For a short Take 5: Q&A video click here
In a society centered on getting ahead, we are told to choose our paths early, focus narrowly, and start racking up our 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. However, through extensive research, David Epstein, the bestselling author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, has found that when early specialization leads to fulfillment and success, this is the exception, not the rule. Instead, Epstein encourages winding paths and mental wanderings as sources of power, not disadvantages. Join us for a presentation that helps us all see the benefit of taking a deep breath, letting our minds and interests wander – and encouraging our kids to do the same.
In his book, Range, Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. He also makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, young people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.
David Epstein is an investigative reporter at ProPublica and prior to that was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. He has also written the New York Times best-selling The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance. Epstein is a graduate of Columbia University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and astronomy and a master’s degree in environmental science and journalism.
GPS is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, Community Consolidated School District 93 Birth to 5 Community Coalition, Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), College of DuPage, DuPage Medical Group, Emmy Gaffey Foundation, Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative, Kiwanis Clubs of District 9, and Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department.
