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45 pages 1 hour read

David Epstein

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

David EpsteinNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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David Epstein

Range

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Range by David Epstein challenges the notion that success must come from early specialization, instead advocating for exploration, flexibility, and a willingness to change. Through stories of individuals like Roger Federer, Johannes Kepler, and Vincent van Gogh, along with research from fields such as psychology and education, Epstein illustrates how generalization and diverse experiences often lead to greater achievement and innovation than highly focused training and expertise. The book includes tragic events such as the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

Informative

Inspirational

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

82,675 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

David Epstein's Range is praised for its compelling argument that generalists are often more successful than specialists in a complex world. Reviewers commend Epstein's breadth of research and engaging storytelling. However, some critique arises regarding potential overgeneralizations and the anecdotal nature of evidence. Overall, Range is seen as a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional wisdom.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Range?

A reader who would enjoy Range by David Epstein is curious about the benefits of generalism over specialization and intrigued by interdisciplinary thinking. Comparable to Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Daniel Pink’s Drive, they appreciate evidence-backed narratives that challenge conventional wisdom on career and education.

4.3

82,675 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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