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This book was a disappointment. It basically stated the obvious, that certain factors "tip" people one way or another- context, persuasion, genetics, etc., and produce trends as well as personal preferences. There wasn't anything in here that was not common sense. For example, the chapter on why teenagers still start smoking even after decades of health warnings, etc., provided no new insight. Basically, the reason provided was that kids don't start smoking because the action of smoking is cool; they start smoking because the SMOKERS are cool. In other words, cool people smoke, just like they do other things. So to be cool, you'll emulate the cool people. And smoking is one thing you can do to be like them. Also, the author states that genetics is the reason why certain smokers become addicted (every-day smoking of several cigarettes per day, with great difficulty in quitting including withdrawal symptoms) and why other people can smoke very few cigarettes in a week, every week, for example, and easily stop doing that with no problem. Since the concept of "social smokers" is quite well known now, I don't think this was any revelation. Just like not every social drinker becomes an alcoholic, not every social smoker becomes a hard-core nicotine fiend. And doesn't genetics cause pretty much everything? I've heard a figure of 80% of our behavior, traits, intelligence, etc. is genetic. This may or may not be true, but the proposition that nature, rather than nurture, is controlling us is not a new idea either. The "masses" won't be impressed with his ideas on genes. This book was also very short. I would have appreciated much more substance, and just more MATERIAL in general. Thankfully I got this from the library so I didn't waste my money on a short, dissatisfying book that states the obvious and expects the public to be wowed by the "insight." The author seems to have rattled off this book in one sitting, perhaps as an afterthought, for what reason, I don't know. I also sensed a patronizing tone throughout. I get the impression by reading it that he wrote this first as an outline for some high school sociology class, and then tried to expand it to something that the great "unwashed masses" would take as a serious, scholarly work. Well, I'm sure that even the "masses" aren't that easily impressed. So I do not recommend wasting your time on this one!Read full review
Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point considers the elements needed to make a particular movement gain mass appeal. The title concept, "tipping point," occurs when something that began small- a few funky kids in New York's East Village wearing Hush Puppies- turns into something very large- millions of Hush Puppies are sold. According to the author, the success of advancing any idea depends on three rules: the Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context. Gladwell offers a theory of social dynamics that he contends will provoke a mass behavioral change. He offers numerous anecdotes to make his point: Paul Revere's ride, the creation of the children's TV program Sesame Street, and the influence of subway shooter Bernie Goetz. After analyzing a number of fascinating psychological studies, he propses that tipping points occur when subtle alterations in the environment, such as the eradication of graffiti, are enacted by a small number of people who act as connectors, mavens, and salesmen. As he applies his strikingly counter-intuitive hypotheses to everything from the "stickiness," or popularity, of certain children's television programs to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, Gladwell reveals that our cherished belief in the autonomy of the self is based, in great part, on wishful thinking. Tipping Point has the feel of a cut-and-paste narrative- which is probably attributable to Gladwell's journalistic background- and is definitely not the stuff of deep academic research, or sociological thought. It is, however, an entertaining read that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND and should affirm what we already knew, if we were honest with ourselves.Read full review
Have read all three of Malcolm Gladwell's books. Each title has a totally surprising approach to what causes things in life to change. I found that the content of this book dealt with how things in life can change. After extended changes occur an unexpected crescendo may cause a tipping point that may make directional changes necessary. Often we can see it coming but may be surprised just how little influence we have to the tipping point. Lots of fun and a quick read. Good trip on the plane.
This is an important book to read if you want to know how crazy the buyers can be and how a person needs to be tuned into the unpredictable factors that can push your product or idea to the forefront and cause it to spread virally. It helps me realize that I must always prepare for the best possible outcome with any of my projects even if they start slowyly--to always being getting the ideas in front of people so that the "right" person doesn't miss the chance to help you share BIG with the world. This book lends another perspective for anyone wanting to have a well-rounded foundation in what's happening and what can happen in the whimsical global market.
This is an excellent example of in-depth journalism. Some books are fast food: fun to read, but not really nourishing. Some are like those horse pill multi-vitamins: spilling over with everything your body needs, but really hard to swallow. This book is one of the best literary meals I have had in quite awhile! It is delicious! It is easy to read, very insightful, loaded with information, and thought provoking. For me, it is the kind of book that I could read pleasurably over a few weeks time. I didn't need to inhale it. I wanted to assimilate the commentary slowly. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a copy for one of my sisters for her birthday. I will enjoy discussing it with her as she nibbles her way through it. If you love to read and you're interested in the elements of events that cause them to tip one way or another, you'll find this book fascinating. The author is an excellent writer. If you've ever read his blogs or his work for the New Yorker then you probably appreciate his style. I'd also recommend BLINK, his subsequent work. I look forward to more books from this young, talented author.Read full review
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