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David and Goliath Story – It’s Not What You Think

The new book David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell has the fitting subtitle Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.  Watch the  TedTalk video above and listen to Gladwell explain his own misunderstanding of the oft-told bible story of David and Goliath.  Chances are that you may have similarly thought you understood this 3,000 year-old story.  And my guess is that, like Gladwell, after learning more information you will conclude that you did not understand it at all.

Americans love an underdog story and that’s why most of us have the David and Goliath story etched in our brains.  However, Gladwell’s point is not “underdogs rule” but is instead “perspective is everything.”   The way we look at the obstacles in our lives greatly impacts our ability to overcome those obstacles.

I found this to be a hopeful and helpful video.  It inspires us to look at our personal challenges  from many perspectives – not just the most commonly held perspective – before giving up or giving in.

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