• David and Goliath

  • Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
  • By: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (24,266 ratings)

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David and Goliath

By: Malcolm Gladwell
Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, October 2013 - Get ready to have your view of the world turned upside down. Malcolm Gladwell - best-selling author of Blink, The Tipping Point, and Outliers - returns to present new ways of looking at why being among the advantaged is not always advantageous. David & Goliath explores the \"art of battling giants\" through the personal accounts of underdogs and misfits whose wild success stories are often falsely considered flukes. This is not a sentimental celebration of good things happening to good people. In true Gladwellian fashion, the real reasons behind so many pull-from-behind wins are completely unexpected. And if you've ever heard any of the author's many speaking engagements you know to expect a lively listening experience with Gladwell narrating the book himself. (Tricia, Audible Editor)

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Nonfiction, 2014

Explore the power of the underdog in Malcolm Gladwell's dazzling examination of success, motivation, and the role of adversity in shaping our lives, from the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia.

Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy felled a mighty warrior with nothing more than a stone and a sling, and ever since then the names of David and Goliath have stood for battles between underdogs and giants. David's victory was improbable and miraculous. He shouldn't have won.

Or should he have?

In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwellchallenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages, offering a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or attend a mediocre school, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks.

Gladwell begins with the real story of what happened between the giant and the shepherd boy those many years ago. From there, David and Goliath examines Northern Ireland's Troubles, the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, murder and the high costs of revenge, and the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms - all to demonstrate how much of what is beautiful and important in the world arises from what looks like suffering and adversity.

In the tradition of Gladwell's previous best-sellers - The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw - David and Goliath draws upon history, psychology, and powerful storytelling to reshape the way we think of the world around us.

©2013 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2013 Hachette Audio

What listeners say about David and Goliath

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Giants Do Fall

This was inspiring and a history lesson. Just because someone is perceived to be an underdog doesn't mean they are a loser.

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increasingly a fan of Gladwells insights

i have listened to a number of his audiobooks now and have found myself leaving each with both academic and spiritual insights that uave made the world a better place in my heart and mind.

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Great listen!

I agree that struggles in life form you in to the person you become, and more struggles may develop a stronger person. I need to be reminded of this while trying to provide my child with all the comforts that I didn't have growing up.

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David and Goliath

Amazing. I found MG on a podcast and I am unable to enjoy any other podcast because of his amazing ability to deliver a story. This audio book has a similar effect. He takes you on a journey of self discovery and opens your mind to new possibilities. You come away feeling mentally fulfilled yet wanting more. After listening or reading a MG book, you will always look at a situation and wonder what it looks like from another angle.

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Fantastic!

It has been one of the greatest audio books that I have listened. I completely recommend this for anyone who wants to hear some stories with passion and get motivated.

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Does not disappoint

On par with Mr. Gladwell's other books. Fascinating stories from history and scientific research. Both entertaining and educational. Highly recommended.

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Such a stellar mind changing book

This book was better than I thought it would be. Malcolm Gladwell, as always, does a wonderful job of narrate ring his own books.

Highly recommended. So good.

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Another fine book from Mr Gladwell!

A great book - compelling insights; thought-provoking and helpful. So many intriguing topics encourage reflection and discussion.

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My least favorite of all Gladwell's book

I don't think Malcolm Gladwell has ever published a bad book. This one was def not my favorite but still good nonetheless. The usual story + analysis. I feel it's more entertaining than inspiring (that's not a complaint, though. Who wouldn't wanna be entertained?)

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Glad well is always worth the time!

What did you love best about David and Goliath?

This was a wonderful presentation. I think of it as sort of a lesson of the things we might have missed. There is a lot to be said for the things that we can still learn from an old simple story when we think and open our mind.

What was one of the most memorable moments of David and Goliath?

How we as people try to look at things as what we think rather than consider other possibilities.

What does Malcolm Gladwell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His soothing voice. It is like he is right there talking to you.

Any additional comments?

This is now on my must read list that I share with friends and family.

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