Range

Outline

Range (2019) challenges the popular belief that success comes from specialising early. David Epstein shows that in many fields, people who sample widely, try different activities, and develop broad skills often become more creative and adaptable. With examples from sports, science, music, and business, he explains why generalists thrive in a complex and changing world.

• Success does not always come from specialising early; in many fields, broad experience leads to better results.
• People who sample different activities and build wide skills often become more creative and adaptable.
• Examples from sports, science, music, and business show that generalists can thrive where specialists struggle.
• In a complex and changing world, broad curiosity is a strength rather than a distraction.
• Diverse experience can turn into greater resilience when your career or circumstances shift.

David Epstein is an American journalist and author who writes about science, sports, and human performance. He has worked as an investigative reporter for leading publications and is known for challenging common assumptions with research. His books include The Sports Gene and Range, both of which became bestsellers.