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> you'd be able to identify and measure it before it manifests in a skill We actually have a pretty high degree of predictive power here using genetic testing,

> you'd be able to identify and measure it before it manifests in a skill We actually have a pretty high degree of predictive power here using genetic testing, and we’ve only just started enumerating these predictors. > the enormous amount of focus Available focus is genetically predicted. > I'm a pretty good programmer. I didn't get that way because of some supernatural force or mystical spirit Genetics aren’t supernatural or mystical. > I wasn't born knowing how to program. You were born with some traits that made you (on expectation) better or worse at it.

jhardy54 6y ago
As usual: it isn't completely natureo or nurture -- it's both.
- centimeter 6y ago
  Adult intelligence (g, IQ, whatever) (which predicts most of the things we’re taking about) is thought to be about 70-90% genetically heritable. Most of the rest isn’t known (maybe effectively random).
  - ryandrake 6y ago
    It's the unknown I'm talking about. I'm talking specific skills. How is the ability to play the harpsichord inherited genetically? Is there a gene that gives you great golf skills? Just being highly intelligent doesn't specifically predict you to be an extraordinary sculptor. What's the simplest explanation? There's a specific gene for each and every human activity that causes extraordinary natural ability in that activity, or that there isn't and ability/results are more of a function of things like practice, discipline, and immersion at a young age?
    - Malician 6y ago
      Maybe one person has more delicate finger dexterity, or better hearing. Maybe another person is more easily distractable. Of course the genes would not be "a golf gene" or "a harsichord gene" but all of the various factors which go in to being successful could have a genetic component (including practice and discipline.)
  - jhardy54 6y ago
    That's a surprising claim, how is that measured? I'd love to read the paper you're referencing.

jhardy54 6y ago

As usual: it isn't completely natureo or nurture -- it's both.

centimeter 6y ago
Adult intelligence (g, IQ, whatever) (which predicts most of the things we’re taking about) is thought to be about 70-90% genetically heritable. Most of the rest isn’t known (maybe effectively random).
- ryandrake 6y ago
  It's the unknown I'm talking about. I'm talking specific skills. How is the ability to play the harpsichord inherited genetically? Is there a gene that gives you great golf skills? Just being highly intelligent doesn't specifically predict you to be an extraordinary sculptor. What's the simplest explanation? There's a specific gene for each and every human activity that causes extraordinary natural ability in that activity, or that there isn't and ability/results are more of a function of things like practice, discipline, and immersion at a young age?
  - Malician 6y ago
    Maybe one person has more delicate finger dexterity, or better hearing. Maybe another person is more easily distractable. Of course the genes would not be "a golf gene" or "a harsichord gene" but all of the various factors which go in to being successful could have a genetic component (including practice and discipline.)
- jhardy54 6y ago
  That's a surprising claim, how is that measured? I'd love to read the paper you're referencing.