Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

97 Inspirational Quotes By Malcolm Gladwell For A Brighter Day

Famous As: Author of 'The Tipping Point', 'Blink', and 'Outliers'
Born On: September 3, 1963
Born In: Fareham, United Kingdom
Age: 59 Years

Malcolm Timothy Gladwell is a well-known English-born Canadian author, speaker and journalist, famous for his work ‘David and Goliath’, ‘The Tipping Point’, ' Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking' and 'Outliers: The Story of Success'. Being a Sociologist and Psychologist, he often uses his academic knowledge into his work. Malcolm believes that as writers, we must remain unafraid and bold. He was named as one of the Time Magazine’s Top 100 most influential people in 2005. We have excerpted some of Malcolm Timothy Gladwell’s quotes from his writings, observations and life on achievements, attitude, books, business, children, crime, decisions, emotions, environment, feelings, greatness, hard work, inspiration, journalism, leadership, motivation, technology, writing and much more. Here are some of the most inspirational words that Malcolm Gladwell has shared that will help you with your daily dose of wisdom.

Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.

Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.

Malcolm Gladwell
The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.

The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.

Malcolm Gladwell
We have, as human beings, a storytelling problem. We're a bit too quick to come up with explanations for things we don't really have an explanation for.

We have, as human beings, a storytelling problem. We're a bit too quick to come up with explanations for things we don't really have an explanation for.

Malcolm Gladwell
Who we are cannot be separated from where we're from.

Who we are cannot be separated from where we're from.

Malcolm Gladwell
Those three things - autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.

Those three things - autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.

Malcolm Gladwell
It's not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It's whether or not our work fulfills us. Being a teacher is meaningful.

It's not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It's whether or not our work fulfills us. Being a teacher is meaningful.

Malcolm Gladwell
The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.

The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.

Malcolm Gladwell
In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours.

In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours.

Malcolm Gladwell
...If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires. (151)

...If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires. (151)

Malcolm Gladwell
Achievement is talent plus preparation

Achievement is talent plus preparation

Malcolm Gladwell
Insight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out.

Insight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out.

Malcolm Gladwell
..... it would be interesting to find out what goes on in that moment when someone looks at you and draws all sorts of conclusions.

..... it would be interesting to find out what goes on in that moment when someone looks at you and draws all sorts of conclusions.

Malcolm Gladwell
No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.

No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.

Malcolm Gladwell
To be someone's best friend requires a minimum investment of time. More than that, though, it takes emotional energy. Caring about someone deeply is exhausting.

To be someone's best friend requires a minimum investment of time. More than that, though, it takes emotional energy. Caring about someone deeply is exhausting.

Malcolm Gladwell
Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.

Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.

Malcolm Gladwell
In the act of tearing something apart, you lose its meaning.

In the act of tearing something apart, you lose its meaning.

Malcolm Gladwell
Emotion is contagious.

Emotion is contagious.

Malcolm Gladwell
Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning.

Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning.

Malcolm Gladwell
Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig. (150)

Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig. (150)

Malcolm Gladwell
We overlook just how large a role we all play--and by 'we' I mean society--in determining who makes it and who doesn't.

We overlook just how large a role we all play--and by 'we' I mean society--in determining who makes it and who doesn't.

Malcolm Gladwell
Our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment, which means that we can change our first impressions . . . by changing the experiences that comprise those impressions.

Our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment, which means that we can change our first impressions . . . by changing the experiences that comprise those impressions.

Malcolm Gladwell
If you want to bring a fundamental change in people's belief and behavior...you need to create a community around them, where those new beliefs can be practiced and expressed and nurtured.

If you want to bring a fundamental change in people's belief and behavior...you need to create a community around them, where those new beliefs can be practiced and expressed and nurtured.

Malcolm Gladwell
When we become expert in something, our tastes grow more esoteric and complex.

When we become expert in something, our tastes grow more esoteric and complex.

Malcolm Gladwell
There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis.

There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis.

Malcolm Gladwell
Hard work is only a prison sentence when you lack motivation

Hard work is only a prison sentence when you lack motivation

Malcolm Gladwell
My earliest memories of my father are of seeing him work at his desk and realizing that he was happy. I did not know it then, but that was one of the most precious gifts a father can give his child.

My earliest memories of my father are of seeing him work at his desk and realizing that he was happy. I did not know it then, but that was one of the most precious gifts a father can give his child.

Malcolm Gladwell
There are exceptional people out there who are capable of starting epidemics. All you have to do is find them.

There are exceptional people out there who are capable of starting epidemics. All you have to do is find them.

