Books
Range: Is Being a “Jack of All Trades” Better?
Just like the old saying goes, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” it is clear the generalist is stigmatized in our culture. Conventional wisdom implies that specialization is essential if one wishes to experience career, financial, and personal success.
The original quotation though was actually, ‘“Jack of all trades, master of none, but better than the master of one.”
The quote used for centuries to criticize generalists actually celebrates them! Why was it shortened?!?!
This reversal is at the center of David Epstein's 2019 book, “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.”
Range
Epstein thinks deliberately practicing to become an expert in one skill is overrated, and generalized practice is underrated.
Specializing in one thing and practicing endlessly ignores natural talent. If you’re talented, you don't need to practice that much. If you aren’t, it’s going to be hard to compete with those who are that talented. Most people ignore this and waste their time thinking that with enough practice they can become the best.
Secondly, specializing leads to myopia, also called “tunnel vision.” By focusing on just one…
