Social scientist and writer Malcom Galdwell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Gladwell) put forward this thesis in 2008 about what leads to success. He examines the case of The Beatles, Bill Gates and J. Robert Oppenheimer. He draws on cultural and social factors to show that it’s not all a complete mystery.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, he points to sheer hard work, practice and dedication. There is also a point to be made about birth date which influences placement in the school year and can therefore deliver extra confidence. Also, though, he comes up with a figure of about 10,000 hours of practice for those who reach the very heights of their profession. A stimulating read.
320 pages in Penguin paperback edition.
ISBN 978-0141036250