Is it better to be a generalist or a specialist? Should you master one big thing or multiple activities?
You have heard of stories of children taught at a young age to master chess, or golf, or violin. And how now they are the superstars of their fields. From here, you might conclude that it was because they started early that they then succeeded. You might also infer that if you do not have a singular focus in life, if you do not specialize, you will not succeed.
In this book, David Epstein argues, yes to specialize is good advice, but not for most circumstances. He brings up the distinction of “kind” and “wicked” learning environments. Kind learning environments are where patterns are repeatable, and feedback is accurate and rapidly given. Wicked learning environments are where patterns may not be repeatable nor exist at all, and feedback is delayed, inaccurate or both. As an example, Chess has a Kind Learning Environment in the sense that moves can be repeated, and every game you know the result right away. Most of the other activities in life fall into the “Wicked” category. Patterns are not immediately recognizable, and your efforts can take time before it comes to fruition, or if it ever yields any result.
For activities with Kind learning environments, it is easier to specialize. Deliberate Practice works. And if you stick to it, it can seem like Grit. For Wicked learning environments, specializing has its downsides. For one, it can make you miserable, especially if it is something you do not want to do.
The book dedicates multiple stories about the advantages of having a wide Range. One is about how Range enhances creativity and innovation. It allows you to see themes in different contexts, which in turn makes you better at problem solving, and decision making. It also clarifies why Grit does not immediately equate to success, and why Match Quality or Fit matters more. Also, that you need both structure and individuality.
Why read Range?
You learn about the upsides of participating and contributing to different activities. You learn more about the complexity of expertise and achievement, and on how the ideas about them bounces off on each other.
How can you use this information?
There is no going around that you must put in time and effort to anything that you decide to do. The point is to try stuff and see for yourself. To have a Sampling Period. See if you find doing an activity as meaningful to you.
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