Image versus Substance; What we see as opposed to what really is...

 

In this video short, Malcolm Gladwell discusses his reinterpretation of the Old Testament story about David and Goliath - the basis of his most recent book entitled the same.  Gladwell offers nuanced insights regarding how apparent underdogs may not necessarily doomed because shortcomings only appear so because they are based on a of frame of reference that is set by prevailing perspectives.  

Gladwell echoes a phenomenon discussed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his provocative, ground-breaking book, "Black Swan".  Taleb's premise is that we develop a sort of veiled consciousness because we are unprepared to see what may not be obvious.  Why?  Because we are locked onto seeing a different kind of obvious that has its roots according to currently held conventions.

I have always found it fascinating that weaknesses can be strengths and vice versa - and that is what this book explores. 

Endnote: You may receive Feedback Credit for submitting commentary on this video under the 1/12 posting criteria, or you may receive the full 5 points if you decide to submit a 1200-1500 book review for the Gladwell book.  Just let me know your intent via e-mail.

How does water get to the top of a tree?

The Poetry of Science: We are All Africans & Extremophiles

The Cloud: Perspectives from a Young Enrerpreneur - Aaron Levie & Data Storage

 

Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy

Guest speaker,  Maribeth Fischer speaks at the UW School of Medicine about her novel, "The Life You Longed For" - a book about Medical Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy (Click here) .  As it turns out the mother who happens to be an Epidemiologist, appears to be guilty just may not be.

As you acquire your education, you will begin to see mathematics and science wherever you go - even in novels!

Keep challenging yourself and stretch your brain, because;

"The brain, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."
Oliver Wendell Holmes