The Issue Behind Talent
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Issue Behind Talent

In a cage match to the death, which one wins: hard work or innate skill?

11
The Issue Behind Talent
McKinsey

America, the land where all men are created equal. In a culture founded on a principle of "if you just work hard enough, you can do anything," it's difficult for us to admit that there are some heights hard work alone can't reach. For instance, while I think of myself as a skilled singer, meaning that over the last seven years I've learned quite a lot about technique and how to make the most of my natural singing voice, I won't be making an appearance on The Voice anytime soon.

But what is talent, and how can you quantify it?

The truth is, you can't. Though us laypeople tend to think of talent as something innate, a number of environmental factors influence a person's talent outside of raw genetics, including emotional/social development, education and preparation, cultural support, historical forces and even birth order and gender. High achievement comes from a complex interaction of personal and environmental forces that are nigh impossible to untangle to reach the one "miracle solution" to raw talent.

That's not to say genetics has no role in natural talent. Genes do have an influence on our interests, attention span and whether we tend toward extra- or introversion. However, environment and educational background have a much larger role to play in our academic and social success, studies agree.

In other words, that means talent is not so much innate as a conglomeration of external and internal influences—and a hefty dose of luck. Most of these forces occur in childhood, though, meaning that those of us who are adults are unlikely to be able to rig the external influence game and come out more talented. So, what do us normies do?

We work hard. No, it's not particularly fair that someone who is "naturally gifted" at languages or basketball can pick it up like it's nothing (I'm extremely envious of those people who are halfway to fluent in a language in a couple of months), but even those who are "talented" still have to work at what they do. No one is born with a skill. Ergo, even those of us who aren't talented can become skilled, though perhaps not as quickly, by putting our noses to the grindstone and making up for our disadvantage with good ol' determination and elbow grease.

So learn that language. Start playing that instrument. It doesn't take "talent" to start improving today.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42197
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26505
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951651
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

137858
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments