Review of Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants (Part 1)

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants opens up with the story of David and Goliath.  This wasn't surprising, but the lack of doubt Gladwell places upon the biblical story is disappointing.  Gladwell is often criticized for not being thorough enough in his research, and unless you're a fundamentalist christian, the bible isn't a reliable source.  And Gladwell doesn't offer any sources for his beautifully described writing of the battle between David and Goliath... as if he saw the entire incident in video form.

After his description, Malcolm explains the equipment and tactics of ancient armies and the power of slings.  He shows then gives the cliff notes version of the earlier story: Goliath had heavy armor and weapons, David just flung a stone directly into Goliath's head.  (He also gives a citation for the longest distance a slingshot has fired and quotes an IDF minister of defense on the event.)  Then Gladwell asks some rhetorical questions which segue into what the book is about and make assumptions about people misunderstanding the story of David and Goliath (personally nothing in the chapter so far surprised me, though I did learn additional things about the alleged conflict between David and Goliath).

Then Gladwell suggests that Goliath had a medical condition called acromegaly (which would explain his alleged gigantic stature) and reminded me why I enjoy his books so much.  He describes some of the symptoms of acromegaly, which help explain why Goliath was so foolish.