Journal: #284 Malcolm Gladwell
When asked, I usually tell people my favorite author is CS Lewis. The books Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters are crucial to my faith. (I know most people think of The Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe when they think of Lewis. Without question, The Chronicles of Narnia have a place in English literature, but I’m not a fan.) Last summer, I read Till We Have Faces. It turned out to be the right book at the right moment in my life. For these reasons, I consider Mr. Lewis to be the St Paul of our lifetime.
My answer to the question about my favorite author is not about style or subject but impact. CS Lewis has the greatest and enduring impact on my life; however, he is not my favorite author to read. That would be Mr. Malcolm Gladwell. From the moment I began to read Outliers, I was hooked by his ability to craft a story from dull facts. Unlike others, I anticipate releasing new works, and I read them in a single day.
I got Gladwell’s new book, The Bomber Mafia, in the mail this afternoon. An hour later, I was 75 pages in. Only prudence and a scheduled visit with friends kept me from finishing it. And what is he writing about in the first few chapters? War and the nature of warfare- a completely new and original topic. When I saw the title and subtitle, I nearly avoided the purchase. I’m not a war story or strategy wonk. Yet, I decided to buy this book on faith, that Malcolm Gladwell would do what he does. I’m happy to report The Bomber Mafia is a success, and what I expect from him.
In 2008, when I read Outliers, I felt a kinship with Gladwell I can’t explain. He sees the world in fascinating patterns and dismantles myths with ease. He proved how opportunity and expertise are more valuable than talent. Academics of all walks took exception to the lowly journalist who challenged their doctrine. Within a few years of publication, several high studies aimed at the 10,000-hour rule Gladwell made popular. Most of them finding 10,000 hours of practice to less important than intention and deliberation. These assertions do not debunk the central thesis of practice makes perfect and talent is overrated.
That last bit is important to me, especially the older I grow. At 40, it is easy to think life passed me by, that I should settle for something attainable and routine. My big problem is I will not let myself live that life. I sabotage or become disillusioned at every job. Sooner or later I get bored, look for the exit, and begin to dream of greener grass. But, there are the words of my friend Malcolm. Hidden just beneath the surface of his writing, covered in glossy wordplay and story, is passion. What makes someone successful isn’t privilege or genius. It’s passion, the kind of passion that never lets a day go down without a fight, that sacrifices parties and fame, for the love of the thing.
I don’t know where my writing will lead me. The odds are I will toil away in obscurity, as I post my thoughts and feelings. But, who knows? I am committed to writing and becoming a better writer. Perhaps, in ten to twenty years, my writing will find broad appeal. Hopefully, it’ll mean something to someone. For now and the rest of my life, it means something to me.
