes, there will be no need for introductions."
Malcolm Gladwell