I recently finished reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I found this book to be quite fascinating and a bit puzzling. Mr. Gladwell did not seem to take into account the person’s choice in the events that happened. For example, he discusses Bill Gates and how he had several unique opportunity to learn programming because of unlimited access to several terminals and powerful computers. The thing that he seems to gloss over is that Mr. Gates chose to pursue and delve into the computing world of his youth.
I agree that we are in part a product of our environment and that of our parents and grandparents. I recognize that my parents paradigm and that of my grandparents has had an influence and impact upon my own personality and perception of the world around me. I also recognize that my view of the world will impact my children and how they view their world.
I am also acutely aware of the course my life has taken and how that has shaped my life and my career. I once considered a much quieter life on a ranch or farm. I could have pursued that life and I would probably have been a very different person than I am now. I would not have the love and drive to understand technology that I have; nor the desire to understand how technology influences our lives. I am very interested in how we use technology and its impact on each societal group.
How does Mr. Gladwell view choice in the consequence of their history and paradigm of the world.
iron wil
