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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein challenges the common notion that early specialization leads to success. Epstein argues that, in a complex and unpredictable world, generalists—those who have diverse experiences and broad knowledge—are better equipped to innovate, adapt, and solve problems compared to specialists who focus narrowly on one domain.
The book presents the idea that people who explore a variety of interests and disciplines tend to develop a broader skill set, which helps them think creatively and adapt to changing environments. Epstein uses examples from sports, science, business, and education to demonstrate how generalists, like Roger Federer, who benefited from a broad athletic background, tend to outperform specialists like Tiger Woods in the long run.
In essence, Range makes the case that generalists thrive in the modern world, where adaptability and the ability to connect ideas across domains are increasingly important. The book encourages readers to embrace exploration, remain flexible, and avoid the narrow focus of early specialization.
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