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  • Skill and talent

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    Here are several insights from discussions on the relationship between skill and talent:

    1. Talent vs. Skill Development: Mike Posner, in his conversation on the , highlights that success is more about skill development than innate talent. He suggests that while talent plays a role (he estimates 20%), the majority (80%) comes from honing skills over time 1.

    2. Optimism After 18: Tyler Cowen argues that post-18 is the best time for talent development for most jobs, suggesting that varied experiences before 18 can contribute to unique perspectives and skills in adulthood. While he acknowledges that there's some limitation, like in sports, he emphasizes the potential for growth and skill acquisition in later years 2.

    3. Effort's Crucial Role: Angela Duckworth explains that skill is a product of talent and effort, where effort plays a critical role. The relationship is such that doubling effort significantly boosts achievement, underlining the importance of sustained effort besides having talent 3.

    4. Misconceptions About Age and Skill: David Epstein discusses how perceptions of age affecting sports and skill development have evolved. He mentions that age limits in sports are often more flexible than previously thought, with many athletes excelling beyond the traditionally expected peak years 4.

    5. Cross-Training Benefits: Joe Rogan talks about how cross-training, like Brazilian soccer players using a smaller, heavier ball for skill enhancement, benefits overall performance. He emphasizes that diverse experiences and training methods can significantly contribute to skill development 5.

    6. Talent vs. Giftedness: Dona Mathews and Scott Kaufman debate the meaning of talent, distinguishing it from innate giftedness. They suggest that talent develops through passion and effort, advocating for nurturing abilities over relying on perceived fixed traits 6.

    7. Skill vs. Talent Definition: Dharmesh Shah discusses the difference between skill and talent, defining talent as the speed at which a skill can be acquired. He emphasizes that many aspects of professional success come from learning and developing skills, which are accessible to everyone 7.

    These insights emphasize that while talent is beneficial, sustained effort, proper training, and passion play crucial roles in skill development and eventual success.

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