Conversely, less technical domains that demand flexible thinking, like film and literature, reward creative types. In a chapter on chess masters, Epstein points out that a devotion to the game from early childhood onward can be helpful, because chess tests the skills of a person working in an isolated rule-based system. Though Epstein’s defense of dabbling is convincing, he also shows us that the approach doesn’t work equally well in every field. Epstein also advocates for late bloomers, among them Vincent van Gogh, who only started painting in earnest at age thirty-three, and former Girl Scouts CEO Frances Hesselbein, whose professional career began when she was in her mid-fifties.
His advantage emerged from his experiences as a hobbyist, inventor, and tinkerer. For example, Nintendo’s all-time most influential video-game innovator, Gunpei Yokoi, had no specific life plans when he took the job. In true generalist fashion, Epstein examines several disciplines to support his argument, highlighting exemplars from art, science, education, and business. Furthermore, “highly credentialed experts can become so narrow-minded that they actually get worse with experience, even while becoming more confident - a dangerous combination.” Research shows that “it takes time - and often forgoing a head start - to develop personal and professional range, but it is worth it,” Epstein writes. So which method is best, the Roger or the Tiger? Epstein makes a strong case for the Roger. Woods was practically born with a golf club in his hands and was encouraged by his parents to go all in when they recognized his precociousness Federer tried out a number of sports - swimming, skiing, skateboarding - before committing to tennis. A former Sports Illustrated staffer, Epstein begins in familiar territory, comparing the stories of two elite athletes: Tiger Woods, the golf champion, and Roger Federer, the tennis star.
In his book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World - an instant New York Times bestseller - David Epstein ’02CC, ’04GSAS, ’04JRN digs into the evidence looking for answers. What is the best way to pursue excellence? Should you focus all your time, energy, and attention on a single pursuit? Or would it be wiser to dabble in several before committing to one?
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