New Equation: Timing + Role Model + Meaningful Work = Success

I offer for your consideration three quotes from Gladwell. The first reiterates his idea that when and where we are born impacts our chance of success. The second and third posit that watching one's parents or other role models engage in meaningful, complex and autonomous work drives a child to succeed.

"The sense of possibility so necessary for success comes not just from inside us or from our parents. It comes from our time: from the particular opportunities that our particular place in history presents us with (p. 137)."

"...three things - autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have it if is to be satifying (p. 149)."

"...what happened to the children growing up in those homes where meaningful work was practiced...learned...if you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires (p. 151)."

While i don't disagree with the above quotes, I have two thoughts to share: first, is Gladwell saying that a child will not succeed if these conditions are not present? and second, his implied definition of success rests heavily on success by societal standards -- in our consumist society, success as defined by material, economic and institutional standards.