David Epstein discusses his latest book, "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" at GPS event on Jan. 26, 2022

On Jan. 26 the Glenbard Parent Series  hosted David Epstein in a program titled, "The Secrets of Success"  based on his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. 

In his book, Range, Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. He also makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. 

David Epstein is an investigative reporter at ProPublica and prior to that was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated.  He has also written the New York Times best-selling The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance. Epstein is a graduate of Columbia University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and astronomy and a master’s degree in environmental science and journalism.

David Epstein held a Q and A with distinguished Glenbard representatives following his webinar, link HERE.

Dr. Seth Champman, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:

"David Epstein shared his research-based perspective that for most children 'sampling' of many opportunities in sports or the arts will be more beneficial, and lead to greater overall success and happiness, than early 'specialization'.

 While having an early focus in one particular arena can yield positive outcomes in the short-term, the students who take more of a generalist approach to their extracurriculars experience enjoy larger gains over the long term.  Epstein recommends we talk to our children to understand what they enjoy, and  to help them discover what they learned from any given activity. 

 Always remember, setbacks and challenges do have an upside, as they provide an opportunity for personal growth. Many high profile (and highly successful) people have struggled early on,  and only achieved their successes much later in life, later than we may realize".

Thank you to our additional sponsors for this event: Deerfield Parent Network, Stand Strong Coalition, Parent Community Network, Link Together Coalition.

Resources

David Epstein web site HERE

Range Widely: Broadening your cognitive toolbox (newsletter) HERE

An Introduction to "Range" by David Epstein YouTube video HERE

WGN TV interview "Author David Epstein, `Range` says practice doesn`t make perfect"  (Jun 2019) HERE

Making the Modern Athlete: A Conversation with David Epstein and Malcolm Gladwell (Mar 2019) HERE

Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger? (Apr 2014) TedTalk HERE

Why specializing early doesn't always mean career success (Sep 2020) TedTalk HERE

David Epstein discusses his book, "Range", with Daniel Pink at Politics and Prose (Jul 2019) HERE

Range Widely: “My dad threw me into every sport you could imagine.” article (Sep 2021) HERE

Range Widely: "Even Tiger and Mozart Weren't Tiger and Mozart" article (Dec 2021) HERE

15 Takeaways for Coaches and Parents from Range article by Marianne Werdel HERE