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Paradoxical Lessons from David and Goliath – Underdogs, Misfits and Giants – Book Review

November 14, 2013 By Jean Wise


Dr, Bob Moorehead wrote an essay about paradox.  Here is part of his quote: 

“The paradox of our time in history is

 that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers,

wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less;

 we buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families,

more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense,

more knowledge, but less judgment,

more experts, yet more problems,

 more medicine, but less wellness…

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We’ve added years to life not life to years.

 We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but

have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We conquered outer

space but not inner space…”

A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself or a situation, which seems to defy logic.

We assume the bigger and better prepared Goliath could easily defeat young, inexperienced David – but the opposite happened.
The title of the newest book by Malcolm Gladwell intrigued me –David and Goliath – Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants.  I always love stories where the little guy wins and wondered what lessons this book held.
Gladwell paints a surprising new view of this well-known Bible story. Then he offers stories about different people who faced an oversized challenge and was forced to respond. His primary lesson is that often giants are not what we think they are and what we think is their strength can be their weakness. Why when we see the giant, do we automatically assume the battle is his for the winning?

Being the underdog can be a great opportunity too.  Gladwell gives multiple examples where there are times it is better to be a “big fish in a little pond than a little fish in a big pond.”
Another surprising study he shared was about the paradoxical way to raise test scores. Make the test little bit harder. For example, researchers printed out test questions in a font that was really hard to read and test scores increased.  
A bat and  a ball cost $1.10 total. yada yada yada…

This font made reading frustrating and we had to squint a little. We read the sentence twice and had to work to read the question. That extra effort paid off if we had to think about the answers more. The result was a desirable difficulty turn beneficial.
Would I recommend this book? I borrowed it from the library and glad I didn’t invest any money. I did invest time – another precious commodity – but found it mentally stimulating and stretching.
Though many endings are not happy, obstacles and difficulties may force us to develop skills that otherwise remain dormant and/or find the courage to take a chance we may not have taken under safer, more comfortable circumstances.
While I am not sure I agree with all of his conclusions, this book will expand your point of view and offer hope and encouragement. But the wounded don’t always win either, so this book may challenge what you always thought was true.
The concepts in this book would make great discussion at a small group or over dinner. We don’t wish difficulties for our kids, but do want them to face the challenges of life with courage and perseverance. It is hard to endure complex, discouraging problems, but I hope I learn and grow in these struggles.
Always an optimist, my bet is with the Davids of the world and the Bible reminds me of the wisdom in the paradoxes of life.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).

“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it” (Luke 17:33).

“So the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).


Read any good books lately that challenged your thinking?

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Comments

  1. John says

    January 9, 2014 at 6:13 am

    The book was interesting however there are many books that do not concentrate on a person’s attributes rather it discovers the concept of universal truth and how we were initiated as part of this world.

    Books about Spirituality

  2. blankJean Wise says

    November 17, 2013 at 12:01 am

    I struggled with the book as it seemed to give pat answers. Though interesting. I found this week facing what I thought was a giant but really wasn’t it so the book did help. have a great weekend, Nancy

  3. blankNancy Ruegg says

    November 16, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    Thank you, Jean, for sharing the highlights of Gladwell’s most recent book. I appreciate your review. Praise God we do not have to face giants alone! With David we can say, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45)! The battle is his (2 Chronicles 20:15).

  4. blankJean Wise says

    November 15, 2013 at 1:45 am

    I sure do appreciate your thoughtful comments!!

  5. blankHugmomma says

    November 14, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Jean, I always have these mixed feelings when I read books on marriage. I struggle with whether to share them, but can honestly say that I have gleaned good things from them. For me, some of the well meaning advice of is just completely n/a in my situation, and I don’t want to be responsible for spreading lousy advice. Some of it, I find to be totally counterproductive. While reading,I catch my critical inner voice say things like… well I can tell you have never been divorced. Then have to remind myself, well, I guess that is the point! Saying all that to come to the conclusion of : life is unique, relationships are unique, and the realization that a wise person should strain out wisdom where ever she finds it. Thanks for sharing.

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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