Malcolm Gladwell
Tuesday,
December 5, 2006
The Tolleson Lecture
Malcolm Gladwell is known for his remarkable ability to interpret the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences, particularly sociology and psychology, and to apply these lessons to businesses and individuals. His innovative theories are set forth in two best-selling books. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, published in 2000, provides new tools for analyzing trends and steering the "social epidemics" that influence our lives. In his 2005 book, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Gladwell examines first impressions and explains how we can use them to become better decision-makers. Leonardo DiCaprio has bought the movie rights to Blink. In 2005 Time magazine included Gladwell in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In addition to writing books, he has been a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine since 1996. Before joining The New Yorker, he was with The Washington Post from 1987 to 1996, working first as a science writer and then as New York bureau chief.
Born in England and raised in Ontario, Canada, Gladwell earned a degree in history from the University of Toronto. He now lives in New York City.