A quote that comes to mind when reading the very intriguing works of Malcolm Gladwell is that of Robin Sharma; “half your excuses and double your action”. What Jordan Peterson said also tickle your thoughts after you have read David & Goliath; “You’ve got no right to complain about your structure of being if you weren’t ever willing to make the proper sacrifices”. Because, you see, weaknesses, flaws and struggles can no longer be excuses if you look at the evidence Gladwell provided us.

Malcolm have done an impeccable job in summarizing serious, dramatic, traumatic and very true stories demonstrating that with a disability or shortcoming any outsider can overcome the challenge (maybe through unusual ways, but still). Any underdog can climb the highest mountain. The revealing examples indicate over and over again that flaws actually enable you to not just climb the mountain, but also to ‘own’ the mountain.

Sometimes it felt like I was there with Malcolm and the person who have been interviewed. This book is definitely in my top ten of ‘must read books’. It is a beautiful summary leading you through unconventional life lessons.

A few things Gladwell opened up for me and what I have learnt along the way;

  • The way we look at and stereotype underdogs, their stories, shortcomings and weaknesses is all wrong. It is not a miracle when underdogs overcome, it should be logic and they should win. Limitations can enable you to do what you need to do to; not just to overcome, but to also do the impossible.
  • Purpose, strength and value come from the unexpected shepherd (like David) and not from the fake strength of something or someone that seems to be powerful (Goliath).
  • Don’t be bothered with the conventional and predictable power of the norm; rather invest in the value, strength and ability of the unforeseen.
  • An advantage is not always as such and a disadvantage can be a school that forces you to a path of excellence and distinction.
  • A misfit and outsider can dream of things no one else can dream or think of and therefore also do these things nobody else is dreaming of.
  • Even if the insider dreams, the outsider will have the courage to legitimately pursue this dream. The outsider usually has no other option.
  • Big ponds, commercial institutions, typical rules and stereotype to do lists demoralize special, unconventional, unique and talented souls…
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is written on my wall so that Paul can daily remind me that a weakness can make you strong. Paul who wrote a 2/3 of the New Testament delighted in his persecutions, insults and hardships. Who am I to not be happy about my sufferings if the Word of God says to be joyful about your sufferings and pain (Rom 5:3)? Why are the preachers not preaching this? Probably because the typical preacher is not an underdog and does not understand that suffering builds character, maturity (Rom 5:4) and a legacy.
  • Do things that others and again the typical stereotype disapproves of, otherwise nothing new or extraordinary will ever be done.
  • Never ever be afraid to disagree and remember that “progress depends on the unreasonable man” (George Bernard in David & Goliath).
  • Power has limits and limits have power.
  • Stupid, abusive and disrespectful authority will reinforce disobedience, a rebellion, war and chaos.
  • Odds are that the outsider will be able to forgive, because the outsider probably knows that kneeling and releasing will help more than power and force.
  • The underdog never had power and possibilities and therefore had no other way around it, so walking away from the promise of power is not all that difficult for someone who does not know power.
  • Odds are that the outsider can do more, because humility, saying yes, doing things different and hard work is all that they know.
  • A specific perspective about your shortcomings can move mountains, so “half your excuses and double your action”.