We have discussed the nature of talent vs. skill several times here on Muddy Colors. Recently, Freakanomics Radio tackled the topic as well, interviewing psychologist Anders Ericsson on the subject. Check out the podcast below, which runs for about one hour, for a really intriguing and insightful look at the matter. Many may recognize Ericsson’s name as the researcher who coined the “10,000 hour” rule.
What if the thing we call “talent” is grotesquely overrated? And what if deliberate practice is the secret to excellence? Those are the claims of the research psychologist Anders Ericsson, who has been studying the science of expertise for decades.
If you’re having trouble listening to the podcast through the widget above, you can click here to download it directly: http://audio.wnyc.org/freakonomics_radio/freakonomics_radio111716.mp3
And for those who want to put this theory into practice, you may also be interested in their recent podcast about How to Be More Productive: http://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-be-more-productive/
Since people are showing low interest, it's probably time to become controversial. This subject matter concerns me since my father had it, and every so often I encounter behavior, among artists, that remind me of it…..that doesn't mean I don't show symptoms, like pressure speech, irritability, grandiosity hypervigilence/paranoia. This would indicate that a racing mind contributes to creativity, however pathology can hinder:
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/november16/med-bipolar-111605.html
For those of you that don't understand what I'm saying, this is manic behavior:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqN67bSxXVQ&t=6s
Some of you are going to deny it's manic behavior and think it's just funny, but then again some of you can't recognize it when you see. Robin Williams was funny. Besides, Roland went over the line and got fired after this video, sexual harassment. Delusions of grandiosity.
I'm saying it's not necessarily talent, but a certain mindset.