Malcolm Gladwell, Eclectic Detective(nytimes.com)
nytimes.com
Malcolm Gladwell, Eclectic Detective
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/books/review/Pinker-t.html
5 comments
Pinker does a great job of putting Gladwell on a pedestal in the first half (makes you want to read the book) of the review only to totally destroy him in the second half (now I wouldn't read the book even if it was a gift).
I think it’s fine to read, in about the same way that pulp sci-fi novels or “chick lit” are fine to read, or sit-coms are fine to watch: Gladwell is a good storyteller, and has loads of amusing anecdotes. As long as you don’t take things too seriously, or start to confuse his banal generalities for insightful modes of understanding, it’s a breezy, not too mentally taxing, way to spend an afternoon.
Indeed. But if you have limited time to read, better pick up a Pinker book...
Exactly my feeling.
I like Tkacik’s piece better than Pinker’s.
These two Blink reviews from 2005 are worth mentioning too:
- http://www.tnr.com/article/blinkered
- http://www.nybooks.com/articles/17954
These two Blink reviews from 2005 are worth mentioning too:
- http://www.tnr.com/article/blinkered
- http://www.nybooks.com/articles/17954
I highly recommend Malcolm Gladwell despite the negative second half of the review. I've read his book "The Tipping Point" and I felt that it contained great tips for startups and small businesses.
Currently I am working on "Blink".
Currently I am working on "Blink".
Even if Pinker is wrong, it is at least a breath of fresh air to see Gladwell pop psychology challenged for once.
http://www.heinzketchup.com/Products.aspx
http://www.huntsketchup.com/products.jsp
http://www.anniesnaturals.com/organic_condiments#jump207
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/organic_ketchup.htm
http://www.muirglen.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat=7
"Have you ever wondered why there are so many kinds of mustard but only one kind of ketchup?" It's just not TRUE.
I think we do have many kinds of ketchup, we just tend to call the fancier kinds BBQ sauce.