Badmovies.org Forum

I've been beginning to think about talent the other day.  I'm curious to know where it comes from.  Is it a natural thing?  Is it learned?   For example, I'm the kind of guy who can stand up in front a crowd and easily make a speech.  People will come up after it and say stuff like "you're so talented at that" or "I wish I could do that".  For me it seems like it comes naturally.  However, my father was always an outspoken guy so I'm wondering if I learned it from him.  

Then there are things I have absolutely no talent in nor do I feel a drive to learn them.  For example, my mechanical inability.  

Also, I've been noticing my 5 year old has talents that I know doesn't come from me.  He can put together puzzles and build things with his blocks I couldn't do now as an adult. 

Thoughts on talent?  

I dunno, but a discussion with my daughter from this weekend comes to mind.  She was trying to do some kid skill....swinging without being pushed I think.  She instead of trying it, she just sat there and complained.  Finally my wife said something like, the most important skill you can learn iin life is how to practice something.   Sadly its nota  skill I have, no do I have any real "talent", I'm good a some things, but not great in anything.

Talent is most of time part genetic, and part stimulated by your environment. For example, a person who shows some talent playing the piano at a young age might get greatly encouraged by the parents to practice a lot because of it. .Depends on what the talent is, of course.