The Well | Why most child prodigies don’t grow up to be stars | David Epstein @The-Well | Uploaded May 2023 | Updated October 2024, 26 minutes ago.
Geniuses and prodigies are captivating. But generalists rule the world.
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In the age of the child prodigy, many believe that whoever gets ahead first, stays ahead. But journalist David Epstein doesn’t buy it. He argues that slower development, contrary to popular belief, often results in more success in the long run. Human development doesn’t always follow linear progressions, making it critical to have a broad training base and conceptual framework.
To illustrate this, Epstein tells the story of Gunpei Yokoi, a Nintendo machine maintenance worker who ended up creating the Game Boy console, the best-selling console of the 20th century. Yokoi’s philosophy of "lateral thinking with withered technology" led him to his genius invention — not through specialized knowledge, or skill, but through adaptability.
In a rapidly changing world where information is widely available, having a broad view and drawing on different stores of knowledge is essential. By adopting a short-term mindset and being a generalist in a highly specialized world, individuals can develop the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Read the full video transcript: bigthink.com/the-well/the-case-against-specializing-genius-generalist
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Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds.
So what do they think?
How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions?
Let’s dive into The Well.
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Geniuses and prodigies are captivating. But generalists rule the world.
❍ Subscribe to The Well on YouTube: bit.ly/welcometothewell
❍ Up next: The fascinating science of who succeeds in art youtu.be/n_gHDPK6i9k
In the age of the child prodigy, many believe that whoever gets ahead first, stays ahead. But journalist David Epstein doesn’t buy it. He argues that slower development, contrary to popular belief, often results in more success in the long run. Human development doesn’t always follow linear progressions, making it critical to have a broad training base and conceptual framework.
To illustrate this, Epstein tells the story of Gunpei Yokoi, a Nintendo machine maintenance worker who ended up creating the Game Boy console, the best-selling console of the 20th century. Yokoi’s philosophy of "lateral thinking with withered technology" led him to his genius invention — not through specialized knowledge, or skill, but through adaptability.
In a rapidly changing world where information is widely available, having a broad view and drawing on different stores of knowledge is essential. By adopting a short-term mindset and being a generalist in a highly specialized world, individuals can develop the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Read the full video transcript: bigthink.com/the-well/the-case-against-specializing-genius-generalist
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
❍ About The Well ❍
Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds.
So what do they think?
How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions?
Let’s dive into The Well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join The Well on your favorite platforms:
❍ Facebook: bit.ly/thewellFB
❍ Instagram: bit.ly/thewellIG
