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Author Talk: Range by David Epstein

2023-03-13 10:00:00 2023-03-13 11:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Author Talk: Range by David Epstein What's the most effective path to success in any domain? It's not what you think. Join a conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein as he chats about his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Virtual Program -

Monday, March 13
10:00am - 11:00am

Add to Calendar 2023-03-13 10:00:00 2023-03-13 11:00:00 America/Los_Angeles Author Talk: Range by David Epstein What's the most effective path to success in any domain? It's not what you think. Join a conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein as he chats about his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Virtual Program -

What's the most effective path to success in any domain? It's not what you think. Join a conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein as he chats about his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.

Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.

David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, juggling many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.

Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.

About the Author: David Epstein is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World and of the New York Times bestseller The Sports Gene, both of which have been translated into more than 20 languages. His writing has been honored by an array of organizations, from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Center on Disability and Journalism, and has been included in the Best American Science and Nature Writing anthology. His story “Following the Trail of Broken Hearts,” on sudden cardiac death in athletes, was chosen as one of the top 100 stories of the last 100 years by Columbia Journalism alumni. He has master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism and lives in Washington, DC.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Books, Poetry, & Writing |

TAGS: | Virtual Program | Author Talk |

Virtual Program


Hours
We're closed Monday May 26
Mon, May 26 Closed
Tue, May 27 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, May 28 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, May 29 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, May 30 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 31 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jun 01 7:00AM to 6:00PM

About the branch

This is a virtual location. No events are held at this address.

Upcoming events

Sat, May 31, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Learn the essentials of sewing in this series designed for beginners! Learn how to hem, alter, and upcycle your clothes. Each session will focus on a practical skills to give your wardrobe a custom fit and a 2nd life. No prior experience needed!
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Wed, Jun 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.
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Thu, Jun 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us in welcoming Ruby Warrington, author of “Sober Curious,” as she sits down with LA County Librarian, Skye Patrick, for a nonjudgmental discussion around alcohol consumption, wellness, and moving through our lives with more intention.
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Sat, Jun 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Are you a new parent? Please join us at a special virtual program designed just for you! Learn all about the great programs and services LA County Library offers for parents, caregivers, and children. For adults.
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Sat, Jun 07, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Learn the essentials of sewing in this series designed for beginners! Learn how to hem, alter, and upcycle your clothes. Each session will focus on a practical skills to give your wardrobe a custom fit and a 2nd life. No prior experience needed!
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Tue, Jun 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with author Lisa Jewell as she introduces us to her forthcoming thriller, Don’t Let Him In, out June 24, 2025. Jewell will also chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work.
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Sat, Jun 14, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Learn the essentials of sewing in this series designed for beginners! Learn how to hem, alter, and upcycle your clothes. Each session will focus on a practical skills to give your wardrobe a custom fit and a 2nd life. No prior experience needed!
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Mon, Jun 16, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Join us for a special story time celebrating Juneteenth with stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs! Learn all about Juneteenth & why it is celebrated.
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Tue, Jun 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Have you ever wondered why do we eat red foods on Juneteenth? Come learn about the tradition linked to the historical significance of the holiday, the cultural symbolism of the color & some great recipes to add to your Juneteenth celebration menu.
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Tue, Jun 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to us about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder.
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Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LA County Librarian Skye Patrick sits down with Tony Valenzuela, the Executive Director of One Institute, to discuss the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Los Angeles, why our histories matter, and how to support the next generation of storytellers.
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