I do find it baffling the mythos that surrounds "talent" and "meritocracy" in the West. I subscribe to the idea that so-called "geniuses" are made and not born that way. Obviously there are factors into this, like success early on, and a variety of factors that may influence your predisposition to doing a certain thing well.
But, at the same time, I know for a fact that far too many people put way too much weight on "talent" and often tell themselves that they can't do something. Someone may see you do something (like drawing or playing music) and say "wow, you are talented, I could never do that" but what you didn't see was how awful they were when they started and the thousands of hours they put into studying light and practicing constructing form from abstract shapes.
I think that this is a dangerous lie. You, in fact, could get good at drawing... and you could overcome any blocks to that if you put in the effort and work. You just don't want to or are not following through. Some people will naturally be better, sure, but that is no excuse to say you are incapable of doing something. I almost find that notion insulting.
> far too many people put way too much weight on "talent" and often tell themselves that they can't do something
I consider myself a “maker” and a serial hobbyist. I see this in others who seem to be afraid to make things for fear of failing. I love to document and share my own process and that sometimes feels like showing off. Maybe I should share more about my failures. I’ve recently come to the realization that what I really want is to inspire others to explore their creativity, learn new skills, and gain the confidence to make their own projects.
A genius, I am not, and I’m talented in only a few narrow areas, but I love to explore many.
But, at the same time, I know for a fact that far too many people put way too much weight on "talent" and often tell themselves that they can't do something. Someone may see you do something (like drawing or playing music) and say "wow, you are talented, I could never do that" but what you didn't see was how awful they were when they started and the thousands of hours they put into studying light and practicing constructing form from abstract shapes.
I think that this is a dangerous lie. You, in fact, could get good at drawing... and you could overcome any blocks to that if you put in the effort and work. You just don't want to or are not following through. Some people will naturally be better, sure, but that is no excuse to say you are incapable of doing something. I almost find that notion insulting.