9-18 1. I think the thesis is hard work and given opportunities will make you successful. 2.

The example about the hockey players discourages me because it is solely based on timing and not on skill. 3. Overall Outliers is meant to inspire. But the self-fulfilling prophecy seems to crush people's dreams. 4. Gladwell is pointing out a problem because people are born at the right time to be successful and its not based on their skills. 5. Immaturity, laziness, intimidation, and bad timing all hold back success. 6. Not everyone gets a chance to be successful, but those who do get the best opportunities. 7. Intelligence has a threshold because people with an IQ of 140 and 180 will get the same results on a test. 8. We live in a meritocracy because the more accomplished you are, the more recognition you get.