The Tipping Point

A few weeks ago I started reading The Tipping Point, another book from one of my favorite authors lately, Malcolm Gladwell. The general topic of the book is “how little things can make a big difference.” Mr. Gladwell explores topics ranging from the end of a crime wave in New York City, to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, to brands of shoes suddenly becoming popular all across the country. The book actually discusses two stories we covered in English class, the Kitty Genovese murder and the Stanford Experiment. I found it fascinating reading about some of the different events in the book that Gladwell considers “tipping points.” One of the most interesting stories, was about how the NYPD and New York State officials were able to cut down on crime in the subway system, by re-painting the subway cars. The book also highlights how different types of people, namely connectors, mavens and salesmen, can cause something to “tip.” The book also talks about the “stickiness,” of an idea. The “stickiness” is basically how easily something grabs your attention and keeps it for a sustained period of time. So far I have really enjoyed this book, and I think it is another great book by Malcolm Gladwell.