Malcolm Gladwell
Success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities.

Success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities.

Malcolm Gladwell
That is the paradox of the epidemic: that in order to create one contagious movement, you often have to create many small movements first.

That is the paradox of the epidemic: that in order to create one contagious movement, you often have to create many small movements first.

Malcolm Gladwell
Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.

Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.

Malcolm Gladwell
We need to look at the subtle, the hidden, and the unspoken.

We need to look at the subtle, the hidden, and the unspoken.

Malcolm Gladwell
Arousal leaves us mind-blind.

Arousal leaves us mind-blind.

Malcolm Gladwell
Success is a function of persistence and doggedness and the willingness to work hard for twenty-two minutes to make sense of something that most people would give up on after thirty seconds.

Success is a function of persistence and doggedness and the willingness to work hard for twenty-two minutes to make sense of something that most people would give up on after thirty seconds.

Malcolm Gladwell
There is a simple way to package information that, under the right circumstances, can make it irresistible. All you have to do is find it.

There is a simple way to package information that, under the right circumstances, can make it irresistible. All you have to do is find it.

Malcolm Gladwell
It wasn't an excuse. It was a fact. He'd had to make his way alone, and no one—not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses — ever makes it alone.

It wasn't an excuse. It was a fact. He'd had to make his way alone, and no one—not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses — ever makes it alone.

Malcolm Gladwell
We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.

We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.

Malcolm Gladwell
A book, I was taught long ago in English class, is a living and breathing document that grows richer with each new reading.

A book, I was taught long ago in English class, is a living and breathing document that grows richer with each new reading.

Malcolm Gladwell
The values of the world we inhabit and the people we surround ourselves with have a profound effect on who we are.

The values of the world we inhabit and the people we surround ourselves with have a profound effect on who we are.

Malcolm Gladwell
It is those who are successful, in other words, who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success.

It is those who are successful, in other words, who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success.

Malcolm Gladwell
The 10,000hr rule is a definite key in success

The 10,000hr rule is a definite key in success

Malcolm Gladwell
Working really hard is what successful people do...

Working really hard is what successful people do...

Malcolm Gladwell
Being able to act intelligently and instinctively in the moment is possible only after a long and rigorous of education and experience

Being able to act intelligently and instinctively in the moment is possible only after a long and rigorous of education and experience

Malcolm Gladwell
You don't start at the top if you want to find the story. You start in the middle, because it's the people in the middle who do the actual work in the world.

You don't start at the top if you want to find the story. You start in the middle, because it's the people in the middle who do the actual work in the world.

Malcolm Gladwell
We cling to the idea that success is a simple function of individual merit and that the world in which we all grow up and the rules we choose to write as a society don't matter at all.

We cling to the idea that success is a simple function of individual merit and that the world in which we all grow up and the rules we choose to write as a society don't matter at all.

Malcolm Gladwell
Often a sign of expertise is noticing what doesn't happen.

Often a sign of expertise is noticing what doesn't happen.

Malcolm Gladwell
You can’t concentrate on doing anything if you are thinking, “What’s gonna happen if it doesn’t go right?

You can’t concentrate on doing anything if you are thinking, “What’s gonna happen if it doesn’t go right?

Malcolm Gladwell
Did they know why they knew? Not at all. But the Knew!

Did they know why they knew? Not at all. But the Knew!

Malcolm Gladwell
...mediocre people find their way into positions of authority...because when it comes to even the most important positions, our selection decisions are a good deal less rational than we think.

...mediocre people find their way into positions of authority...because when it comes to even the most important positions, our selection decisions are a good deal less rational than we think.

Malcolm Gladwell
Acquaintances, in sort, represent a source of social power, and the more acquaintances you have the more powerful you are.

Acquaintances, in sort, represent a source of social power, and the more acquaintances you have the more powerful you are.

Malcolm Gladwell
No one-not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses-ever makes it alone

No one-not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses-ever makes it alone

Malcolm Gladwell
Any fool can spend money. But to earn it and save it and defer gratification—then you learn to value it differently.

Any fool can spend money. But to earn it and save it and defer gratification—then you learn to value it differently.

Malcolm Gladwell
Understanding the true nature of instinctive decision making requires us to be forgiving of those people trapped in circumstances where good judgment is imperiled.

Understanding the true nature of instinctive decision making requires us to be forgiving of those people trapped in circumstances where good judgment is imperiled.

Malcolm Gladwell
We prematurely write off people as failures. We are too much in awe of those who succeed and far too dismissive of those who fail.

