It it some innate skill? Some genetic ability to percieve the world in a way that others simply cannot? Or is it a learned skill, through dedication and hours of practice at a prticular task?
Is Talent innate in all of us, but requires the right stimulus at an early age? And at what age does that stimulus no longer work?
Physical talents, such as sporting talent, will always require some physique attributes which, when missing, will make excelling at that sport difficult, or even impossible... but what about artistic talents? Is hand-eye coordination a physical aspect required for, say, painting and drawing or playing a musical instrument? If you're too cack-handed to get to grips with a finger-picking lick on the banjo, is this the way it will always be, or can practice really make perfect?
What about the "feel" for an attractive shot that the top photographer has? Is this generated through thousands of hours of learning from what is attractive to you? And is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder?
Hmm. lots of questions, but few answers. When we strive to excel at something and we reach our limit, how do we recognise that limit? And on those rare occasions when we push through that barrier and exhibit a near genius-like talent, however briefly, is this an indicator of things to come, or is it the sublime taste of what COULD have been, if we had talent?
Is it true, that simply not knowing something is impossible allows certain individuals to achieve it?
The world is a place of great talent. Individuals who can excel at a multiplicity of tasks. The roster of geniuses is long and interesting.... how do we find out if we could be on that roster, with a little more practice...
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