Epstein argues that groundbreaking ideas don’t typically originate from a single individual or function but rather at the point where different skills (or people) intersect. He suggests that individuals with a broad range of interests and skills, or what he refers to as “generalists,” are better suited to tackle complex, poorly defined problems than those who specialize early and narrowly. These generalists not only possess the skills to solve complex problems but are also more comfortable with volatility and unpredictability and can construct compelling narratives of the future.
Epstein presents subjective evidence from various fields, including sports, music, and science, to illustrate how people with diverse interests and experiences tend to have more creativity, flexibility, and adaptability in problem-solving.
The most coveted jobs today are in complex and unpredictable fields, requiring employees to have broad and flexible knowledge. Moreover, in a world where people are inundated with information but crave wisdom, there’s a pressing need for synthesizers who can gather the right information, think critically, and make informed decisions.