Alex answers “Interesting anecdotes, and I'll give some...”

Jenny Phillips asked this question about Outliers: The Story of Success:

Interesting anecdotes, and I'll give some credit to anyone who challenges the myth of self-determination. But the research is sloppy and never engages meaningfully with criticisms or counter-arguments. Also, what are we to do with this analysis? The prescriptive component is notably absent.

Alex Shrugged Well... I saw a prescriptive component in the book, but it wasn't particularly useful. For example: his prescription for having year-round school in t…moreWell... I saw a prescriptive component in the book, but it wasn't particularly useful. For example: his prescription for having year-round school in the United States would solve a lot of problems between the rich and poor kids learning patterns, but he acknowledges that this won't happen, and illustrates why. However, the reader can make it happen locally by opening a private school or a free summer camp for poor kids. He doesn't say that but the reader can infer it.

Please note: I was not reading this book for any prescription for life.

I think some of his suggestions are simply misguided... like changing the way that children are grouped together for sports teams. The coaches are looking for early talent, but kids born in January have a distinct advantage over kids born in September of the same year. On the same team the January kid will more likely be noticed by the coach because he has had 7 more months to grow. By changing the way the kids are grouped, the September kid might stand out more, but there are only so many slots to be filled. If the September kid fills that slot then others do not. That might appeal to a sense of fairness, but it doesn't necessarily get you better sports teams. They would be simply different.(less)

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