I suspect it's worse than that: most people have multiple natural talents they never discover. That is why I encourage my kids to try all kinds of experiences, and not label themselves as "not a science person" or "not outdoorsy". You don't need to be good at just one thing.
A famous philosopher pondered why seals can balance balls. They don't need to in the wild. Could a tiger play the banjo? Who's gonna try?
The seal thing isn't a huge surprise; they need a lot of fine nose control to swim and hunt efficiently. The same way we need hand eye coordination and can balance balls with our hands.
It's from a standup routine from Eddie Izzard.
Is there such a thing as talent that isn’t a byproduct of a high IQ and personal interest
Well, you could have perfect pitch
I used to climb towers for a living. Never thought I'd be into it but I actually really liked it and wish I'd started earlier in life and kept at it longer. Can guarantee the only high IQ involved a tape measure and a bad pun.
I used to climb towers for a living
How does that work?
Why did they pay you to climb towers?
Yeah, almost all sports. Although maybe you don't consider physical proportions and stuff like that "talent" exactly.
And education.
Education is a measure of stubbornness
And wealth and other forms of privilege, in the case of formal education.
There's also talents that are byproducts of being born to wealthy parents
I have so much talents. I think.
There could be a second Einstein out there, but we'd never know, because she was unable to go to school.
Why do I suddenly have a deep seeded desire to try pyramid building and slave control?!!
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.