David Epstein argues that in a world obsessed with early specialization, it’s actually range—broad experience, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary thinking—that gives people the edge. Comparing Tiger Woods’s single-minded mastery with Roger Federer’s wandering path, he shows that while specialists shine in predictable “kind” environments, most of life is “wicked”: messy, shifting, and full of delayed feedback. In those conditions, generalists adapt faster and see patterns others miss.

Drawing on psychology, education, and organizational science, Epstein explains how sampling, analogical thinking, and varied practice foster lasting learning and creative insight. Quitting, pivoting, or changing fields isn’t failure—it’s how we improve “match quality” between who we are and what we do.

Range reframes success as a product of exploration, not efficiency. In an era that rewards narrow focus, Epstein’s case for breadth is a reminder that curiosity itself is a competitive advantage.