ReThinking Malcolm Gladwell on the importance of self-correction
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Nov 12, 2024 
Malcolm Gladwell, famed author of hits like 'The Tipping Point,' discusses the importance of self-correction with host Adam at the Authors@Wharton series. They dig into Gladwell's latest reflections on past ideas and how personal mistakes can lead to growth. The conversation covers strategies for coping with failure, rethinking college admissions, and the value of diverse feedback cultures. They even debate the intriguing link between fashion choices and social anxiety while exchanging humorous takes on reading habits.
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The Coleslaw Incident
- Gladwell recounts a story about an epidemiologist's laser focus on a mayonnaise-laden coleslaw at a salad bar.
- This illustrates their hyper-awareness of potential health risks, a characteristic Gladwell finds valuable.
Defensive Pessimism in Epidemiology
- Gladwell suggests that good epidemiologists are defensive pessimists, not strategic optimists.
- Their focus is on anticipating and preventing worst-case scenarios.
Feedback: To Grade or Not to Grade?
- Gladwell and Grant discuss their differing approaches to feedback, with Gladwell advocating for constant evaluation, even in casual settings like cooking.
- Grant prefers self-critique and finds unsolicited feedback on personal activities demotivating.