When I began reading this, it felt like a 3-star book. It had a little less science and a little more anecdotal information that I usually like from...more When I began reading this, it felt like a 3-star book. It had a little less science and a little more anecdotal information that I usually like from my non-fiction. Some passages even gave me a pop-psychology fluff vibe. I had to bump it up to 4 and then ultimately 5 stars based on how much this book made me think; think about myself, my past, my future, and how I will raise my children. Issues that have been an important part of my life without my full notice were suddenly brought to light. David Anderagg is a practicing psychologist. Although I've never had therapy, I imagine that the most talented psychologists illicit introspection through gentle prompting, nudging, and asking seemingly innocent questions. The process eventually triggers self discovery and enlightenment, and Anderagg accomplishes this masterfully.
The book is entertaining with an important message.(less)
I loved the multidisciplinary approach. It jumps around from stuff that's going on inside our brains, to the differences between various commuting cul...moreI loved the multidisciplinary approach. It jumps around from stuff that's going on inside our brains, to the differences between various commuting cultures, to the nuts and bolts of civil engineering. It confirmed a lot of my suspicions about traffic while teaching me new stuff at the same time.
I'm usually pretty conservative with my ratings, but I had to give it the 5th star because of its applicability. It's something that most of us do every day, but there aren't many books on the subject.(less)
The biggest danger in social sciences is observing something infinitely complex and trying to reduce it back to a few simple assumptions. Gladwell poi...moreThe biggest danger in social sciences is observing something infinitely complex and trying to reduce it back to a few simple assumptions. Gladwell points out where others did this in the past, but does not explain how he has avoided the problem. _________ Perspective one: Looking at an epidemic from start to finish there's an illusion of a tumultuous journey from obscurity to main stream that had a lot of make-or-break moments in between.
Perspective two: Looking at an epidemic from end to beginning, it just looks like a ton of people involved in a movement, and of course some people are bound to have some unique traits, and some people are bound to have been more responsible in spreading the idea than others. ___________
I'm left with more questions than answers.
The ideas in the book are fascinating,and make it worth the read, but I wish there was more science and less story-telling.(less)
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