The book examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success. Through a compilation of anecdotes and analyses of various cultural phenomena, it argues that success is not simply a result of individual talent or intelligence, but rather the result of a combination of opportunities, hidden advantages, cultural legacies, and the amount of time spent practicing a specific task. The author challenges the traditional notion of the "self-made" individual by emphasizing the importance of external influences and timing, such as being born in a certain era or having access to specific resources, in shaping one's ability to achieve extraordinary accomplishments.

The 3334th greatest book of all time