The debate over whether someone's success is based on their natural abilities or their hard work and dedication has been widely discussed by people everywhere. Authors Malcom Gladwell and David Epstein argue their different points to try and persuade their audience. David Epstein, author of The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, believes that innate talent plays a bigger role in determining a successful destiny than practice. The author of Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcom Gladwell, has an opposing view; many hours of preparation is the leading factor in being an expert in your craft. Although both writers make compelling arguments, Gladwell's claim that hard work is the leading factor in determining
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First of all, Epstein explains that "Thomas would fold in his first world spotlight" (Epstein 6). The authors use of the word "fold" associates a negative connotation to Thomas, and wouldn’t do a good job of persuading the audience. Also, he describes Thomas as "having less than a year of serious practice" and "stumbling into it on a friendly bet" (Epstein 5). Based on this quote, Thomas seems inexperienced and this language wouldn't make the reader believe he is taking his craft very seriously. Lastly, the reading states that Thomas seems to "contradict the deliberate practice framework in all directions" (Epstein 8). The author seems to side with the other claim in this sentence by using a positive connotation to hard work and practice, and this contradicts his belief that innate talent is more important. In addition, Gary Hunter states that Thomas was "gifted with a giant Achilles tendon" (Epstein 7). He also goes on to say "The Achilles tendon is very important to jumping, and not just in humans" (Epstein 7). To conclude, "Hunter has found that a longer Achilles tendon allows an athlete to get more power..." (Epstein 7). These details only reference the Achilles tendon and don't talk about any other parts of genetic ability, which overall does a poor job of supporting his
First of all, Epstein explains that "Thomas would fold in his first world spotlight" (Epstein 6). The authors use of the word "fold" associates a negative connotation to Thomas, and wouldn’t do a good job of persuading the audience. Also, he describes Thomas as "having less than a year of serious practice" and "stumbling into it on a friendly bet" (Epstein 5). Based on this quote, Thomas seems inexperienced and this language wouldn't make the reader believe he is taking his craft very seriously. Lastly, the reading states that Thomas seems to "contradict the deliberate practice framework in all directions" (Epstein 8). The author seems to side with the other claim in this sentence by using a positive connotation to hard work and practice, and this contradicts his belief that innate talent is more important. In addition, Gary Hunter states that Thomas was "gifted with a giant Achilles tendon" (Epstein 7). He also goes on to say "The Achilles tendon is very important to jumping, and not just in humans" (Epstein 7). To conclude, "Hunter has found that a longer Achilles tendon allows an athlete to get more power..." (Epstein 7). These details only reference the Achilles tendon and don't talk about any other parts of genetic ability, which overall does a poor job of supporting his