On Outliers

Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers exemplifies the idea of an outlier through numerous successful people while looking through a lens we typically would not look through. I felt the book brought up some very interesting explanations to the success of a select few whom Gladwell characterized as successful outliers. Gladwell explains through Outliers that in order to achieve success in what ever arena, one must have the opportunities presented as well the time and practice through what Gladwell calls "the ten-thousand hour rule." As we all have grown up under the lesson of practice makes perfect, I do not think anyone can disagree that Gladwell's idea of success through practice is valid. I feel Gladwell lays out a perfect roadmap of success stories in order to get his perspective on success across. 

I mostly agree with Gladwell's idea of what it takes to become successful. The only thing he never really brought up in his book is whether or not he felt these people we lucky in any way. I feel the road to success involves a little luck that sets one away from the ordinary. Overall, I enjoyed Outliers and Malcolm Gladwell's writing style and look forward to exploring some of his other work. 

Success Story

When I think of one person in my life who I believe became successful, I think of my grandfather, Jake Superstein. Jake was born to a poor working family in Poland and later moved to Edmonton, Alberta Canada. While growing up in Edmonton, Jake and his brothers peddled chickens and eggs out of a horse and buggy while their father owned two stalls in the city market. Later, Jake and his family founded the Edmonton Produce Company which later became one of Canada's largest wholesale poultry companies. 

What really made my grandfather stand out was his will to give and help others who were struggling. In my opinion, my grandfather became incredibly successful because although only receiving an elementary education, he used the work ethic he was raised into and against all odds, was able to create a living for himself and his family while helping others in need along the way. I feel my grandfather made it a goal of his to put others in need before himself, no matter color or faith. My grandfather was later recognized for his contributions to society and his improvement of city life through his reception of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honor along with many other awards. 

Researching Green

A question that arises with the idea of sustaining our planet is “why do we hope that we will start living more sustainable to save the environment?”Science Daily’s article, “Simply Hoping that Humanity will Save the Environment May Do More Harm Than Good, Experts Argue” brings up the question, “Is hope a placebo, a distraction, merely sowing the seeds of disillusionment?” The article suggests, “Hope’s alternative is not hopelessness or despair, but rather the inherent virtue of doing the right thing” (Science Daily). The article examines the role of hope in environmentalism, as people must live sustainably based on virtues rather than consequences. “That means equating sustainable living not with hope for a better future, but with basic virtues such as sharing and caring, virtues that we recognize as good in themselves and fundamentally the right way to live in the present” (Science Daily). The article explains that an advantage to such an approach is that one who may not believe the environment is on the brink of disaster, will be motivated based on the idea that it is one’s duty or obligation to live sustainably.

  "Instead of hope, we need to provide young people with reasons to live sustainably that are rational and effective. We need to lift up examples of sustainable living motivated by virtue more than by a dubious belief that such actions will avert environmental disaster" (Science Daily).

Initial Readings

Joey Superstein's comments on "initial readings" coming soon...

The Environment

I don't think anyone can argue the fact that we are not doing enough to protect our environment and our vital natural resources. I feel it is crucial for us as human beings to make some changes in our daily lives in order to maintain a strong, healthy, clean, and green environment. Whether or not people are willing to go out of their way to "go green," it is our job now to help and influence others to make some changes which in time, may go a long way. Since "going green" may not be convenient or cheap, I'm afraid people will not be willing to pay more or complicate their lives in such a way that making the change, in their perspective, would not be the most efficient. In reality, using more earth-friendly household items or recycling products is not asking too much and could potentially, with the help and cooperation with others, have a positive impact on the environment. If we just take small steps in order to live a "greener" life, our children will be able to live their lives without the threat of a drastic environmental disaster. I hope people realize the threat of global warming and how we are polluting our natural resources. If people are not too self-serving and are willing to sacrifice something small, we, as a greater good, will be better off. 

The Next Four Years

The next four years will be one of the most crucial periods in American history. To say President Obama has his work cut out for him is stating the obvious. What is not so obvious, however, is what important issues President Obama will face these next four years. 

The biggest problem Americans are experiencing today is the United States housing market correction and the subprime mortgage crisis. We are in the midst of an economic recession and we as consumers have been hit the hardest. Banks have tightened their restrictions on lending, the value of homes are dropping and people are feeling helpless as their wealth and savings are becoming less and less. Jobs are becoming more scarce as unemployment has risen drastically. President Obama must first tackle this national dilemma and somehow find a solution to these economic issues. 

In my opinion, one of the most important issues Barack Obama will face during his next four years in office is the spread of radical Islam and its threat to America and Western democracy. In my opinion, in the current climate of hatred toward the West, it would be disastrous for Iran to possess nuclear capabilities. Although they claim it would only be for peaceful purposes, their continued funding and training of terrorist organizations throughout the world, as well as their stated intentions to wipe Israel off the map is cause for significant concern to the new Obama administration. A nuclear weapon in the hands of any of the numerous terrorist organizations currently funded by the Iranian regime could potentially lead to a nuclear holocaust, the likes of which the world has not seen.

This summer I plan to travel through Europe with my friends but it concerns me that I may be considered a target in many European countries and elsewhere throughout the world. It is important that President Obama reaches out to the Muslim communities throughout the world and attempt to convince them that there is a need to strengthen their laws regarding inciting hatred in their schools and religious institutions. 

About Me

A little about myself. My name is Joey Superstein and I am a senior at Brophy. I was born in Canada, but moved to the States at a young age. My interests include sports, traveling, music, socializing, sleeping, politics, and more. Over the years, I feel my hobbies and interests have changed. During my freshman year of high school, I was really into baseball. After getting cut from the Brophy team, I decided to start playing hockey. I figured, "C'mon, it's in my Canadian blood! I should be good at this shouldn't I?" So I picked up hockey and really improved my game so that I could play on the Brophy team. The following year I made the team and played for two consecutive seasons. This season, I stopped playing for Brophy and joined an 18+ league. I don't really know if I made this decision to flex my eighteen year old muscles or just to play in a league with older and better players. Either way, I'm really enjoying my new team and don't regret my decision one bit. Also, this year I started playing tennis. It's pretty different playing a sport where everything is under your control, as you are the only player on your team. It's pretty much in your hands whether you win or lose. 

I find myself very extraverted and easy to get along with. I feel I have a great social life and a solid group of friends. I'm pretty outgoing and just like to have a good time. Next year, I plan to study business at ASU. I'm looking forward to living on a large campus like ASU with tons of people, energy, and action all around.