Outliers: The Story of Success (Malcolm Gladwell)

So we hear that the people are successful because "they're just born for it" or "they worked hard at it". Ever wondered if there were other factors at play that contributed to their successes?

Outliers, a book authored by Malcolm Gladwell, offers some convincing evidences that there ARE various factors that contribute to success stories other than just mere inborn talent. Factors range from those that are within the individual's control (like the mileage one has to clock in one's choice of trade), to those that are beyond the individual's power (like sports league schedules...hehe). Success stories like Bill Gates and The Beatles are examined in the process. The book basically sets out to correct what Gladwell described: "the biggest misconception about success is that we do it solely on our smarts, ambition, hustle and hard work".

Reading the book made me snicker constantly at the ironies that pop up along the way. An interesting read and definitely recommended.