Friday, February 11, 2011

The Tipping Point

For those who do not already know, last year my New Year's Resolution was to read a book every month.  I made an effort but fell short so I have renewed the resolution for this year.  So far I'm off to a good start and already have two books under my belt.  Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point.

I enjoyed Gladwell's book so much that I had to share it with you all.  Perhaps you may even find it as intriguing as I did.  In The Tipping Point, the author details the inner workings of what he refers to as 'social epidemics.'  His idea is that trends and fads are socially contagious in much the same way that a virus or bacteria is physically contagious.  He then expounds that there are three rules that relate to how far and fast the epidemic will spread.

He makes some fascinating points with compelling examples from the real world.  But perhaps the coolest thing about the book is that his goal is to help people understand what makes epidemics 'tip' so that we can use these principles to create our own positive social epidemics.  I found it mesmerizing and would highly recommend it.

4 comments:

Adam & Rachel said...

Sounds really interesting! I am going to look for it at my library.

Adam & Rachel said...

I just put a hold on the book at the library. They only have electronic versions of this book and they are all checked out. I am second on the waiting list. Can't wait to read it.

Jesse said...

You're going to love it Ray. He's got some other books as well I'm looking to check out. I'll let you know what I think of them when I get around to it.

Adam & Rachel said...

I did LOVE it! It was a fast, easy, and very enjoyable read(listen). Do pass on your other great finds. Love you!