Mariah TC 3

Mariah Ch. 3 Summary
        Many experts have tried to explain the reasons why certain time periods, such as the Renaissance, have been more productive than others. They have tried to relate this spike of talent with the increase of such things as money and freedom. This research ties into the classic belief of the nature (genes) and nurture (environment) reasons for skill development. With further study, however, the true cause of these "phenomenons" is the actual increase of deep practice during these times and therefore the increase of myelination in individuals. During the time of the Renaissance, there were groups called craft guilds that used the apprenticeship system to train future craftsmen in their field. Young apprentices studied  intensely for years under a master of a certain craft. This deep practice lead to the apprentices' expertise in their crafts and increased the quality of work accomplished throughout the Renaissance era.
        Other examples of deep practice described in this chapter include the famous written works by the Brontes sisters, who spent large amounts of time writing in their youth, and the Z Boys skate boarding techniques, developed while training in a drained swimming pool. 
        Our genes may contain specific information that would increase our ability in a skill, but mainly they hold the information needed for the production of myelin. The myelin allows us to develop skills in many areas that we may need throughout our life. This increases our range of possibilities than if our genes simply held information to develop only certain skills. 
Key Concepts: The rise of talent throughout certain time periods has not necessarily occurred because of the former nature/nurture theory but instead developed through the increase of deep practice during those times. Our genes may have some input into our success in certain skills, but our use of myelin is the main factor in developing skills. 
Key Terms: Guilds, Apprenticeship System, Nature/Nurture, Design Strategy
Making Connections: The more I read, the more I understand that few (if any) people are simply born with talent. Instead of getting discouraged when I feel that some singers are better than me, I can have more hope that I can possibly become just as good as them one day if I work to spend many hours in deep practice.