1. Throughout the novel, Malcolm Gladwell uncovers subtleties about the biblical story of David, a small shepherd boy and Goliath, a seasoned warrior. As a result of the improbable victory, David and Goliath has become a metaphor in the English language. Explain why this is significant.
The metaphor, David and Goliath, is significant to the English language because it teaches the underdog to think-outside-of-the-box and be confident in alternative methods. The underdogs and misfits survive based off of their ability to possess a personality that is capable of persevering through loss, rejection and setbacks. The difference between underdogs and topdogs is that underdogs aren’t hardened by those things, but rather learn from them. They are able to reapproach the situation with an attitude that gives them the upper hand and allows them to win.
2. Not only do setbacks often determine a person’s resiliency, but the way they respond to the events matters as well. Describe the meaning and the effect of “direct hits,” “near misses,” and “remote misses” during the Blitz in World War II between the British and the Germans. Connect this concept to other setbacks in the book.
“Direct hits” are when the intended target gets hit and dies, therefore the panic is unable to spread. “Near misses” are when the intended target was close enough to be injured, but still survives. With severe injuries, panic is unable to spread and those affected usually become depressed due to the tragedies they witnessed. “Remote misses” are far enough away from the intended target so that those affected rejoice after the sirens pass and they hear bombs exploding in the distant. With “remote misses” comes confidence and cockiness and the assumption that they wouldn’t be hit by the bombs. The plan to instill fear backfired and the caused the British to feel invincible in the presence of panic. This can also be applied to dyslexics, children who have suffered the loss of a parent and victims of prejudice and judgement.
3. People with disabilities are often told they can’t do the things they want to do. Show how the saying “fake it until you make it” is a common theme throughout the book.
If a person is told they don’t stand a chance they have two options; one is to believe the person who doubts them and the other is to defy them. A large percentage of successful people were told they couldn’t accomplish their dreams. They chose to try anyways. By faking their social status and leaving out important details, they reached their way to the top. This doesn’t mean that lying to future employers is your best option to get on the payroll, but it did work in their favor. That large percentage of successful people also had weaknesses to hide. By taking lessons from their disabilities and defining setbacks, these people acquired skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. They played off of their strengths and in doing so, became hugely successful. This is what separates leaders from followers. If David had listened to Saul on top of the hill overlooking the Valley of Elah, they would have lost the battle and blood would be shed. Instead, David took his strength and knowledge as a slinger and attacked Goliath where he was most vulnerable, allowing him to win.
The metaphor, David and Goliath, is significant to the English language because it teaches the underdog to think-outside-of-the-box and be confident in alternative methods. The underdogs and misfits survive based off of their ability to possess a personality that is capable of persevering through loss, rejection and setbacks. The difference between underdogs and topdogs is that underdogs aren’t hardened by those things, but rather learn from them. They are able to reapproach the situation with an attitude that gives them the upper hand and allows them to win.
2. Not only do setbacks often determine a person’s resiliency, but the way they respond to the events matters as well. Describe the meaning and the effect of “direct hits,” “near misses,” and “remote misses” during the Blitz in World War II between the British and the Germans. Connect this concept to other setbacks in the book.
“Direct hits” are when the intended target gets hit and dies, therefore the panic is unable to spread. “Near misses” are when the intended target was close enough to be injured, but still survives. With severe injuries, panic is unable to spread and those affected usually become depressed due to the tragedies they witnessed. “Remote misses” are far enough away from the intended target so that those affected rejoice after the sirens pass and they hear bombs exploding in the distant. With “remote misses” comes confidence and cockiness and the assumption that they wouldn’t be hit by the bombs. The plan to instill fear backfired and the caused the British to feel invincible in the presence of panic. This can also be applied to dyslexics, children who have suffered the loss of a parent and victims of prejudice and judgement.
3. People with disabilities are often told they can’t do the things they want to do. Show how the saying “fake it until you make it” is a common theme throughout the book.
If a person is told they don’t stand a chance they have two options; one is to believe the person who doubts them and the other is to defy them. A large percentage of successful people were told they couldn’t accomplish their dreams. They chose to try anyways. By faking their social status and leaving out important details, they reached their way to the top. This doesn’t mean that lying to future employers is your best option to get on the payroll, but it did work in their favor. That large percentage of successful people also had weaknesses to hide. By taking lessons from their disabilities and defining setbacks, these people acquired skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. They played off of their strengths and in doing so, became hugely successful. This is what separates leaders from followers. If David had listened to Saul on top of the hill overlooking the Valley of Elah, they would have lost the battle and blood would be shed. Instead, David took his strength and knowledge as a slinger and attacked Goliath where he was most vulnerable, allowing him to win.