Range

Date: 2023-03-29

Book Author: David Epstein

In a world obsessed with specialisation, Range makes a counter-argument: generalists win. Epstein compares chess prodigies to late-blooming Nobel laureates, Tiger Woods to Roger Federer — showing that sampling widely often leads to deeper success.

💡 Key Ideas: • Early specialisation can lead to burnout and tunnel vision. • “Sampling periods” in careers lead to better decision-making. • Innovation often comes from people who cross domains.

❤️ What I Liked: • Gave me permission to feel proud of a non-linear journey. • Case studies are fascinating and well told. • Encouraging for people figuring things out in their 30s or later.

🤔 What Didn't Land: • The argument can feel repetitive. • Not prescriptive — more a mindset shift than a how-to.

📈 Verdict: If you’ve ever felt behind because you weren’t a “child prodigy” — read this.

Rating: 4.6/5