Recently, several books and articles have explored the nature of genius. What makes a person able to do great things? To paint a masterpiece, write an epic novel, or make a world-changing scientific discovery?
Certainly some of us are born with more natural talent than others. However, recent studies show that genius has more to do with practice and perseverance than any inborn trait.
In New York Times piece Genius: a Modern View, David Brooks explains this concept:
“The latest research suggests a more prosaic, democratic, even puritanical view of the world. The key factor separating geniuses from the merely accomplished is not a divine spark. It’s not I.Q., a generally bad predictor of success, even in realms like chess. Instead, it’s deliberate practice. Top performers spend more hours (many more hours) rigorously practicing their craft…
Public discussion is smitten by genetics and what we’re ‘hard-wired’ to do. And it’s true that genes place a leash on our capacities. But the brain is also phenomenally plastic. We construct ourselves through behavior. As Coyle observes, it’s not who you are, it’s what you do.”
It turns out that genius is more a matter of habit than nature. Now, how do you want to spend your day?
See Also:
Two Stumbling Blocks to Independent Learning
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