Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

David Epstein examined the world’s top performers, from athletes and musicians to inventors and scientists. Using case studies from these different fields, Epstein demonstrates that generalists, not specialists, are more likely to succeed in the future of work because of their broader, more diverse experiences and their breadth of skill sets and perspectives.

His perspective counters the 10,000-hour rule of early, deep, deliberate practice needed to excel in one area. By delaying specialization and having a “sampling period” early in life, the diverse experiences of generalists helped them to think outside of their eventual domain to come up with connections that their more specialized peers are unable to see.

Here’s to roaming, dabbling, failing, collaborating and having a wide range of interests!