為什麼「通才」反而在高度「專業化」的時代更具競爭優勢？
《跨能致勝》──打破「傳統成功方式」的迷思
"Why do 'generalists' actually have a greater competitive advantage in an era of high 'specialization'?"
作者在前一本書《運動基因：非凡競技能力背後的科學》，探討「基因」如何影響這些運動員的能力、動機、和持久力。他歸納成三個因素：「適合運動類型的體態」、「高耐受度和持久力的心理與生理條件」、「生活在特殊地理環境的優勢」。
In his previous book, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, the author explored how "genes" influence athletes' abilities, motivation, and endurance. He summarized three key factors: "a physique suited to a specific sport," "psychological and physiological conditions that support high tolerance and endurance," and "advantages of living in a unique geographical environment."
最讓人玩味的是，在他研究這些「先天」基因帶來的影響的同時，也逐漸發現了原來還存在其他「後天」的因素，對人們的發展和成就，同樣會帶來決定性的影響。除了原本的運動領域之外，他延伸探討了音樂、文學、商業、科技等領域，歸納出一個嶄新的思維。
What is most intriguing is that while researching the impact of these "innate" genetic factors, the author also gradually discovered that there are other "acquired" factors that can have a decisive influence on people's development and achievements. Beyond the field of sports, he extends his exploration to music, literature, business, and technology, culminating in a new way of thinking.
這就是他的新書《跨能致勝》要傳達的觀念：比起傳統認知的「盡早鎖定單一興趣、刻意練習、鑽研專業深度」，退一步來看，「廣泛經驗、多元涉獵、觸類旁通」也是另一種後天成功的關鍵要素。
This is the idea his new book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, aims to convey: instead of the traditional belief in "locking in a single interest early, deliberate practice, and deep specialization," it proposes that "broad experience, diverse exposure, and analogical thinking" are also key factors for achieving success through acquired means.
我之所以這麼喜歡這本書，因為作者用許多精彩的案例故事，打破人們對「傳統成功方式」的迷思，強調另一種發展路線「跨領域、廣泛接觸、水平思考」，是這個時代裡更有競爭優勢的方法。這種能顛覆舊觀點，又帶來思考衝擊的書。
The reason I like this book so much is that the author uses numerous compelling case stories to break the myth of the "traditional path to success" and emphasizes an alternative approach— "cross-disciplinary exploration, broad exposure, and lateral thinking"—which offers a more competitive advantage in today's world. This kind of book challenges conventional viewpoints and provokes thought.
《跨能致勝》第一步──認知刻意練習不是「唯一」成功之道
（資料來源：hbrtaiwan.com）
這本書的開篇由兩個體育界的故事展開。
The book begins with two stories from the world of sports.
第一位男孩在七個月大時，父親就給了他一支推桿，十個月大時他就開始模仿高爾夫揮桿的動作。到了三歲，他已經學會如何從沙坑中救球，八歲時第一次打敗了父親。這個男孩後來成為了高爾夫界的傳奇，他是「提早開始刻意訓練」的典型代表。
The first boy received a putter from his father when he was just seven months old, and by the time he was ten months old, he was already mimicking golf swings. By the age of three, he had learned how to make bunker shots, and at eight, he beat his father for the first time. This boy went on to become a golfing legend and is a classic example of "starting early with deliberate practice."
第二位男孩的成長路徑則完全不同。他小時候和父親一起打壁球，也學了滑雪、拳擊、游泳和滑板。他漸漸喜歡上了球類運動，無論是籃球、手球、網球還是桌球，只要是球類運動他都愛。他最終在足球和網球之間選擇了網球，並在十四歲時進入瑞士國家網球中心進行訓練。這位男孩成為了網球界的傳奇，是「跨領域發展」的代表。
The second boy's path to success was entirely different. As a child, he played squash with his father and learned to ski, box, swim, and skateboard. He gradually developed a love for ball sports—whether it was basketball, handball, tennis, or table tennis—he enjoyed them all. Eventually, he chose tennis over soccer and began training at the Swiss National Tennis Center at the age of fourteen. This boy became a tennis legend and is an example of "thriving through cross-disciplinary development."
第一個男孩的故事符合一般的認知：早早開始培養，讓孩子在起跑點領先，透過高強度的刻意練習，成為行業中的頂尖高手。而第二個男孩的故事則較難歸納，他似乎經歷了很多迂迴的路，在接觸各種領域後，才在較晚的時候選擇了自己的方向。
The story of the first boy aligns with common beliefs: starting early and rigorous training gives children a head start, enabling them to become top experts in their field. The story of the second boy, however, is harder to categorize. It seems he took a more winding path, exploring various fields before choosing his direction later on.
