The problem is that he then tries to extrapolate these observations into broader hypotheses about success. Gladwell has to say about superstars is little more than common sense: that talent alone is not enough to ensure success, that opportunity, hard work, timing and luck play important roles as well. It is also glib, poorly reasoned and thoroughly unconvincing. The book, which purports to explain the real reason some people - like Bill Gates and the Beatles - are successful, is peppy, brightly written and provocative in a buzzy sort of way. Gladwell’s latest book, employs this same recipe, but does so in such a clumsy manner that it italicizes the weaknesses of his methodology. And both project a sort of self-help chirpiness, which implies that they are giving the reader useful new insights into the workings of everyday life.

Both use PowerPoint-type catchphrases (like the “stickiness factor” and “the Rule of 150”) to plant concepts in the reader’s mind.

Both books are filled with colorful anecdotes and case studies that read like entertaining little stories. Both popularize scientific, sociological and psychological theories in a fashion that makes for lively water-cooler chatter about Big Intriguing Concepts: “The Tipping Point” promotes the notion that ideas and fads spread in much the same way as infectious diseases do, while “Blink” theorizes that gut instincts and snap judgments can be every bit as good as decisions made more methodically. Malcolm Gladwell’s two humongous best sellers, “The Tipping Point” and “Blink,” share a shake-and-bake recipe that helps explain their popularity.

Outliers gladwell