We prematurely write off people as failures. We are too much in awe of those who succeed and far too dismissive of those who fail.

Malcolm Gladwell
Extreme visual clarity, tunnel vision, diminished sound, and the sense that time is slowing down. this is how the human body reacts to extreme stress.

Extreme visual clarity, tunnel vision, diminished sound, and the sense that time is slowing down. this is how the human body reacts to extreme stress.

Malcolm Gladwell
The world we could have is so much richer than the world we have settled for.

The world we could have is so much richer than the world we have settled for.

Malcolm Gladwell
The ethics of plagiarism have turned into the narcissism of small differences: because journalism cannot own up to its heavily derivative nature, it must enforce originality on the level of the sentence.

The ethics of plagiarism have turned into the narcissism of small differences: because journalism cannot own up to its heavily derivative nature, it must enforce originality on the level of the sentence.

Malcolm Gladwell
If we can control the environment in which rapid cognition takes place, then we can control rapid cognition

If we can control the environment in which rapid cognition takes place, then we can control rapid cognition

Malcolm Gladwell
You don't manage a social wrong. You should be ending it.

You don't manage a social wrong. You should be ending it.

Malcolm Gladwell
Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not, With the slightest push - in just the right place - it can be tipped.

Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not, With the slightest push - in just the right place - it can be tipped.

Malcolm Gladwell
Re-reading is much underrated. I've read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold once every five years since I was 15. I only started to understand it the third time.

Re-reading is much underrated. I've read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold once every five years since I was 15. I only started to understand it the third time.

Malcolm Gladwell
The excessive use of force creates legitimacy problems, and force without legitimacy leads to defiance, not submission.

The excessive use of force creates legitimacy problems, and force without legitimacy leads to defiance, not submission.

Malcolm Gladwell
What does it say about a society that it devotes more care and patience to the selection of those who handle its money than of those who handle its children?

What does it say about a society that it devotes more care and patience to the selection of those who handle its money than of those who handle its children?

Malcolm Gladwell
... they were not really afraid. They were just afraid of being afraid.

... they were not really afraid. They were just afraid of being afraid.

Malcolm Gladwell
Lesson Number One: The Importance of Being Jewish

Lesson Number One: The Importance of Being Jewish

Malcolm Gladwell
When people in authority want the rest of us to behave, it matters—first and foremost—how they behave.

When people in authority want the rest of us to behave, it matters—first and foremost—how they behave.

Malcolm Gladwell
Much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of (these) one-sided conflicts. Because the act of facing overwhelming odds, produces greatness and beauty.

Much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of (these) one-sided conflicts. Because the act of facing overwhelming odds, produces greatness and beauty.

Malcolm Gladwell
Incompetence annoys me. Overconfidence terrifies me.

Incompetence annoys me. Overconfidence terrifies me.

Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers are those who have been given opportunities—and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them.

Outliers are those who have been given opportunities—and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them.

Malcolm Gladwell
Whenever we have something that we are good at--something we care about--that experience and passion fundamentally change the nature of our first impressions.

Whenever we have something that we are good at--something we care about--that experience and passion fundamentally change the nature of our first impressions.

Malcolm Gladwell
The real me isn't the person I describe, no the real me is the me revealed by my actions.

The real me isn't the person I describe, no the real me is the me revealed by my actions.

Malcolm Gladwell
We have, in short, somehow become convinced that we need to tackle the whole problem, all at once. But the truth is that we don’t. We only need to find the stickiness Tipping Points,

We have, in short, somehow become convinced that we need to tackle the whole problem, all at once. But the truth is that we don’t. We only need to find the stickiness Tipping Points,

Malcolm Gladwell
The sense of possibility so necessary for success comes not just from inside us or from our parents. It comes from our time: from the particular opportunities that our place in history presents us with.

The sense of possibility so necessary for success comes not just from inside us or from our parents. It comes from our time: from the particular opportunities that our place in history presents us with.

Malcolm Gladwell
I think when one's working, one works between absolute confidence and absolute doubt, and I got a huge dallop of each.

I think when one's working, one works between absolute confidence and absolute doubt, and I got a huge dallop of each.

Malcolm Gladwell
To a worm in horseradish, the world is horseradish.

To a worm in horseradish, the world is horseradish.

Malcolm Gladwell
Our acquaintances—not our friends—are our greatest source of new ideas and information. the internet lets us exploit the power of these kinds of distant connections with marvellous efficiency.

Our acquaintances—not our friends—are our greatest source of new ideas and information. the internet lets us exploit the power of these kinds of distant connections with marvellous efficiency.