作者認為，有些專業領域的確需要像第一位男孩那樣早早起步、專注專精的人才，但我們同時也需要更多像第二位男孩那樣，廣泛涉獵、擁有多元經驗和多樣觀點的跨領域人才。
The author argues that while some fields indeed require specialists who start early and focus intensively like the first boy, we also need more individuals like the second boy, who explore broadly, accumulate diverse experiences, and possess varied perspectives as cross-disciplinary talents.
你是否猜到了？第一位男孩是老虎·伍茲，第二位男孩則是羅傑·費德勒。
Have you guessed who they are? The first boy is Tiger Woods, and the second boy is Roger Federer.
《跨能致勝》第二步──與其三分鐘熱度，不如設定目標
（資料來源：vocus.cc）
這本書的主題和內容乍看之下似乎與《刻意練習》和《恆毅力》相反，但實際上並非如此。作者提供了一個更廣闊的視角，認為人生應該是多樣且豐富的。他鼓勵我們先嘗試不同的方法，然後再確定目標，進行系統性的學習並大量投入練習。最具創造力的跨界人才通常是先廣泛探索，然後再深入研究。
At first glance, the theme and content of this book seem to contradict those of Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise and Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, but that is not the case. The author provides a broader perspective, suggesting that life should be diverse and rich. He encourages us to first try different methods, then set goals, and proceed with systematic learning and dedicated practice. The most creative interdisciplinary talents often explore broadly first and then dive deeper.
人生的早期階段，尤其是從學齡前到上學這段時間，應該讓孩子有機會自由探索和多方嘗試，從多元學習中發現他們真正的興趣。尤其在當前數位科技快速發展的時代，資訊傳遞速度飛快，使這種學習方法得以大幅提升。
During the early stages of life, especially from preschool to the beginning of formal education, children should have the opportunity to freely explore and try various things, discovering their true interests through diverse learning experiences. Particularly in today's rapidly evolving digital age, where information circulates at an incredible speed, this approach to learning has greatly advanced.
過去，我們強調一個人在某一領域要非常專精，因為那時資訊和知識的流通性較差，跨出自己的領域去吸收高品質和精煉的知識是非常困難的。然而，如今情況不同了，知識變得唾手可得，例如紙本書、電子書、線上課程和高質量的媒體，使資訊流通更加方便。
In the past, we emphasized deep specialization in a single field because the flow of information and knowledge was limited, and it was challenging to step outside one's domain to absorb high-quality, refined knowledge. However, things are different now. Knowledge is readily accessible through paper books, e-books, online courses, and high-quality media, making the flow of information much more convenient.
我非常喜歡《心流》這本書的作者米哈里曾說過：「最具創造力的人，能夠發現各領域之間被他人忽略的聯繫。」因此，那些掌握了學習要訣的人就像海綿一樣，能迅速吸收各種知識，激發大腦思維，構建跨領域的見解。
I am particularly fond of what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the author of Flow, once said: "The most creative people are able to find connections between fields that others may overlook." Thus, those who master the art of learning are like sponges—they can quickly absorb various types of knowledge, stimulate their minds, and develop cross-disciplinary insights.
如果你的興趣非常廣泛，不妨利用這種短暫熱情的動力來「更進一步」。對學日文有興趣？與其隨便學學，不如設定一個具體目標，比如考取N5初級檢定。停留在淺嘗輒止的學習方式，無法讓你真正了解各種興趣是否適合自己，也無法培養足夠的洞見。行動才是關鍵，創造力是透過實際行動來激發的。
If you have a wide range of interests, consider using this short burst of enthusiasm to "push yourself further." Interested in learning Japanese? Rather than just casually dabbling in it, set a concrete goal, such as passing the N5 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. Merely skimming through different topics won’t allow you to truly understand if they suit you or help you develop sufficient insight. Action is key; creativity is sparked through actual effort.
《跨能致勝》第三步──避免「裹足不前」
如果你在求學或工作中常常感到「落後於人」的焦慮，那麼你可以閱讀這本書來了解如何化解這種不安。書中提到一句我特別喜歡的《大器可以晚成》的話：「你應該與昨天的自己比較，而不是和那些年輕人或與你人生軌跡完全不同的人比較。」
If you often feel anxious about "falling behind others" in your studies or career, you might find this book helpful in understanding how to alleviate such concerns. The book quotes a line from Late Bloomers that I particularly like: "You should compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to younger people or those whose life paths are completely different from yours."
