Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David J. Epstein
Riverhead Books, 2019, 351 Pages
Summary
This book argues that specialization has been over-sold as a means to achieving mastery. It may even be harmful. Contrary to the often quoted “10,000 Hours Rule” (that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master something), Epstein posits that we may develop better mastery by having “range” or breadth of experience and understanding. This book draws on many examples from science and focuses much of its attention on breakthroughs. The author is not afraid to question commonly held beliefs about teaching, learning, and how groups can collaborate.