• The Tipping Point

  • How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
  • By: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (22,175 ratings)

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The Tipping Point  By  cover art

The Tipping Point

By: Malcolm Gladwell
Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
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Editorial reviews

Why we think it's Essential: Like the best social dynamics professor you never had, Malcolm Gladwell deconstructs a wide range of phenomena (from the reduction of crime in New York to the rise of Sesame Street) to deliver a fascinating understanding of how "social epidemics" spread. And while author/narrators are often a mixed blessing, Gladwell is so friendly and well-paced that I was actually disappointed when The Tipping Point was over. - Ed Walloga

Publisher's summary

From the bestselling author of The Bomber Mafia: discover Malcolm Gladwell's breakthrough debut and explore the science behind viral trends in business, marketing, and human behavior.

The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

“A wonderful page-turner about a fascinating idea that should affect the way every thinking person looks at the world.” —Michael Lewis

©2007 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2007 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"History takes on a whole new perspective as he describes events of early America that specifically follow his theories of 'selling the public on an idea' and 'social epidemics.' Feedback from market mavericks further substantiates Gladwell's viewpoints." (AudioFile)

"Gladwell, a New Yorker staff writer, offers an incisive and piquant theory of social dynamics that is bound to provoke a paradigm shift in our understanding of mass behavioral change." (Booklist)

"Hip and hopeful, The Tipping Point is like the idea it describes: concise, elegant, but packed with social power. A book for anyone who cares about how society works and how we can make it better." (George Stephanopoulos)

Featured Article: 25+ of the Most Insightful Malcolm Gladwell Quotes


Malcolm Gladwell is a renowned journalist, best-selling author, and public speaker. He has penned five New York Times best-selling books and has been included in the TIME 100 Most Influential People list. As an internationally respected thought leader, Gladwell definitely has something to say, and we think his thoughts are worth listening to. We’ve compiled some of Gladwell’s most thought-provoking quotes from his most popular audiobooks.

What listeners say about The Tipping Point

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Great Book!

Great book and content. I would highly recommend it. I really enjoyed the research and the audio was well done!

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this book really explains how things gain traction

If you ever wondered how things get popular the tipping point is a must read. excellent book

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Inspriational book

Where does The Tipping Point rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my first audiobook. I'm impressed. I'll definitely be buying more audiobooks for my commute.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

It's informative and inspirational.

Have you listened to any of Malcolm Gladwell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but I like the conversational tone.

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mind blowing

Even 15 years later this book is very applicable. Defiantly changes the way I approach solving problems in my life. Also makes me way more frustrated with conservatives and religious groups. They all NEED to listen/read this!

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Great book, too many stats

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. the stories were captivating and the narrator was quite pleasant. However, I found the use of statistics a bit droning at times.

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I thought it was great

I love the book! there are a lot of great examples in his stories. I honestly didn't want the book to end. I think it's a great book for entrepreneurs and those who want to be more influential in real life... hopefully in a positive way.
fun fact The Legendary Roots Crew made an album titled the Tippy Point. That was my tipping point and my influence to want to check this book out. So thank you The Roots and thank you Malcolm Gladwell

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A Must "Read"

A must "read" for anyone in fundraising to understand leveraging the power of the tipping point through the help of mavens, salesmen and connectors. Incredible information that offers understanding on epidemics, certainly applicable in today's age of COVID & BLM.

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Makes total sense

The back story on fashion, epidemics, and historical events is quite intriguing. it makes me want to hear more and also sets my mind in motion when thinking of a new opportunity. Find the Maven and engage them.

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A well researched thought provoking masterpiece

This is an amazing book. Malcom Gladwell will blow your mind again and again and again.

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Interesting and worth a listen.

This book is worth the listen. It is not nearly as dry as similiar themed books. I enjoyed that all the things were being taught with real world examples instead of just case study references.

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