Randle
WIEF
11/14/2011
ABC Joy Paper #3
Text References
1. Page 207-process of disequilibrium to equilibrium
2. Page 175- finding the personal interest in talent
3. Page 117- genes vs cognitive development
4. Page 108- the purpose of belonging survival?
5. Page 84- action is best
6. Page 71-practice is perfect mentally
7. Page 57-talented young adjustable
8. Page 41- no gray area compatible with younger children and rules
The Talent Code: Greatness Isnt Born. Its Grown. Heres How.
Genes are not cosmic playing cards. They are evolution-tested instruction books that
build the immensely complicated machines that are us. (pg. 69)
Coyle concentrates on genes in relation to talent in the end of chapter 3. He explains that
genes are the cards we are dealt and the game is the environment. It is possible by chance to
produce a mixture of genes and environment that will result in high levels of brilliance. Nature
versus nurture theory fails to explain the details of how genes really work. Genes are designed to
build the smallest extent of our minds and body and behavior is a test to our genes. Because we
experience things at every given moment behavior also must change to match it. Our genes have
developed trigger to emotions that navigate our behavior. So some people are born with some
genes to provide even more detailed to build necessary circuits needed to perform skills of talent
or genius. Coyle doesnt want to give off the idea that everyone can produce myelin to the point
of complete genius but that there is a way for each individual to have control over which skills
are developed.
I was curious to see if there was a specific gene that is labeled as the talent gene. And if
not, the only things to identify the talent gene are the details as to how genetics can produce
things required for talent such as myelin. I know that there are possibly thousands of genes that
contribute to simply one tendency. And because of this it doesnt mean the talent tendency only
contributes to one certain talent. Things like hearing, sight, and muscle are some things that can
contribute to someones potential talent. And with all the continue advancement in science and
technology I am sure we will be able to affect the coordination of genes that contribute to talent.
Something I didnt understand while reading Coyle is why our society diminishes the point in
talent and emphasize hard work and not including environment.