SOAPS
Subject
An argument for generalized, broad learning over the common narrative that specialization from a young age is the best way to become elite.
Summary
In light of the recent craze in regards to the “10,000 hour rule” deemed most efficient by athletes and scientists, David Epstein combats this argument by stating that living a generalist life ultimately will make you more well rounded and help you become stronger in all areas of your life. People need to not be fearful of quitting and deciding to try something new-- this could actually broaden their abilities and knowledge.
Quote
"He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as an investigative reporter for ProPublica and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated."
Quote
“At fifty-four, she began what she call her first professional job... Hesselbein arrived in New York City on July 4, 1976, as CEO of a three-million-member organization”
Quote
“If the most highly educated, highly specialized, well-resourced chemists in the world were stuck on technical problems, why would anyone else be able to help?”
Occasion
May 28, 2019: theory of specialization was popular; 10,00 hours concept
Second Hand Evidence
The men who worked at the Nintendo company completely changed what the company started out to be and now, Nintendo is a household name. They have created technology and games used by millions. This type of evidence usage is effective because even though David Epstein has lived a generalist life, by providing so many different examples, it helps every reader relate
Example
Epstein graduated from Columbia with a degree in environmental science and astronomy. He eventually achieved a masters in environmental science and journalism. He is immersing himself in many different areas; science and journalism are very different subjects but by trying out different fields, he is broadening his mind and his abilities. Before becoming an author, he was a science and investigative reporter at Propublica and before that he was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated.
Example
Frances Hesselbein started as a voluntary Girl Scout Troop leader and continued to work her way up through the company. These corporate jobs she obtained through this company were her first ever job. She is currently 104 years old and still an active CEO of the company.
Example
Alph Bingham became the VP at Eli Lilly in order to test his hypothesis, discover how to synthesize a molecule in four steps, and figure out how cream of tartar is really made.
Audience
Teachers, coaches, parents, bosses, and any others interested in improving performance in designated areas
Expert opinion
Some of the examples used are about Frances Hesselbein, Todd Rose, Ogi Ogas, Herminia Ibarra, Alph Bingham, and the Nintendo company.
Explanation
Knowing that David Epstein has lived a generalist's life makes the reader feel at ease and trusting of him; he has the authority to write about this topic because he has experienced it first hand.
Explanation
After hearing about everything she accomplished in her life, it makes me feel so inspired. She went from job to job receiving the highest positions because she applied what she learned from her previous jobs to the next ones she obtained
Explanation
David Epstein uses logos to appeal to the reader’s sense of logical, scientific thinking. The more a scientist knows about a subject, the less likely they are to find a solution to the problem. In this way, the author is using logic to push his concept of having a wide range of abilities, and teamwork from many different parties, to come to the best possible solutions for elite problems. If the reader can use their own logic to understand the point that Epstein is making through chapter 8 with this Eli Lilly example, then it calls into question their own life situations, they consider Epstein’s point, and potentially apply it to their own life.
Purpose
To convince people that generalists thrive more and it’s better to incorporate yourself into many different areas
Tell us, in a short phrase, a short summary about what this book is about.
*answers will vary*
Random Question: At what age did Tiger Woods start playing golf?
Age 2
Random Question: What's the most popular Girl Scout Cookie?
Thin Mints
Random Question: What is the chemical compound for glucose?
C6H12O6
Speaker
David Epstein; He was previously a scientist and investigative reporter...and prior to that a senior writer at Sports Illustrated…[Also] David has given talks about performance science…[and]his TED Talks have been viewed more than 9 million times.
List one type of evidence David Epstein uses.
1. Second hand evidence
2. Expert Opinion
What is one job David Epstein has had?
1. Author
2. Science and investigative reporter at Propublica
3. Senior writer at Sports Illustrated
How did the girl scout example make you feel?
*answers will vary*
What is the name of the Company we discussed in this example?
Eli Lili