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Please don't learn to speak a second language. It can be hard and even with tools like Rosetta stone, Berlitz et al, many people just don't have the passion to

by bjdixon 15y ago

Please don't learn to speak a second language. It can be hard and even with tools like Rosetta stone, Berlitz et al, many people just don't have the passion to learn these sort of things. Or... You could try and see if you like it. Awesome tools exist nowadays to enable us to try many different disciplines. Many of these are over-simplified and will only get you so far, but maybe you get a taste for a new hobby or a second career. I get what the article is trying to say, in places. However, I really believe in the try it and fail approach. You can discover talents and passions you never knew you had. That is unless you don't try to learn... On the other hand, they say ignorance is bliss.

rsobers 15y ago
I would love to see some statistics on the % of people who use Rosetta Stone, etc. and actually achieve their goal. It's hard. The general population loves the idea of speaking another language. That's why they buy the tapes. But in reality is so incredibly hard. But Rosetta Stone will happily sell you on the idea that "You too can start speaking French in 2 months because our methods make it super easy!" All they have to do is sell you on the dream to bank their cash. In reality, it doesn't work because it's hard. And people, in general, don't do hard things.
- bjdixon 15y ago
  Agree, I'm sure that the stats would fully back you up on that. Even the people that achieve their first goals, how many still go on to become competent, or abandon the idea, because it's too hard? I agree with you that people don't do hard things, or at least don't commit and stick to them. But =) I still think people should try if it tickles their interest. Because some people succeed. My theory is try 10 things and fail at 9 of them. IMHO the failures were worthwhile in search of the 1 success. And you have to learn something from 9 failures, right? But, I recognise, this is just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of people would not be happy with a 9:1 ratio.

by bjdixon 15y ago

rsobers 15y ago

I would love to see some statistics on the % of people who use Rosetta Stone, etc. and actually achieve their goal. It's hard. The general population loves the idea of speaking another language. That's why they buy the tapes. But in reality is so incredibly hard. But Rosetta Stone will happily sell you on the idea that "You too can start speaking French in 2 months because our methods make it super easy!" All they have to do is sell you on the dream to bank their cash. In reality, it doesn't work because it's hard. And people, in general, don't do hard things.

bjdixon 15y ago
Agree, I'm sure that the stats would fully back you up on that. Even the people that achieve their first goals, how many still go on to become competent, or abandon the idea, because it's too hard? I agree with you that people don't do hard things, or at least don't commit and stick to them. But =) I still think people should try if it tickles their interest. Because some people succeed. My theory is try 10 things and fail at 9 of them. IMHO the failures were worthwhile in search of the 1 success. And you have to learn something from 9 failures, right? But, I recognise, this is just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of people would not be happy with a 9:1 ratio.