Once a musician has enough ability to get into a top music school, the thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works. That's it. And what's more, the people at the very top don't work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder.
Malcolm GladwellIt 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 GladwellInsight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out.
Malcolm GladwellThere's no idea that can't be explained to a thoughtful 14-year-old. If the thoughtful 14-year-old doesn't get it, it is your fault, not the 14-year-old's.
Malcolm GladwellI don't go to an office, so I write at home. I like to write in the morning, if possible; that's when my mind is freshest. I might write for a couple of hours, and then I head out to have lunch and read the paper. Then I write for a little bit longer if I can, then probably go to the library or make some phone calls. Every day is a little bit different. I'm not highly routinized, so I spend a lot of time wandering around New York City with my laptop in my bag, wondering where I'm going to end up next. It's a fairly idyllic life for someone who likes writing.
Malcolm Gladwell