Range

Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

By: David Epstein

Narrated by: Will Damron

The #1 New York Times bestseller that has all America talking: as seen/heard on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, Morning Joe, CBS This Morning, The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rich Roll, and more.

“The most important business—and parenting—book of the year.”—Forbes

“Urgent and important. . . an essential read for bosses, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about improving performance.”—Daniel H. Pink

Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award

Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.

David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.

Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.

©2019 David Epstein (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Will Damron narrates this fast-paced and highly engaging work of nonfiction - essentially a love letter to liberal education.... Damron connects well with listeners.... Teachers, students, parents, managers, and CEOs will all benefit from listening." (AudioFile Magazine)

“For reasons I cannot explain, David Epstein manages to make me thoroughly enjoy the experience of being told that everything I thought about something was wrong. I loved Range.” (Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and The Tipping Point)

“Range is a convincing, engaging survey of research and anecdotes that confirm a thoughtful, collaborative world is also a better and more innovative one.” (NPR)

“An assiduously researched and accessible argument for being a jack of all trades.” (O Magazine, Best Nonfiction Books Coming in 2019)

Everyone should read this book!

I originally decided to listen to this book to see if the children actually became geniuses like their father planned. As someone who has jumped from job to job & changes majors at least once a semester & feels bad about it, I didn't realize how much I needed to hear the things in this book!

Don't feel behind.

Bruh!
Figure out who you are first.
Experiment
Specialization is overrated but okay if you do or all ready have.
If you feel you need to change your path... Do it.

Mind blowing

Very interesting perspective on changing your paths and narrow specialization vs having a breadth of knowledge. Made me feel better about myself.

Awesome

One of the best books, for the times. In depth research that goes several layers deeper than the usual anecdotes. Made me think and reflect.

Such a great book! Parents need to read!

I wish my both my parents had this book when I was young! We don’t need to be fish being graded on climbing a tree.

I have no doubts that I will re-listen to this book throughout my years. In a world that is presently still pretty stuck on Specialization, this is a breath of fresh air on how my life has flowed over the years.

I hope to meet more people like this in the coming decades.

I don’t have children, but if you do or even if you are a grandparent, definitely take the time to read this and lovingly encourage and support your children in ALL their interest, even if they come in one day, and are gone with the wind the next.

So Glad I Read This Book!

This book came at the perfect time as I was feeling really bad about experimenting in my current job. I didn’t have the language for what I was doing , but this book helped with that and so much more. It helped develop a strategy for exploration and quiet that nagging “you’re too old” voice. I actually cried during the last few minutes. Don’t feel bad about where you are. You’ll get where you need to be on time.

Obviously, great for generalists.

Thoroughly enjoyed, great for people feel like their interest in a wide variety of subjects isn’t acceptable within society. Great motivation for starting a new chapter in life or taking risks to learn more.

Very stimulating book

Well written and researched, this book offers many insights into the creative process. Definitely recommended.

Struggling, Stay Curious

Thank you David for a truly inspiring book. “Range” has taught me to remain curious, vigilant, and striving, as aspiration is nothing more than the fuel of the superb generalist.

Enjoyed every minute

Immediately attracted by the title, I very much enjoyed this audible journey! Left me feeling as if my mind was just stretched. I will now strive to be the most general guy I can be!