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Talent, a Six-Letter Word

There’s no doubt that people differ in levels of expertise and performance in various fields that most consider to be extremely difficult…

… music, art, sports, chess, calculus, quantum physics… to name but a few.

And there is a widespread belief that there are a rare few individuals who “have it” and a vast majority of ordinary people who “don’t”.

Those who are deemed to “have it” are considered special, fundamentally different from the rest. They are called “gifted”, “talented”, “geniuses”, “naturals”.

What are we mere mortals, those of us without exceptional IQs, perfect pitch, photographic memories, or exquisite hand-eye coordination supposed to do?

learn more… The Nature-Nurture Debate

8 responses to “Talent, a Six-Letter Word”

  1. DAS_70 Avatar
    DAS_70

    So true… wise words.

    A long time ago, I was reading about “talent”… and you are spot on. When someone makes something look so easy… it’s because it is to them.. but for good reason. They worked hard to make it so.

    I remember when I was about 4 or so, I had a toy, battery operated organ. I used to be able to pick out simple tunes. Some would call that a gift, but in actuality, I had an ear for pitch (I’m not going to say perfect, because it’s not that way now, if it ever was). That came from my love of music, and living in a household that cherished it, and listen and sing along with it daily.

    Our neighbourhood friends would regularly throw parties at various houses, celebrating each other with music and singing, from age 3 to 15 or so. My ability to sing is more than likely for that reason also. I don’t know why I can draw, haven’t looked into that one. But I dare say that was encouraged too. My mum would often draw for me, albeit rudimentary. It was due to this, and my love of creating my own sketches, that I honed that skill. And, believe me, anyone can learn to draw well. It’s an acquired skill like any other.

    You’re a great presence… keep on keeping on 🙂

    Reply
    1. Frank J Peter Avatar
      Frank J Peter

      Thanks so much for taking the time and energy to share some or your musical and artistic life, Deb, and for adding your voice to the message I am trying to share. You are a rare blessing indeed!

      Reply
  2. DAS_70 Avatar
    DAS_70

    “It is a mistake to define “talent” only in terms of observable skills rather than character traits. Why are curiosity, enthusiasm, industry, sensitivity, passion, empathy, discipline, courage, perseverance, love, honesty, kindness, compassion, and optimism not considered talents? Are these not what the world needs most?” Frank J Peter.

    There’s a (albeit bloody humongous) bumper sticker in the making…..

    Reply
    1. Frank J Peter Avatar
      Frank J Peter

      Your most positive energy continues to fill me with hope and joy, Deb, and I am eternally grateful.

      Reply
  3. stolzyblog Avatar
    stolzyblog

    the real gift is love… correct! thanks for your uplifting website. makes me wonder about messing with the keyboard more. maybe with something approaching a ‘plan’ this time. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Frank J Peter Avatar
      Frank J Peter

      It’s nice to meet you, Rob, and thank you for the resonance and most kind words of appreciation. I look forward to hearing how you musical and life journey unfolds.

      Reply
      1. stolzyblog Avatar
        stolzyblog

        Hi Frank, Only really started in my early 50s, a decade back. Before that, a very avid listener to all sorts of things. Learnt Irish style violin at a local night school & was surprised I could do it. Bought a keyboard because I was intrigued my scales and modes from other cultures. My piano style is 100% guesswork. And improv. You can get a sense of my leanings, if wished, by looking up ‘Rumanikos Duet’ on my blog. Anyway… thanks to you & pleasure to run into you!

        Reply
        1. Frank J Peter Avatar
          Frank J Peter

          Thanks a bunch for sharing some of your musical life, Rob. I checked out your ‘Rumanikos Duet’… lovely indeed… deeply enjoyed, but I have a question: To my ears the tonality is G Harmonic Minor. Thoughts?

          Reply

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