Outliers is a typically engaging and thought-provoking work from Malcolm Gladwell. His case studies make a compelling case that cultural conditioning, personal commitment, and timing are critical determinants of success that are typically overlooked in favor of celebrating unique talent.

We look at the young Bill Gates and marvel that our world allowed that thirteen-year-old to become a fabulously successful entrepreneur.  But that’s the wrong lesson. Our world only allowed one thirteen-year-old unlimited access to a time-sharing terminal in 1968.  If a million teenagers had been given the same opportunity, how many more Microsofts would we have today?  To build a better world we need to replace the patchwork of lucky breaks and arbitrary advantages that today determine success – the fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history – with a society that provides opportunities for all.

The book suggests an updated version of Horatio Alger’s stories, in which broader social awareness of trends and opportunities can help more Bill Gates (and Malcolm Gladwells) rise to the surface. In light of our flattening world and the decline of generational mobility in the United States, it would help to set aside the ideal of individual genius and recognize the support systems that allow genius to flourish.