<p>Lots of what Gladwell says isn’t wrong. Lots of it is obvious. It’s not wrong to say that the Beatles got better as they played more; it’s just obvious.</p>
<p>He does indeed cherry pick what fits his theory. Chinese are better at math because of rice paddies, but how about the Northern Chinese who grew wheat; are they then worse at math? Not that anyone has proven.</p>
<p>Early in the 10,000 hours chapter, he says that most people think “achievement is talent plus preparation” but then basically refutes that through the rest of the chapter. </p>
<p>What he says that’s right–working hard is important, some people have more opportunities than others, is obvious. </p>
<p>He’s written lots of better stuff; as someone said above, this is by far his shoddiest work.</p>