The formula : the science behind why people succeed or fail / created by Albert-László Barabási.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 261-296) and index.

Introduction: Success isn't about you, it's about us -- The Red Baron and the forgotten ace -- The First Law: Performance drives success, but when performance can't be measured, networks drive success. Grand slams and college diplomas ; The $2 million urinal -- The Second Law: Performance is bounded, but success is unbounded. How much is a bottle of wine worth? ; Superstars and power laws -- The Third Law: Previous success x fitness = future success ; Exploding kittens and sock puppets ; The ear of the beholder -- The Fourth Law: While team success requires diversity and balance, a single individual will receive credit for the group's achievements. Kind of conventional, kind of innovative, kind of blue ; The algorithm that found the overlooked scientist -- The Fifth Law: With persistence success can come at any time. Einstein's error.

In an examination of the scientific principles behind success, a leading researcher reveals the surprising ways to turn achievement into success.

"A trailblazing book that promises to transform the very foundations of how our success-obsessed society approaches their professional careers, life pursuits and long-term goals. Too often, accomplishment does not equal success. We did the work but didn't get the promotion; we played hard but weren't recognized; we had the idea but didn't get the credit. We convince ourselves that talent combined with a strong work ethic is the key to getting ahead, but also realize that combination often fails to yield results, without any deeper understanding as to why. Recognizing this striking disconnect, the author, along with a team of renowned researchers and some of the most advanced data-crunching systems on the planet, dedicated themselves to one goal: uncovering that ever-elusive link between performance and success. Now, based on years of academic research, The Formula finally unveils the groundbreaking discoveries of their pioneering study, not only highlighting the scientific and mathematic principles that underpin success, but also revolutionizing our understanding of: why performance is necessary but not adequate; why "Experts" are often wrong; how to assemble a creative team primed for success; how to most effectively engage our networks; and much more."--Jacket.