Starting with 2008 and working backwards, I recorded the birthdates of the players who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. I went back 40 years (and at least 80 players), and other than Wayne Gretzky and one other person, there were no other January birthdays. Plenty of Octobers, Septembers, Junes, etc.
Good test, but I have to ask:
Did you correct for the age cutoffs in the leagues the players played in when they were growing up? They change over time and differ from nation to nation. You have got to look at the details of each player.
Gladwell looks at other examples from other sports, too.
His argument is that it is small advantages that accumulate over time due to chance, work ethic, and culture that then add up to a significant advantage.
"To build a better world we need to replace the patchwork of lucky breaks and arbitrary advantages that today determine success - the fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history - with a society that provides opportunities for all.
Yep.
Talent is where you find it. Each and every one of us is capable of so much more than we like to think.
Most GT kids are NEVER identified and given the opportunities they should have.
Question:
On the book on tape I listened to, he has an Epilogue wherein he talks about the forced miscegenation in his past. Is it in the book, too?
I find it Ironic that he is accused of some things, when Gladwell's outlook is clearly post-racial and he is of mixed race himself!!!
