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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 practi

by 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 rinrae 14y ago

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).