Another symbol that Gladwell refers to again and again is Paul Revere’s famous “midnight ride” of 1775, during which Revere was able to warn thousands of people throughout Massachusetts about the impending invasion of British troops. For Gladwell, Revere’s ride is a particularly clear example, and arguably a symbol, of how individual people can start social epidemics. Using the book’s terminology, it could be argued that Revere acted as a “Connector,” a “Maven,” and even a “Salesman,” inspiring people throughout his state to fight against the British forces.
Paul Revere’s ride Quotes in The Tipping Point
But William Dawes? Fischer finds it inconceivable that Dawes could have ridden all seventeen miles to Lexington and not spoken to anyone along the way. But he clearly had none of the social gifts of Revere, because there is almost no record of anyone who remembers him that night.
Paul Revere’s ride Symbol Timeline in The Tipping Point
