David Epstein in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell: Inside the Box

David Epstein — #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Range — joins us with Malcom Gladwell for a conversation about the surprising secret to unlocking creativity and innovation: constraints. American culture, rooted in a love of boundless freedom, is full of seemingly endless options. It is a wonderful privilege to have an unprecedented number of choices regarding what to do, who to be, and how to spend our time. But what if these choices are holding us back? In his new book, Inside the Box, David Epstein argues that this endless optionality is overwhelming us — as individuals, but also our businesses, institutions, and societies. Original and deeply researched, diving into the science and practice of constraints, Inside the Box tells the stories of people and organizations that embraced constraints to transform themselves, and the world. In a celebration of the book’s launch, hear Epstein and Malcolm Gladwell discuss the life-changing magic of setting constraints — and how thinking inside the box can help you become the most creative, productive, and satisfied version of yourself. Recorded May 5, 2026 at The 92nd Street Y, New York. Your support helps us continue creating online content for our community. Donate now: http://www.92NY.org/Donate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/92ndStreetY Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/92ndStreetY TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@92ndstreety Archives: https://www.92ny.org/archives