David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell is all about the underdog succeeding. Stories of the little guy overcoming adversity to overcome a larger, highly favored adversary. While you may never tire of stories like this, Gladwell is exceptional at detailed storytelling.
The story of David cutting off Goliath’s head reminded me that I have largely forgotten the fable’s details since childhood. And it his opening chapter, it was in childhood that I can fully understand the story of a junior girls basketball team in silicon valley that used a full court press throughout the game to defeat their bigger opponents.
In chapter four, you learn David Boies (David) had dyslexia. He could still defeat Goliath (law school). I found this chapter very inspiring. From time to time as a child, dyslexia forced me to question what level I was confronting in grade school reading. The ability for David Boies to utilize other learning skills to succeed, looking back…sure wish I knew this story back then.
Ever work at a Children’s Hospital? I found from time to time my trips to the hospital required a stiff upper lip walking the hallways. At Children’s Wisconsin, administrative units are two miles from the main campus in an old renovated factory. Nikola Tesla worked in this factory 1919-1922. But that is different story.
Gladwell’s fifth chapter was also surprisingly personal. His David moment focused on tragic events that led to success over great odds. This includes the bombing of London during World War II. The story transitions to this ‘David’ moment of perseverance….the early treatment of childhood leukemia. As parent of young children I remain deeply moved passing kids in the hallway undergoing treatment at the hospital.