Range

By David Epstein

Categories: Self-Help

Conventional wisdom says that to excel, you should start early, specialize, and practice relentlessly. David Epstein looked at the research on top performers, from athletes to Nobel laureates, and found that early specialization is the exception, not the rule. In most fields, especially complex and unpredictable ones, generalists who sample widely and find their path late often do better. They're more creative, more adaptable, and better at connecting ideas across fields.

Recommended by 9 people

• Vinod Khosla
• Michael J. Mauboussin
• Keith Rabois
• Changpeng Zhao
• Bill Gates
• Ryan Holiday
• Bill Gurley: “Range was promoted as a sports book. But it is much more.”
• Tony Fadell: “To those who are looking for something new to add to their read list, I recommend @DavidEpstein's Range.”
• Shane Parrish: “While I wish I wrote this book, David Epstein is a much better writer so you should read it from him. The messages in the book will resonate with all FS readers. The book is a compelling argument that generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel.”