Steven Pinkler on Gladwell...

Steven Pinker's review of Gladwell's work (more specifically his latest book "What the dog saw") is definitely worth reading. His points are right on the money. I am a big admirer of Gladwell's writing and have enjoyed almost every bit of it. However, it has to be taken for what its worth. Which is - an entertaining read. As Pinkler points out, in many cases Gladwell gets the science or statistics plain wrong. One of the areas I was looking for Pinkler to point out was the area of intuition and decision making, as well as, the role of practice in the making of a genius. For the real substance, I believe Herb Simon needs some credit from Gladwell -- for what Gladwell says sounds very much what Herb Simon figured out over years of research of people especially chess players. I have to admit that reading Herb Simon is not close to as entertaining as Gladwell. In fact, I credit Prof Shraeger who during my days in Chicago Booth introduced me to Simon's work and its relevance to decision making. But again, we have to caution ourselves. Just as reading a good science reporter does not mean that the reporter is as knowledgeable as the nobel prize winning scientist -- nor does a popular writer like Gladwell expected to teach us "Igon" value problems. Goes back to an old Einstein adage - make things simple but not simpler. That's why specialists are required. Advanced studies are required. And popular reading is not always the best source for intellectual enrichment. In all fairness, Gladwell's review is well balanced. And Gladwell will be a writer I will seek out -- it is always worth reading the stuff he writes.