作者以網球傳奇費德勒和印象派畫家梵谷為例，說明起步較晚並不是劣勢，反而讓他們最終取得了成功。透過經驗的累積，他們更能判斷這條道路是否適合自己。你應該關注的是「現在」的自己，是否在選擇的路上全力以赴。關鍵不在於是否落後他人，而在於是否讓自己停滯不前。
The author uses the examples of tennis legend Roger Federer and Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh to illustrate that starting later is not necessarily a disadvantage; instead, it allowed them to ultimately achieve success. By accumulating experiences, they were better able to determine whether the path they chose was right for them. You should focus on whether your "current self" is putting in your best effort on the path you've chosen. The key is not whether you are behind others, but whether you are letting yourself stagnate.
另外，作者引用了《黑馬思維》中的觀點，討論到多元人才擅長「專注於短期計劃，放棄長期計劃」，這讓我深受啟發。在我讀過的經典商管書《與成功有約》中，我一直深刻記住「以終為始」這個從終點開始規劃的概念。
Additionally, the author references ideas from The Art of the Black Swan: discussing how versatile talents excel at "focusing on short-term plans while abandoning long-term ones." This insight struck a chord with me. In the classic business book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I have always remembered the concept of "beginning with the end in mind"—planning from the endpoint.
然而，作者卻鼓勵我們放棄長期計劃？經過仔細思考這兩種觀點的矛盾後，我有了新的理解。的確，在這個變化迅速的時代，我們甚至無法想像十年後的工作和生活方式，因此也難以準確預測或完美規劃自己的人生終點。
But why does the author encourage us to let go of long-term plans? After carefully thinking about the contradiction between these two perspectives, I came to a new understanding. Indeed, in this rapidly changing era, we can't even imagine what work and life will look like in ten years, let alone accurately predict or perfectly plan our life's endpoint.
因此，我認為這裡的「終點」是指一種「價值觀」上的終點，比如誠實、正直、助人等這些不會隨時間改變的特質。而短期計劃則是在堅守這些價值觀的基礎上，努力抓住當下的「最佳」機會，竭盡全力。不要擔心起步晚，要擔心的是走上與自己價值觀背道而馳的路。
Therefore, I believe that the "endpoint" here refers to a set of core values—such as honesty, integrity, and helpfulness—qualities that do not change over time. Short-term planning, on the other hand, involves striving to seize the "best" opportunities in the present while adhering to these core values. Don't worry about starting late; what you should be concerned about is straying from the path aligned with your values.
你應該比較的是今天的自己和昨天的自己，而不是那些和你完全不同的年輕人。
You should be comparing who you are today with who you were yesterday, rather than comparing yourself to those young people who are entirely different from you.
在這本書中，你會了解到跨領域和多方面涉獵的許多優點，但具體來說，這些優點對我們個人到底有什麼好處呢？在我思考這本書的內容時，想到了一個作者沒有特別強調但我認為非常重要的關鍵詞：「稀缺性」。跨領域的真正好處，就是提升自身的稀缺性。
In this book, you will learn about the many benefits of being multidisciplinary and exploring multiple fields. But what are the specific advantages of this for us as individuals? As I reflected on the content of the book, I thought of a key term that the author didn’t particularly emphasize but which I find crucial: "scarcity." The real benefit of being multidisciplinary is increasing one's scarcity.
舉個例子來說：一位化學老師除了精通自己的專業外，如果還擁有出色的演講能力，就能成為一名知名的化學講師。如果再具備寫作能力，他還可以成為作家。而如果他同時掌握一些網路和數位技能，那他就有潛力成為一位網紅化學作家。隨著他在不同領域的拓展，他將成為一位極其稀有的人才。
For example, consider a chemistry teacher who is not only proficient in their field but also possesses excellent public speaking skills—they could become a renowned chemistry lecturer. If they also have writing skills, they could become a writer as well. And if they master some digital and online skills, they have the potential to become a popular chemistry writer and influencer. As they expand into different fields, they become an exceptionally rare talent.
