Faux Fu

Friday, October 24, 2014

Talent Doesn't Exist!

Yeah, I don't think "talent" actually exists. And I think the term is way over-used, and mis-used, too. There are very few Mozarts composing symphonies at 3 years old, but that is so rare and unusual. I mean some people have "perfect pitch" or a wide vocal range, or can jump high, or hold a basketball with one hand, but those aren't really "talents," I would call them physical gifts.

So yes, there are some "gifted individuals" who have an advantage when it comes to some tasks and occupations. But most of us have to apply ourselves.  We must study, and practice. And really, really want to do something. And it's amazing what we can do if we really get obsessed with doing it. We can do extraordinary things, even if we are just ordinary human beings. And sometimes it's our flaws, our lacks, our deficits, which propel us forward to be creative and enterprising, and to even work harder.

When someone says they don't have a "talent" for something, they are just taking themselves out of the game - it's like they just don't have the real "want to." Which is OK. Not all games are for all folks. We are drawn to some things and repelled by others, that's just part of our individual, unique personalities. But look at the history of art or music or business, or even sports, whatever you can think of, and marvel at all those hard-working "talentless" people who worked harder, practiced more, tried out more things, thought creatively and "out of the box," and who did, or are doing, amazing things.

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