Effort vs. Skill

In Malcom Gladwell's most recent article for the New Yorker he discusses the age old story of David and Goliath and how, to our surprise, David wins more verse Goliath than we may think.

Everyone, christian or agnostic, knows the classic story of David's triumph over the mighty Goliath against seemingly impossible odds. To a degree, it is the impossibility of David, a shepherd no less, defeating Goliath that prompts us to think that the heavy underdog is unlikely to come out on top. It is what makes the story so memorable and so uplifting.

However, Gladwell's piece discusses how this seemingly impossible situation, that of the heavy underdog defeating an invincible foe, occurs more often than we would guess: 33% actually. Gladwell argues that when faced with unfavorable odds, the underdog is forced to be creative in their attack because they cannot beat their heavily favored foe at the latter's own game (i.e. David could not fight Goliath in hand to hand combat).

Gladwell cites numerous historical examples and the work of one academic to support his conclusion. He discusses the Fordham Rams defeat of Dr. J's UMass team, the success of Lawrence of Arabia's band of rag-tag nomads over the Ottoman Empire, and the countless many that have achieved the American Dream. With all these accounts, one cannot help but think that the underdog might actually have the upper hand.

But probably the point that most resonated with me was Gladwell's conclusion that in battle, effort is more precious than skill. We are taught, however, that it is the opposite. For example, any one can comment on how beautifully Tiger Woods turn a poor shot into a good one, but what is often forgotten is the countless hours and sleepless nights that he put into making that shot possible. Unfortunately, effort in the form of practice, determination, and sheer will takes a backseat to the physical display of Woods' skill.

With dental school quickly approaching, I am once again confronted with the "I am only this good at science classes" attitude that plagued me during my college years. Gladwell's piece, however, has made me reconsider the trepidation I feel about competing with some of the smartest kids out there and take heart in the fact that if I put in the effort, I can triumph over these Goliaths. Sometimes it is better not to have the weight of expectations holding you down.