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I compare it to trying to learn a musical instrument: - most people can learn to some degree - hard work and dedication can compensate for a lack of ability - f

by mb_72 14y ago

I compare it to trying to learn a musical instrument: - most people can learn to some degree - hard work and dedication can compensate for a lack of ability - for those of little talent, their end-point ability will always be very limited - the truly talented can make mastery of their instrument look truly supernatural As not all people should be musicians professionally, not all people should be programmers professionally. It's hard to put my finger on it, but in both cases some people just don't 'get it'. Of course, if you are talking about having fun on your own - writing apps or making music - or 'jamming' code or music with your friends - you can do whatever you like.

rinrae 14y ago
how do you define "talent"? what is that "talent" thing you mention? where does it come from? I'm asking because I don't believe in talent, I believe in practice (and everything you need to practice a lot – stuff like dedication and perseverance). That being said, sometimes I'd love to believe in that concept called "talent", because "I've got no talent for music" would be such a comfortable excuse.
- iamntz 14y ago
  Tell that to Mozart (and other child prodigy as well). He was just practicing for first 3 years of his life and composed some music when he was 4. Right, there is no such thing of talent :) Let's just say some people are more inclined to do some things than others.
- mb_72 14y ago
  Good question - I guess I see 'talent' most commonly as the ability to quickly turn time applied into results - more talented programmers are productive more quickly in new environments, more talented musicians achieve more with an hour's practice than less talented musicians. I think my own definition of 'talent' would seem to accord with your 'practice' concept.
- ScottWhigham 14y ago
  Clearly "talent" in programming has a tie-in to things like IQ and memory. While I appreciate the musical instrument analogy, it breaks down on these two elements specifically. I know guys who are "not smart" yet they are amazing jazz musicians - true leaders of the world in that regard. These are guys with probably a sub-85 IQ. Could be they programmers? No, not a chance. They don't have the mental capacity. So "talented programmers" and "talented musicians" have a different type of talent. Both are simply luck of the draw at birth - if you were born smart and with a high IQ, you can accomplish both (music and programming by practice). If you were born with a sub-85 IQ, I don't think you have the option to become a "programmer" unless there is some other element at work (amazing memory, ability to focus, or something else).

by mb_72 14y ago

rinrae 14y ago

how do you define "talent"? what is that "talent" thing you mention? where does it come from? I'm asking because I don't believe in talent, I believe in practice (and everything you need to practice a lot – stuff like dedication and perseverance). That being said, sometimes I'd love to believe in that concept called "talent", because "I've got no talent for music" would be such a comfortable excuse.

iamntz 14y ago
Tell that to Mozart (and other child prodigy as well). He was just practicing for first 3 years of his life and composed some music when he was 4. Right, there is no such thing of talent :) Let's just say some people are more inclined to do some things than others.
mb_72 14y ago
Good question - I guess I see 'talent' most commonly as the ability to quickly turn time applied into results - more talented programmers are productive more quickly in new environments, more talented musicians achieve more with an hour's practice than less talented musicians. I think my own definition of 'talent' would seem to accord with your 'practice' concept.
ScottWhigham 14y ago
Clearly "talent" in programming has a tie-in to things like IQ and memory. While I appreciate the musical instrument analogy, it breaks down on these two elements specifically. I know guys who are "not smart" yet they are amazing jazz musicians - true leaders of the world in that regard. These are guys with probably a sub-85 IQ. Could be they programmers? No, not a chance. They don't have the mental capacity. So "talented programmers" and "talented musicians" have a different type of talent. Both are simply luck of the draw at birth - if you were born smart and with a high IQ, you can accomplish both (music and programming by practice). If you were born with a sub-85 IQ, I don't think you have the option to become a "programmer" unless there is some other element at work (amazing memory, ability to focus, or something else).