Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Malcolm Gladwell

Role / Field:

Journalist and author known for popularizing social science research and unexpected human behavior.

Born:

1963-09-03

Century / Era:

1963s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Malcolm Timothy Gladwell (born September 3, 1963) is a British-Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996. He has published eight books. He is also the host of the podcast Revisionist History and co-founder of the podcast company Pushkin Industries.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Gladwell's writings often deal with the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences, such as sociology and psychology, and make frequent and extended use of academic work. Gladwell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011. Gladwell was born in Fareham, Hampshire, in England. His mother Joyce (née Nation) Gladwell, is a Jamaican psychotherapist. His father, Graham Gladwell, was a mathematics professor from Kent, England.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When he was six his family moved from Southampton to the Mennonite community of Elmira, Ontario, Canada. He has two brothers. Throughout his childhood, Malcolm lived in rural Ontario Mennonite country, where he attended a Mennonite church. Research done by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed that one of Gladwell's maternal ancestors was a Jamaican free woman of colour (mixed black and white) who was a slaveowner...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd el-Krim — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): British Field Marshal and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during WWII.
• Aldous Huxley — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): English writer and philosopher known for social satire and mystical explorations.
• 7th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (09-03 · Born) (1708): Spiritual leader of Tibet, recognized as the 7th Dalai Lama, scholar, and poet.
• Adolphe Thiers — Shared historical date (09-03 · Died) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Alejandro González Iñárritu — Historical peer (Born in 1963) (1963): Acclaimed Mexican filmmaker known for intense psychological dramas exploring the human condition.
• Alessandra Ferri — Historical peer (Born in 1963) (1963): Esteemed Italian prima ballerina known for her technical prowess and dramatic roles.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• 1963 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1963
• September 3 (09-03) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 3

Frequently Asked Questions about Malcolm Gladwell