Summary

Gladwell calls the first of two parts of the book "Opportunity." The first chapter of the section is entitled "The Matthew Effect." The reference is to a verse in the book of Matthew in the Bible that can be summarized as those who have much will get even more, while those who have little will lose even that small amount. This is a central idea to Gladwell's theory of what produces successful individuals and he begins with the example of outstanding young Canadian hockey players.

Gladwell describes the complex system of amateur hockey leagues that are spread out across Canada. Children begin playing at a very young age and have opportunities to be selected for more elite teams as they grow up. At the peak of this system is the Canadian Hockey League, a junior of 17- to 19-year-olds who...