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Answers.com describes talent as
- A marked innate ability, as for artistic accomplishment.
- a. Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality. b. A person or group of people having such ability: The company makes good use of its talent.
- A variable unit of weight and money used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East.
Next, their definition of skill:
- Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience. See synonyms at ability.
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- An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body.
- A developed talent or ability: writing skills.
What am I talking about?
Lately I’ve had some compliments on my sewing. The people say, “You are so talented.” I reply with a “Thank you.” Inside my head is another conversation going on. I don’t consider my sewing abilities a talent. I consider it a learned skill. I’m of the belief that just about anyone could sew if shown how. Yes, even guys - there are tailors you know.
I can see where an artist would have natural talent for combining colors, designs, and such. That seems different than picking material you like and making some clothes.
So, should I look at sewing as a talent? It’s obviously not the third definition. It is knowledge that I’ve learned. A craft I practice.
Once you figure that out…What about playing a musical instrument? Is it a “marked, innate ability” or a “proficiency developed through training?”
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on Jan 14th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I know what you mean. People used to say the same thing to me about cross-stitch. But come’on…it’s a bunch of x’s on fabric! I don’t exactly consider x-making to be talent.
I think diligence to a particular craft (etc) shows skill and patience and a bunch of other character qualities. And putting something together artistically or fashionably is talent.
But I think musical ability sometimes is a little of both. Because I have known people who weren’t born very musically inclined. But with a lot of hard work, diligence and determination became good musicians. But then there are others who just “hear it” from birth and with the same work ethic can develop a very beautiful talent. It’s part of the whole “nurture vs nature” theory. Skill AND talent are involved. In my opinion, anyway.
on Jan 15th, 2008 at 5:41 am
I don’t know anything about the sewing part, but as for the musical instrument…I believe there’s both in that part of the world. I practiced my fingers off to be able to play the way Rachel would when she just looks at the music. (not sure what happened, though. Now, I can look at music and play it really well the first time through, but anytime after it’s all down hill.) Rachel had the talent…I had the desire to have the talent so I worked harder.
on Jan 15th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I think sewing is both a talent and skill. I have tried many times over the years to pick it up. It is to no avail. Yes, I can stitch two pieces of fabric together but that doesn’t mean it looks good. I can quilt well, but garment construction… I can only wish. Maybe some day I will manage to pick it up but I don’t think so.