RelationDigest

Sunday, 7 July 2024

David and Goliath – a repeat of Malcolm Gladwell’s take on underdogs

I have often quoted Malcolm Gladwell, who is the best-selling author of books called "Blink," "Outliers " and "The Tipping Point." His latest book is also excellent and in keeping with his style of an outside looking in perspective – "Da…
Read on blog or Reader
Site logo image musingsofanoldfart Read on blog or Reader

David and Goliath – a repeat of Malcolm Gladwell's take on underdogs

By Keith on July 7, 2024

I have often quoted Malcolm Gladwell, who is the best-selling author of books called "Blink," "Outliers " and "The Tipping Point." His latest book is also excellent and in keeping with his style of an outside looking in perspective – "David and Goliath." Its subtitle elaborates further on its theme – "Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants."

"David and Goliath" helps us question how often and why underdogs are and can be successful. He starts with the biblical tale of how David slew the giant infantryman, Goliath, as one of the most celebrated underdogs. But, as Gladwell points out, David was not necessarily an underdog. David was an expert with a sling and had a history of bringing down large animals who threatened livestock. A sling was one of the artilleries of the day. When King Saul wanted David to wear armor to fight Goliath, he responded that he was not used to fighting in that way and did not care to put on the armor.

Goliath was likely around 6'8″ or larger, quite the imposing figure. He was insulted by the little boy coming down to fight him, but it may have been more than that. Based on observations made by Gladwell from the scriptures about an escort helping Goliath with his weapons, Goliath's size and other comments the giant man made, Goliath may not have been able to see very well. So, David, whose accuracy with a sling was not unusual for someone who often used one, actually had an advantage over Goliath provided he fought him his way. He would only lose that advantage if he came in too close. Once released by sling, David's stone traveled at significant speed and with its usual accuracy to Goliath's peril.

Gladwell uses many other examples in his book about success of perceived underdogs. He highlights several times how people compensate for shortcomings and actually position themselves for success. A good example was the high percentage of dyslexic people who have been successful – David Boies, Charles Schwab, Gary Cohn, Richard Branson, etc. He notes how each compensated for their dyslexia by being terrific listeners, great involvers, and more daring people to get ahead. They also found their way into positions which would not obligate them to spend more time with their weaknesses, but would take advantage of their talents.

Boies became a great trial lawyer, but would have been a horrible corporate lawyer. Why? Because a corporate lawyer needed to read subtleties in printed contracts and documents, while a trial lawyer did not. Being a trial lawyer took advantage of his listening skills and ability to condense a case down into its simplest terms for a jury to understand. His listening skills were paramount as he could pick up on a slight hesitation from an expert witness as a sign of uncertainty. He was renowned for using the opposition's expert witnesses to benefit his clients. He also prepared his witnesses to use the same inflection on answers to avoid the same trap. Ironically, none of the successful dyslexics would wish their dyslexia on their children, as it makes life hard.

Gladwell's gift is to help people challenge normative thinking and show that what people believe to be true is not necessarily so. Several times he notes where efforts to accomplish something by a larger, stronger force, has the opposite effect, actually galvanizing the underdog for future success. In one enlightening example, he discussed the Battle of Britain, where the Germans mercilessly bombed London and surrounding areas. Yet, the conclusion by some psychological experts, the Germans would have been better off by not bombing London at all. Why? Outside of those who lost their lives and those who were close to the bombing, the great many who survived each bombing actually became more resolved. The survivalist nature of "I am still here," had a profound impact. It was the British citizens saying to the Nazis, "is that all you got?" The world owes a huge debt to the British people for standing up against great odds by themselves until others would join in. Their resolve was only bolstered by overcoming the underdog status and still be standing after the bombs were dropped.

There are numerous other examples, but I wanted to give you a taste of the book. Gladwell's books are a great blend of observation and storytelling with some data mixed in. His observations are grounded in his experience of always being an outsider. When I have seen him interviewed, he notes how different he looks as the son of a Jamaican mother and British father who grew up in Toronto. He said we were always outsiders, so we never accepted the status quo. His books are also a quick read. It is also hard for me to pick a favorite. Start with one and, if you like it, give another one a chance. You will be better for it, as he makes you think.

Comment
Like
You can also reply to this email to leave a comment.

musingsofanoldfart © 2024.
Manage your email settings or unsubscribe.

WordPress.com and Jetpack Logos

Get the Jetpack app

Subscribe, bookmark, and get real-time notifications - all from one app!

Download Jetpack on Google Play Download Jetpack from the App Store
WordPress.com Logo and Wordmark title=

Automattic, Inc.
60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110

at July 07, 2024
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

No comments:

Post a Comment

Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

💬 New message from E.K.Vale

Read it now in the Substack app ͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏  ...

  • MACo Seeks Local Representation in Workgroup on School Facilities
    On March 26, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January submitted written t...
  • “Barbie” snubbed with Oscar nominations
    ...
  • Pinterest – History
    ...

Search This Blog

  • Home

About Me

RelationDigest
View my complete profile

Report Abuse

Blog Archive

  • September 2025 (19)
  • August 2025 (54)
  • July 2025 (59)
  • June 2025 (53)
  • May 2025 (47)
  • April 2025 (42)
  • March 2025 (30)
  • February 2025 (27)
  • January 2025 (30)
  • December 2024 (37)
  • November 2024 (31)
  • October 2024 (28)
  • September 2024 (28)
  • August 2024 (2729)
  • July 2024 (3249)
  • June 2024 (3152)
  • May 2024 (3259)
  • April 2024 (3151)
  • March 2024 (3258)
  • February 2024 (3046)
  • January 2024 (3258)
  • December 2023 (3270)
  • November 2023 (3183)
  • October 2023 (3243)
  • September 2023 (3151)
  • August 2023 (3241)
  • July 2023 (3237)
  • June 2023 (3135)
  • May 2023 (3212)
  • April 2023 (3093)
  • March 2023 (3187)
  • February 2023 (2865)
  • January 2023 (3209)
  • December 2022 (3229)
  • November 2022 (3079)
  • October 2022 (3086)
  • September 2022 (2791)
  • August 2022 (2964)
  • July 2022 (3157)
  • June 2022 (2925)
  • May 2022 (2893)
  • April 2022 (3049)
  • March 2022 (2919)
  • February 2022 (2104)
  • January 2022 (2284)
  • December 2021 (2481)
  • November 2021 (3146)
  • October 2021 (1048)
Powered by Blogger.