Epidemic means a “rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something”. (dictionary.reference.com)
The Tipping Point:” the levels at which the momentum for change becomes unstoppable.” (The Tipping Point)
So have you ever wondered how things turned into epidemics? Think in terms of diseases, fashion trends, social movements, religious movements, Sesame Street, crime rates, advertising campaigns, military actions and much, much more…
In his best-selling book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell takes you on an very interesting ride that explains how any epidemic gets to be one and also how it stops. He also talks about how a person or a company might even successfully and intentionally start an epidemic and keep it going. I don’t think Gladwell has left any area out. Plus he combines academic findings with real life examples. He talks about psychology, religion, advertising, business, marketing, television, wars, music, fashion, smoking, diseases, suicides, book sales and more.
This is one solid and interesting book. Whether you are just curious about how instant and shocking interesting and changes occur or you do want to start an epidemic on your own, concerning your area of business or passion, this is the book. I know I was late to read it as the book first came out in 2000. But the release date is irrelevant because what the books’ teachings have no expiration date. It is safe to say that it is better late than never.
The book is extremely relevant in my case:
– I am a business and an advertising major who wants to make it really big as a writer and blogger.
But the beauty of the book is that it is just as relevant if you are working for an NGO, if you are a criminologist or a news reporter. Or a high school teacher…
Now, although this book is quite a page-turner full of fascinating and highly intriguing facts, probably not all chapters will hold your interest equally. You might even resent the idea that Gladwell states results, findings, definitions and connections all too often. However this may not be such a bad thing. Yes, he might do your head in but when you are finished, you will remember every crucial detail, which parts of the book you might want to come back to and what exactly you need to do when it comes to creating or preventing epidemics. Still, please keep your magic marker by your side. There is a lot to study and highlight.
Some Quotes from the book:
“..Simply by finding and reaching those few special people who hold so much social power, we can shape the course of social epidemics. In the end, Tipping Points are a reaffirmation of the potential for change and the power of intelligence action.”
“There are times when we need a convenient shortcut, a way to make a lot out of a little, and that is what Tipping Points, in the end are all about.”
About The Author:
Canadian Malcolm Gladwell has been working for the New Yorker and has published 3 other bestselling novels Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures. He previously worked for the Washington Post.
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