Malcolm Gladwell
Happiness, in one sense, is a function of how closely our world conforms to the infinite variety of human preference.

Happiness, in one sense, is a function of how closely our world conforms to the infinite variety of human preference.

Malcolm Gladwell
Our power of thin-slicing and snap judgment are extraordinary.but even the giant computer in our unconscious need a moment to do its work.

Our power of thin-slicing and snap judgment are extraordinary.but even the giant computer in our unconscious need a moment to do its work.

Malcolm Gladwell
Flom had the same experience...He didn't triumph over adversity. Instead, what started out as adversity ended up being an opportunity.

Flom had the same experience...He didn't triumph over adversity. Instead, what started out as adversity ended up being an opportunity.

Malcolm Gladwell
The poorer children were, to her mind, often better behaved, less whiny, more creative in making use of their own time, and have a well-developed sense of independence.

The poorer children were, to her mind, often better behaved, less whiny, more creative in making use of their own time, and have a well-developed sense of independence.

Malcolm Gladwell
Why are man hole covers around?

Why are man hole covers around?" If you don't knwo the answer to the questions, you're not smart enough to work at microsoft

Malcolm Gladwell
But so much of what is beautiful and valuable in the world comes from the shepherd, who has more strength and purpose than we ever imagine.

But so much of what is beautiful and valuable in the world comes from the shepherd, who has more strength and purpose than we ever imagine.

Malcolm Gladwell
General intelligence and practical intelligence are

General intelligence and practical intelligence are "orthogonal": the presence of one doesn't imply the presence of the other.

Malcolm Gladwell
No amount of observations of white swans can allow the inference that all swans are white, but the observation of a single black swan is sufficient to refute that conclusion.

No amount of observations of white swans can allow the inference that all swans are white, but the observation of a single black swan is sufficient to refute that conclusion.

Malcolm Gladwell
Knowledge of a boy's IQ is of little help if you are faced with a formful of clever boys.

Knowledge of a boy's IQ is of little help if you are faced with a formful of clever boys.

Malcolm Gladwell
Extraordinary achievement is less about talent than it is about opportunity.

Extraordinary achievement is less about talent than it is about opportunity.

Malcolm Gladwell
The principle elements of a puzzle all require the application of energy and persistence, which are the virtues of youth. Mysteries demand experience and insight.

The principle elements of a puzzle all require the application of energy and persistence, which are the virtues of youth. Mysteries demand experience and insight.

Malcolm Gladwell
The contrast between the previous apprehension and the present relief and feeling of security promotes a self-confidence that is the very father and mother of courage.

The contrast between the previous apprehension and the present relief and feeling of security promotes a self-confidence that is the very father and mother of courage.

Malcolm Gladwell
Words belong to the person who wrote them

Words belong to the person who wrote them

Malcolm Gladwell
An innate gift and a certain amount of intelligence are important, but what really pays is ordinary experience.

An innate gift and a certain amount of intelligence are important, but what really pays is ordinary experience.

Malcolm Gladwell
. . . it is not possible to staff a large company without short people. There simply aren't enough tall people to go around.

. . . it is not possible to staff a large company without short people. There simply aren't enough tall people to go around.

Malcolm Gladwell
Capitalization learning”: we get good at something by building on the strengths that we are naturally given.

Capitalization learning”: we get good at something by building on the strengths that we are naturally given.

Malcolm Gladwell
All progress depends on the unreasonable man.

All progress depends on the unreasonable man.

Malcolm Gladwell
[Practical intelligence is] practical in nature: that is, it's now knowledge for its own sake. It's knowledge that helps you read situations correctly and get what you want.

[Practical intelligence is] practical in nature: that is, it's now knowledge for its own sake. It's knowledge that helps you read situations correctly and get what you want.

Malcolm Gladwell
We all know that successful people come from hardy seeds. But do we know enough about the sunlight

We all know that successful people come from hardy seeds. But do we know enough about the sunlight

Malcolm Gladwell
The futility of something is not always (in love and in politics) a sufficient argument against it.

The futility of something is not always (in love and in politics) a sufficient argument against it.

Malcolm Gladwell
Underdog strategies are hard.

Underdog strategies are hard.

Malcolm Gladwell
In the general American population, 3.9 percent of adult men are six foot two or taller. Among my CEO sample, almost a third were six foot two or taller.

In the general American population, 3.9 percent of adult men are six foot two or taller. Among my CEO sample, almost a third were six foot two or taller.

Malcolm Gladwell