Section 1.1: The Power of Inspiration

There are two key points to consider. Firstly, the Gladwell interview serves as a source of inspiration for any creative individual. When they aren’t discussing Covid, they delve into books that give you chills and writing that pushes your boundaries, while also reminding us that critics don’t shape our legacies—history does not remember them.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Impact of Progress

The second, more significant takeaway is the conversation around progress itself. Gladwell's critique of our response to the vaccines alludes to a profound idea articulated by Benjamin Hardy, PhD, an organizational psychologist who co-authored the book The Gap and The Gain. Humans are inherently driven to improve, as stagnation equates to death. Evolutionarily, change is synonymous with life. Hardy’s book posits that progress is an intrinsic part of being human, and he explores its effects on us.

While striving for success can be beneficial, it can also lead to discontent. This drive for improvement often leads us to seek comforts far beyond our basic needs. Hardy doesn’t condemn this pursuit; instead, he highlights that the joy of achievement often stems from the intrinsic rewards of accomplishment.

Every writer experiences this joy. Whether it’s crafting a perfect sentence or completing a compelling story, it’s this satisfaction that motivates us. Few writers pursue their craft for financial gain. However, the challenge for creatives is that this joy is fleeting. We’re often left wanting more—a more complex story, a deeper narrative, or a greater impact, which can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction.

Section 1.2: The Gap Versus The Gain

If we allow ourselves to dwell in The Gap—the space between our current state and our aspirations—we may find ourselves in a challenging situation. Living in The Gap might seem appealing as it drives constant achievement, yet Hardy’s research indicates that those who remain fixated on The Gap—especially creative individuals, entrepreneurs, and Type A personalities—often end up feeling unhappy and unproductive.

Constantly measuring our progress against an ideal can sap our motivation, as it emphasizes what we haven’t accomplished rather than celebrating what we have. Many successful individuals undermine their achievements by fixating on their unmet goals. As they climb the ladder of success, each step becomes more daunting, and self-doubt can set in.

How do top achievers tackle this challenge? They focus on The Gain, which assesses current progress against past performance. As Hardy asserts, The Gain is the true measure of success, as it allows us to recognize our journey. Reflecting on personal growth fosters gratitude and encourages further achievements: "Look how far I've come! Of course, I can tackle the next challenge!"

Hardy suggests a balance between The Gap and The Gain. The Gap represents our instinctual drive for progress, while The Gain offers a way to channel that ambition positively. Personally, I’ve often allowed The Gap to dominate my pursuits, leading to a journey filled with stress and a destination that fails to deliver the satisfaction I anticipated. Gradually, I’m learning to temper my striving by appreciating the milestones along the way, comparing them to my previous experiences, and finding motivation in the journey itself.

This brings us back to Malcolm Gladwell. His podcast with Ryan Holiday was in support of his latest book, The Bomber Mafia, which he described as his most challenging work yet. Although he doesn’t explicitly mention The Gap and The Gain, this book embodies the concepts. To create it, he had to confront the complex and difficult task, utilizing everything he learned over 30 years of writing.

The book examines WWII pilots who were troubled by the civilian casualties of indiscriminate bombing, seeking more humane methods. The bomber mafia aimed to target only industrial sites to cripple the enemy's war efforts while minimizing human loss. Their ambition was to evolve warfare into a less brutal endeavor. However, the technology of the 1940s could not meet their aspirations, leading to devastating outcomes like the indiscriminate bombings of Tokyo and the atomic bombings of Japan.

Yet, Gladwell reveals that over the years, military leaders recognized the bomber mafia's wisdom. Advances in technology allowed for greater precision in bombing, aligning with the original vision of the bomber mafia. Modern pilots now have the ability to strike targets with incredible accuracy, demonstrating that the pursuit of improvement and reflection ultimately leads to meaningful progress.

In conclusion, Gladwell's book itself exemplifies the balance between striving and reflection. It's presented in a unique format, resembling a serialized podcast, using real audio clips to enhance the storytelling experience. This innovative approach was made possible by Gladwell's extensive podcasting experience, showcasing how his growth as a storyteller has shaped his work.

In his interview with Holiday, Gladwell critiques his earlier podcasting efforts, vowing to focus solely on compelling narratives going forward. This continuous pursuit of excellence is something we should all strive for, guided by our experiences and growth.