Idea. Potential. #7
Three books recently read, and what they taught me. It’s as simple as that in edition #7. Let’s go.
Blink, by Malcom Gladwell: we’re surrounded by data, we rarely make a decision without it, and yet how many of the big decisions we make are really ‘the right ones’? Could we make better ones with skilful use of our intuition? Gladwell takes you through how you might do just that. Beginning with a look at a bizarre case of a priceless ancient statue that was examined by dozens of experts and certified as real, we then learn about the experiences that allowed three art critics to take one look at the thing and immediately — and correctly — call it as a fake. They were certain, and when asked, they could not explain why. It turns out that there’s a science to instinct and a moment to ignore the noise and make a decision in the blink of an eye.
The Driver’s Seat, by Muriel Spark: Although written about a different era, it’s an illuminating read, especially for a man. The book deals with lots of themes, from mental health to harassment to gender equality, all within an utterly compelling storyline. But its revelations about the experience of a woman who is taking control of the last thing that a patriarchal society has allowed her to own is a teachable moment for men. Saying more will spoil the story, so I’ll let you read and find out for yourself.
The Tipping Point, by Malcom Gladwell: A book that needs little introduction, I thoroughly recommend the audio version for the simple reason that it clearly comes from a time before Malcolm Gladwell realised his adeptness in narrative style that he has now become synonymous with. For those unaware of the publication that announced Gladwell’s elevation from journalist to author, the book is about the conditions which lead a fad to become a trend, and a sub-culture to become a global movement. There are elements within that speak to marketing and improving leadership, but what I really learned about was how commercial success of a given campaign or product is as much dependent upon its synchronicity with the right cultural conditions as it is with the need that product fills.
