Assignment 1: Innate Talent article by Xin Ni (09) and He Ying (13) 4C

SUMMARY:Summarise the main arguments for and against the concept of ‘innate talent

Science is dissolving the myth of innateness, and that talent is a set of developed and acquired skills. Genes are also a part of the developmental dynamic as the new science of gene expression shows that every individual is built with the capacity, to develop in a number of distinctly different ways. Studies 

have now shown conclusively that mindset, time, focus, motivation and other factors all profoundly effect the development of abilities, from the very moment of conception. Distinct physiological brain differences do not create the ability but the opportunity for the ability to develop. Such as when the brain's left hemisphere is severely damaged, it invites the right hemisphere to heavily compensate for the loss. Achievement depends on attitude, resources, and lots of practice. The essential genius of all human beings is that we are designed to adapt.

READER RESPONSE:To what extent do you agree with the writer’s argument that achievement depends on attitude, resources and practice.

I agree to a large extent with the writer's argument. It is widely believed that the possibility of obtaining high achievements depends upon the presence or absence of inborn attributes variously labelled "talents" or "gifts". However, it is insufficient to only be an innate in order to be successful. Brain difference do not create the ability but the opportunity for the ability to develop. Motivational and personality influences as well as previous learning experiences that equip a person with knowledge, attitudes, skills, and self-confidence. Take for example, one might expect musicians who have absolute pitch to be more successful than those who do not, but that is not always true. Hayes found that that all major composers had needed long periods of training at least ten years of preparation are necessary. High levels of accomplishment invariably require lengthy and intensive training, and even people who are not believed to have any special talent can reach. The differences in quality of instruction, effectiveness of practice strategy, and degree of enthusiasm greatly determine the level of achievement one can obtain. Great achievers such asCopernicus,Rembrandt, Bach, Newton, Kant, Da Vinci and even Einstein were not inborn with the talent to achieve great things. Their abilities are developed through the contributions of some factors such as preparatory experiences, encouragement, support, motivation, self-confidence, perseverance and single- minded concentration. Humans are designed to adapt, talent is a bonus to the individual. The role of innate ability assist one on the path to achieving great things but the essential factors are attitude, resources and practice.