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A review by toniclark
Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Robert Pool, K. Anders Ericsson
5.0
The relative contributions of talent and hard work to expert performance — especially in the arts — is a particular interest of mine. What is genius? Are some people just born with the ability to be outstanding writers, musicians, painters?
I've spent much of my life writing fiction and poetry. I've always pretty much believed that "success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration" (Edison). And as Stephen King has said, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." Of course, it's the follow-through that's the tough part. Most of us are never taught how to learn, how to master a skill. And just putting in the long hours doesn't always (or even usually) result in expertise.
The results of decades of research couldn't be more clear. Regardless of whether we're talking about violin virtuosos, sports stars, or math wizards, there's really no such thing as inborn genius. Some people may have more of an aptitude for, a leaning toward, or love of, one skill or art than another. But no one succeeds without hard work. And even someone with no particular aptitude can develop astounding expertise with — important! — the right kind of work, that is focused, deliberate practice that includes setting the right kind of goals, "chunking" (breaking down a task into smaller units and mastering them), getting feedback, and correcting course when necessary. The work of Ericsson and others is mind-blowing in a way. And it proves that just about anyone can achieve excellence in a field or skill. It still won't be easy, but it'll be possible.
This is an amazing book. It should give everyone hope and confidence in their own abilities. No matter their age or interest.
I've spent much of my life writing fiction and poetry. I've always pretty much believed that "success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration" (Edison). And as Stephen King has said, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." Of course, it's the follow-through that's the tough part. Most of us are never taught how to learn, how to master a skill. And just putting in the long hours doesn't always (or even usually) result in expertise.
The results of decades of research couldn't be more clear. Regardless of whether we're talking about violin virtuosos, sports stars, or math wizards, there's really no such thing as inborn genius. Some people may have more of an aptitude for, a leaning toward, or love of, one skill or art than another. But no one succeeds without hard work. And even someone with no particular aptitude can develop astounding expertise with — important! — the right kind of work, that is focused, deliberate practice that includes setting the right kind of goals, "chunking" (breaking down a task into smaller units and mastering them), getting feedback, and correcting course when necessary. The work of Ericsson and others is mind-blowing in a way. And it proves that just about anyone can achieve excellence in a field or skill. It still won't be easy, but it'll be possible.
This is an amazing book. It should give everyone hope and confidence in their own abilities. No matter their age or interest.