“[For me, Outliers] gave perspective.” - Cecilia Vu
Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers, an assigned reading for students in Honors Tenth grade literature and composition, focuses on exploring success. It is the central book for the final unit of the class; this unit focuses on the topic of success. Gladwell examines in deep detail the factors behind success, using statistics and analysis to conclude what has an effect on success and what common traits exist among successful people. Gladwell examines all these aspects without flinching in a manner which can seem discouraging and makes the book difficult to read. Often the deeply analytical approach of the book also dissuades students from reading it. Because of the discouraging nature of Gladwell’s analysis and the analytical nature of the book, opinions in the student body differ regarding the virtues of reading Outliers.
“I liked Outliers because you get to read through the analysis on how outliers [people] became who they are. It illuminated for me all aspects that lead to success and most importantly, it gave me perspective,” explains Cecilia Vu (11).
Outliers appears to be a book that is illuminating for many. Bethany Sanders (11) also feels Outliers gave her perspective, and adds, “it was interesting to read Gladwell's opinion on the controversial aspects of success.”
Certain aspects of success Gladwell explores are controversial because they are unchangeable. The controversial aspects Gladwell attributes to success include birth date, birthplace, and individual talent. Gladwell cites the effect that birthdate has on success in professional hockey players. Evidence suggests that because of the January 1 cut off date for hockey leagues, players born shortly after the cut off date in January are at an advantage to players born in December of the same year. This difference in ability is due to the fact that those born earlier have had more time to train and grow. To learn that success relies on something outside of one’s control could be discouraging to some, but Sanders and Vu do not feel that way.
“It did not bother me because it makes sense, and I agreed with it. Part of me already knew that success depends on some things outside of my control, so it was not shocking to hear it from Gladwell” (Sanders).
Vu explained why Gladwell’s assertion did not bother her by saying, “There is always an exception to the rule.”
Sanders and Vu have differing opinions, however, on whether success is arbitrary. Sanders expressed her view that “those who truly deserve success often find success. Success is not completely arbitrary; it also depends a lot upon [people] themselves.”
Brandon Starks (11) agrees with Sanders, saying “it can sometimes be the luck-of-the-draw, but I feel it also depends on personal effort towards success.”
Vu feels that “success is arbitrary. Not only does success often depend on factors outside of our control, but it also depends on what someone defines as success.”
After reading the book, none of the interviewees have changed their opinions about outliers (people) or possibly formed resentment towards them. “It is positive to be an outlier [person]. [People who are] outliers can do great things with their outlier status and really bring change to the world,” says Starks. “Outliers [people] are outliers because they are special and unique, which is something positive and which should be celebrated” (Vu).
Despite the fact that she liked the book, Sanders said reading Outliers did not benefit her life. “It was an interesting read, but I had already been exposed to the ideas in the book before. Reading it was enjoyable, but not life shaping.” Starks did not enjoy Outliers either, expressing the fact that “[he] was not interested in it.” Vu enjoyed the book however, and felt it changed her life, expressing, “Outliers gave perspective to me.”