Outliers Book Report

In the novel Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell gave a well put together read that gives us much to think about when trying to define success and what factors are important in shaping whether a person becomes successful or not. Prior to reading Gladwell’s Outliers my views probably were like most that success usually comes from one’s hard work and genius and that we all have an equal chance for success, but after reading Gladwell’s theories and explanations on how many outside factors can influence success, I now have some different conclusions about intelligence and how outside factors such as socioeconomic background and the way we are raised are also important influences of who and what we become and not just simply how high ones IQ or intelligence is measured. Malcolm Gladwell’s The Outliers chapter three and four, The Trouble with Genius Part 2, explains how where we come from and how we are raised influence our success and even those with similar above average IQ’s may not have the same opportunity for success because of these factors. Even though a high IQ may set us apart as an outlier, because of our economic background we may not have the same opportunities as someone with the same IQ. Gladwell explains this by using Terman’s study in which Terman tested a random

Other than appearance the men’s background can also be compared. Perry’s home life can be interpreted as rough from both works of “In Cold Blood”. It is easily decided within the audience which killer was dealt the lower hand in life. With Perry having to deal with both an abusive father and a mother succumbing to the temptations of alcohol, he is looked upon as the unlucky child who grew up in the wrong conditions. Realizing the killer who was handed a better childhood turned into a ruthless killer leads the audience into blaming Dick completely for his actions as he has nothing to fall back on as a scapegoat.

An incident occurred between a father and his son, where the son murdered his father for a ration of food. Also a Gypsy had attacked Elie’s father when he asked where the bathrooms were. Sadly, Elie doesn’t escape this horrific fate. When his father had grown sick, he had to stay in a cabin with others who were sick as well. Elie tried to help him, but he soon grew tired of helping his father and felt relieved when his father had died; he felt free.

Both of these works demonstrate that no matter what the situation is, one should do what one’s heart desires and if at first one does not succeed, one should try again. Near the beginning of each book, Patrick and Jon are both eager to achieve something they both really want. In The Killing Circle by

I find it disturbing that we are so adamant about wanting to be correct and serving justice that we fail to see others as humans. I believe Mr. Taylor mentioned that over 125 victims claimed being tortured by Burge and his cohorts. I am glad that there are projects initiated to fight for reparations. The lives of innocent people are ruined due to police ego. I think the part that most stuck out to me from Mr. Cannon's speech was when he said that he will always have added grief from what he experienced and a strong hatred for his abusers.

Just as the water buffalo was tortured to death, most of the men in Alpha Company feel helpless in their situation. Kiley lost his friend and to escape the pain he choses to take it out on the buffalo. This scene also sparks the theme of revenge, and as you read other sections you begin to realize the primitive nature these men have devolved into. In the chapters Friends and Enemies, you see the evolution of emotional trauma through Lee Strunk and Dave Jensen.

As it was a nation worldwide news that was all over tv. People around the country watching was shock of the decision, an debut that caught everybody eyes, that O.J Simpson should’ve been guilty. Because of how the court system work, it let a dangerous man walk out free. During the next morning of the murder, things went out of control, as police interviewed O.J Simpson. As they ask him numerous question about a deep cut on his right hand (Victor).

When he says, “I wanted to know the meaning of things... I am the meaning” (94) he is realizing that he has found what he was subconsciously looking for all along: his individuality. His smarts, endless curiosity, and passion for learning are what made him an individual and gave him the ability to start anew. In some ways, one could relate his story to situations we are faced with in the modern world today. People are afraid to show any signs of individualism, and would rather conform to those around them than stand apart from the crowd with their uniquity.

Talking about how the border guard was one of the best treated people yet, he still had parasites made me feel sympathy not only for him, but everyone else in the country who is not treated as well as him. Your language choices in the sentence “But Trumps’ critics should remember that Kim is a classic bully who, like his father and grandfather before him, has successfully bullied the United States and the rest of the world for years, as well as brutalizing his own people” works well for pathos. The terms “bully” and “brutalize” made me feel sad, until I realized it was biased language. You also used the word “defector” when describing this border guard which hurt your pathos. This makes me think of him as a traitor, which makes me not connect emotionally with

This quotation fits perfectly with my component of success. The quotation shows, in order to become successful one must take the opportunities given and work really hard at them to become successful. Gladwell makes sure readers know these successful role models didn’t make it to where they are one their own. Some people get more opportunities than others, likely because they have astounding effort. You need to have enough talent and drive to get the opportunities, then you have to seize