Gladwell identifies a crucial trait shared by successful underdogs: disagreeableness—the willingness to defy social expectations and endure disapproval. André Trocmé's refusal to sign a Nazi loyalty oath, even at risk of death, exemplifies this principle. Similarly, innovators like Ingvar Kamprad succeeded by ignoring conventional wisdom, while dyslexics like Gary Cohn learned to tolerate failure through years of academic struggle. This trait emerges from adversity itself: those who have already faced rejection develop immunity to social pressure. Gladwell observes that such individuals possess 'the courage to be disagreeable,' enabling them to pursue paths others wouldn't dare attempt. This reveals a profound truth: the very experiences that marginalize people can also liberate them from the constraints that limit conventional success. | Malcolm Gladwell | David and Goliath

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Disagreeable Courage: The Power of Refusing to Conform

Gladwell identifies a crucial trait shared by successful underdogs: disagreeableness—the willingness to defy social expectations and endure disapproval. André Trocmé's refusal to sign a Nazi loyalty oath, even at risk of death, exemplifies this principle. Similarly, innovators like Ingvar Kamprad succeeded by ignoring conventional wisdom, while dyslexics like Gary Cohn learned to tolerate failure through years of academic struggle. This trait emerges from adversity itself: those who have already faced rejection develop immunity to social pressure. Gladwell observes that such individuals possess 'the courage to be disagreeable,' enabling them to pursue paths others wouldn't dare attempt. This reveals a profound truth: the very experiences that marginalize people can also liberate them from the constraints that limit conventional success.

-- Malcolm Gladwell