這意味著，如果你在某一領域超越了50%的人，那可能不算什麼特別了不起的成就，但如果你在兩個領域都超越了50%的人，那麼你就會位於這兩個領域的前25%。同理，如果你在五個領域都達到超過一半人的水平，你就能成為前1.6%的佼佼者（50%^5=1.6%）。
This means that if you surpass 50% of people in one field, it might not be particularly remarkable. However, if you exceed 50% in two different fields, you will be among the top 25% in both. Similarly, if you reach the top half in five different areas, you would be among the top 1.6% of high achievers (50%^5 = 1.6%).
對於大多數人來說，最難的部分是「開始行動」和「堅持取得初步成果」。但當你理解到在不同領域「超過一半人」所帶來的「稀缺性」的優勢時，這種認識會成為克服困難的強大動力。只要投入適當的努力，走出舒適圈，要超越50%的人其實並不難。
For most people, the hardest part is "taking action" and "persisting until achieving initial results." But once you understand the advantage of "scarcity" that comes from surpassing more than half of the people in various fields, this realization becomes a powerful motivator to overcome challenges. With the right effort and stepping out of your comfort zone, exceeding 50% of people is not that difficult.
因此，如果你一直在糾結於成為某個領域前1%的專家，不妨換個角度，用跨領域的思維，嘗試成為另一種類型的前1%。「跨能」的效果就像乘法一樣強大，具體體現就是你的「稀缺性」，進而提升你在社會中的「獨特價值」。
Therefore, if you are struggling with the idea of becoming a top 1% expert in a single field, consider shifting your perspective to use a multidisciplinary mindset and aim to be a different kind of top 1%. The effect of being "multitalented" is like a multiplier—it specifically manifests as your "scarcity," thereby enhancing your "unique value" in society.
關鍵在於理解什麼時候「放棄」意味著失敗的半途而廢，什麼時候則是通向成功的另一條路。
The key is to understand when "giving up" means a failure that stops you halfway and when it is paving a new path to success.
重點是明白「放棄」到底屬是於失敗的半途而廢，還是成功的另闢蹊徑。
The point is to discern whether "giving up" is abandoning halfway in failure or a strategic shift towards a different kind of success.
跨能致勝的最佳武器——閱讀
在這本書中，作者分享了許多跨能人才的精彩故事，那麼，我們自己又該如何改變呢？你可能會想，是不是該換個工作，或者從明天起學習一些新的東西？這當然是一種方式，但我認為「廣泛閱讀」是一個常被忽略的重要方法。
In this book, the author shares many inspiring stories of multidisciplinary talents. But how can we change ourselves? You might think, "Should I change my job?" or "Should I start learning something new tomorrow?" These are certainly viable options, but I believe that "broad reading" is an often-overlooked yet crucial method.
股神巴菲特的合作夥伴查理·蒙格，以其多元思維模型而聞名。在他的書《窮查理的普通常識》中提到，當你開始學習三個以上跨學科的領域時，就能促進思維的激盪，構建更全面的思維模式。而蒙格的學習方法？就是大量地閱讀。
Warren Buffett's partner, Charlie Munger, is known for his multidisciplinary thinking models. In his book, Poor Charlie's Almanack, he mentions that when you start learning from three or more interdisciplinary fields, it stimulates your thinking and helps you build a more comprehensive mindset. And Munger's method of learning? Reading extensively.
在公共衛生界享有盛譽的卡薩瓦德博士曾經說過：「每天應該讀一些非自己專業領域的書籍。大多數人會說：『我沒有時間讀這些書。』但我會說：『不，你有時間，而且這比其他事更重要。』這樣你的世界會變得更加寬廣，或許有一天，你會把那些看似無關的事物聯繫起來。」
Dr. Casadevall, a highly respected figure in public health, once said, "You should read something outside your field every day. Most people would say, 'I don't have time to read those books.' But I would say, 'No, you have time, and this is more important than other things.' This way, your world becomes broader, and one day, you might connect things that seem unrelated."
閱讀可以讓你在短時間內吸收別人多年甚至幾十年的經驗精華，培養多元的視角。我們無法活上百次，但可以讀上一百本書。正如作者所說：「最成功的策略是能將表面上看似不同的情境聯繫起來，發現它們深層結構的相似性。」
Reading allows you to absorb the essence of someone else's experience, accumulated over years or even decades, in a short period, thereby developing a diverse perspective. We may not be able to live a hundred lives, but we can read a hundred books. As the author states, "The most successful strategy is to connect seemingly different situations on the surface and discover the similarities in their underlying structures."
