Books Like...
'Outliers: The Story of Success' by Malcolm Gladwell delves into the makings of success, exploring the concept that success is not solely based on ability but also on external circumstances such as timing, opportunities, luck, and cultural backgrounds. Through compelling stories and examples, Gladwell challenges the traditional beliefs about success, highlighting the role of factors like practice hours, family background, and societal influences in shaping exceptional individuals. is praised for its thought-provoking insights on why some people excel while others lead ordinary lives, offering a fresh perspective on the true determinants of success.
If you liked Outliers: The Story of Success, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference' by Malcolm Gladwell delves into the concept of social epidemics and how small changes can lead to significant impacts. Through various examples and case studies, Gladwell explores the factors that contribute to tipping points in trends, behaviors, and social movements. The writing style is a mix of storytelling and analysis, with engaging anecdotes that illustrate the author's points about the dynamics of social change.
On December 22, 1984, the Saturday before Christmas, Bernhard Goetz left his apartment in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and walked to the IRT subway station at Fourteenth Street and Seventh Avenue. He...Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell is a nonfiction book that delves into the nature of perception and decision-making. Gladwell uses various examples, anecdotes, and studies to explore how our unconscious mind affects our conscious decisions, emphasizing the importance of snap judgments and intuition. The book discusses the concept of "thin-slicing," where quick decisions made in the blink of an eye can sometimes be more accurate and valuable than well-thought-out conclusions. Gladwell's engaging narrative style weaves together stories about first impressions, body language, quick decisions, and the inner workings of the human mind.
Some years ago, a young couple came to the University of Washington to visit the laboratory of a psychologist named John Gottman. They were in their twenties, blond and blue-eyed with stylishly tousle...- #3
Save:"Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner explores the hidden side of economics through a series of engaging anecdotes and statistical analysis. The authors delve into various topics such as crime rates, abortion laws, naming trends, and societal behaviors, revealing surprising correlations and challenging conventional wisdom. The writing style is entertaining and thought-provoking, presenting complex economic concepts in a digestible manner that appeals to a wide audience.
Imagine for a moment that you are the manager of a day-care center. You have a clearly stated policy that children are supposed to be picked up by 4 p.m. But very often parents are late. The result: a... - #4
Save:'Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don?t Know' by Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of human interactions with strangers. Through real-life examples like the cases of Bernie Madoff, Jerry Sandusky, and Sandra Bland, Gladwell explores how people often misinterpret others' intentions and behaviors. The book challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about strangers and highlights the limitations of human judgment when it comes to understanding unfamiliar individuals.
Florentino Aspillaga’s final posting was in Bratislava, in what was then Czechoslovakia. It was 1987, two years before the Iron Curtain fell. Aspillaga ran a consulting company called Cuba Tecnica, wh... 'The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a thought-provoking and challenging book that delves into the concept of unpredictability and rare events. Taleb challenges traditional economic and statistical models, highlighting the flaws in predicting the future and the impact of outlier events. The writing style is a mix of wit, insight, and arrogance, with the author often showcasing his erudition while criticizing prevailing beliefs and methodologies.
This is not an autobiography, so I will skip the scenes of war. Actually, even if it were an autobiography, I would still skip the scenes of war. I cannot compete with action movies or memoirs of adve...'Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions' by Dan Ariely delves into the realm of behavioral economics, showcasing how human decision-making is often influenced by irrational tendencies rather than rational thinking. Through a series of experiments and studies, Ariely explores various aspects of human behavior, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of our choices. The writing style of the book combines humor with insightful observations, making complex psychological concepts easily understandable for readers.
Have you ever grabbed for a coupon offering a FREE! package of coffee beans—even though you don’t drink coffee and don’t even have a machine with which to brew it? What about all those FREE! extra hel...- #7
Save:'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling is a thought-provoking book that challenges the reader's misconceptions about the world. Through clear-eyed analysis and compelling storytelling, Rosling presents data and statistics that reveal a more optimistic view of global progress. The book emphasizes the importance of looking at facts objectively, avoiding biases, and understanding the true state of the world. Rosling's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making complex topics like public health statistics and cognitive biases relatable to readers.
“What is the child mortality rate in Saudi Arabia? Don’t raise your hands. Just shout it out.” I had handed out copies of tables 1 and 5 from UNICEF’s yearbook. The handouts looked dull, but I was exc... - #8
Save:"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman is a comprehensive study on human thought processes, highlighting how individuals are prone to cognitive illusions and biases. The book delves into the concept of two systems of thinking - one fast and intuitive, the other slow and analytical - and explores how these systems impact decision-making in various aspects of life, including business and personal choices. Kahneman skillfully combines decades of research in psychology and economics to provide insights into human behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding our cognitive tendencies to make better decisions.
Your experience as you look at the woman’s face seamlessly combines what we normally call seeing and intuitive thinking. As surely and quickly as you saw that the young woman’s hair is dark, you knew ... 'Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World' by David Epstein challenges the prevailing idea of early specialization and deliberate practice, advocating for a broader range of experiences and learning opportunities. Through examples from various fields like sports, music, engineering, and science, Epstein argues that being a generalist can lead to greater success, creativity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. presents a compelling case for exploring multiple vocations and interests early on, rather than focusing on one narrow path, highlighting the benefits of having a diverse skill set and a wide range of experiences.
ONE YEAR AND FOUR DAYS after World War II in Europe ended in unconditional surrender, Laszlo Polgar was born in a small town in Hungary—the seed of a new family. He had no grandmothers, no grandfather..."Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain explores the value of introversion in a society that often celebrates extroversion. It delves into the struggles introverts face in a world that favors outgoing personalities and constant interaction, while also highlighting the strengths and unique qualities introverts possess. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, psychological studies, and societal observations, Cain provides insights into how introverts can navigate a world that may not always understand or appreciate their quiet nature.
Cain's writing style in "Quiet" has been described as passionate, informative, and empowering. She combines personal experiences with research findings to create a compelling narrative that resonates with both introverts and extroverts. offers a mix of self-help guidance, psychological analysis, and societal critique, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of introversion in a predominantly extroverted world.
Carnegie’s metamorphosis from farmboy to salesman to public-speaking icon is also the story of the rise of the Extrovert Ideal. Carnegie’s journey reflected a cultural evolution that reached a tipping...
