The Genius in All of Us : New Insights Into Genetics, Talent, and IQ

With irresistibly persuasive vigor, David Shenk debunks the long-standing notion of genetic “giftedness,” and presents dazzling new scientific research showing how greatness is in the reach of every individual. DNA does not make us who we are. “Forget everything you think you know about genes, talent, and intelligence,” he writes. “In recent years, a mountain of scientific evidence has emerged suggesting a completely new paradigm: not talent scarcity, but latent talent abundance.” Integrating cutting-edge research from a wide swath of disciplines—cognitive science, genetics, biology, child development—Shenk offers a highly optimistic new view of human potential. The problem isn't our inadequate genetic assets, but our inability, so far, to tap into what we already have. IQ testing and widespread acceptance of “innate” abilities have created an unnecessarily pessimistic view of humanity—and fostered much misdirected public policy, especially in education. The truth is much more exciting. Genes are not a “blueprint” that bless some with greatness and doom most of us to mediocrity or worse. Rather our individual destinies are a product of the complex interplay between genes and outside stimuli-a dynamic that we, as people and as parents, can influence. This is a revolutionary and optimistic message. We are not prisoners of our DNA. We all have the potential for greatness. Non-fiction

with Irresistibly Persuasive Vigor, David Shenk Debunks The Long-standing Notion Of Genetic “giftedness,” And Presents Dazzling New Scientific Research Showing How Greatness Is In The Reach Of Every Individual.

 

dna Does Not Make Us Who We Are. “forget Everything You Think You Know About Genes, Talent, And Intelligence,” He Writes. “in Recent Years, A Mountain Of Scientific Evidence Has Emerged Suggesting A Completely New Paradigm: Not Talent Scarcity, But Latent Talent Abundance.”

 

integrating Cutting-edge Research From A Wide Swath Of Disciplines—cognitive Science, Genetics, Biology, Child Development—shenk Offers A Highly Optimistic New View Of Human Potential. The Problem Isn't Our Inadequate Genetic Assets, But Our Inability, So Far, To Tap Into What We Already Have. Iq Testing And Widespread Acceptance Of “innate” Abilities Have Created An Unnecessarily Pessimistic View Of Humanity—and Fostered Much Misdirected Public Policy, Especially In Education.

 

the Truth Is Much More Exciting. Genes Are Not A “blueprint” That Bless Some With Greatness And Doom Most Of Us To Mediocrity Or Worse. Rather Our Individual Destinies Are A Product Of The Complex Interplay Between Genes And Outside Stimuli-a Dynamic That We, As People And As Parents, Can Influence.

 

this Is A Revolutionary And Optimistic Message. We Are Not Prisoners Of Our Dna. We All Have The Potential For Greatness.

the New York Times - Annie Murphy Paul

it's Ambitious Indeed To Try To Overthrow In One Go The Conventional Ideas And Images That Have Accumulated Since 1874, When Francis Galton First Set The Words Nature And Nurture' Against Each Other. Yet Shenk Convinces The Reader That Such A Coup Is Necessary, And He Gets It Well Under Way. He Tells Engaging Stories, Lucidly Explains Complex Research And Offers Fresh Insights Into The Nature Of Exceptional Performance…just How Tall A Task Shenk Took On Is Evident In His Voluminous Endnotes, Which Go On As Long As The Main Text And Are Just As Interesting. Here The Author Allows Us To Watch Him Working His Way Through The Literature, Inquiring, Arguing, Marveling, As He Wrestles A New Understanding Into Being…a Deeply Interesting And Important Book.

With irresistibly persuasive vigor, David Shenk debunks the long-standing notion of genetic "giftedness." We are not prisoners of our DNA, and greatness is in the reach of every individual. Now in the Ebook version, you can delve more deeply into the exhaustive research behind the argument and seamlessly jump back and forth between the text and notes section for an interactive experience. With direct links, resources for students and online forums, you can also fully participate in the lively debates Shenk's book will spark.DNA does not make us who we are. "Forget everything you think you know about genes, talent, and intelligence," he writes. "In recent years, a mountain of scientific evidence has emerged suggesting a completely new paradigm: not talent scarcity, but latent talent abundance."Integrating cutting-edge research from a wide swath of disciplines--cognitive science, genetics, biology, child development--Shenk offers a highly optimistic new view of human potential. The problem isn't our inadequate genetic assets, but our inability, so far, to tap into what we already have. IQ testing and widespread acceptance of "innate" abilities have created an unnecessarily pessimistic view of humanity--and fostered much misdirected public policy, especially in education.The truth is much more exciting. Genes are not a "blueprint" that bless some with greatness and doom most of us to mediocrity or worse. Rather our individual destinies are a product of the complex interplay between genes and outside stimuli-a dynamic that we, as people and as parents, can influence.This is a revolutionary and optimistic message. We are not prisoners of our DNA. We all have the potential for greatness. EBOOK-ONLY EXTRAS:-- Throughout the book, links connect endnote marks to the corresponding sources and notes in the Evidence section.-- In the Evidence section, direct links to original sources.-- Each chapter closes with a direct link to an online discussion forum at David's Shenk blog. Requires a reader that features a web browser and has access to the web. 'Fresh insights into the nature of exceptional peformance.... A deeply interesting and important book” (New York Times Book Review) that offers a revolutionary and life-changing message on the new science of human potential. Is true greatness obtainable from everyday means and everyday genes? Conventional wisdom says no, that a lucky few are simply born with certain gifts. Now you can forget everything you think you know about genes, talent, and intelligence, and take a look at the amazing new evidence. Here, interweaving cutting-edge research from numerous scientific fields, David Shenk offers a new view of human potential, giving readers more of a sense of ownership over their accomplishments, and freeing parents from the bonds of genetic determinism. As Shenk points out, our genes are not a “blueprint” that dictate individual destinies. Rather we are all the product of interplay between genes and outside stimuli—a dynamic that we can influence. It is a revolutionary and life-changing message. Is true greatness obtainable from everyday means and everyday genes? Conventional wisdom says no, that a lucky few are simply born with certain gifts. The new science of human potential suggests otherwise. Forget everything you think you know about genes, talent, and intelligence, and take a look at the amazing new evidence. Here, interweaving cutting-edge research from numerous scientific fields, David Shenk offers a new view of human potential, giving readers more of a sense of ownership over their accomplishments, and freeing parents from the bonds of genetic determinism. As Shenk points out, our genes are not a “blueprint” that dictate individual destinies. Rather we are all the product of interplay between genes and outside stimuli—a dynamic that we can influence. It is a revolutionary and life-changing message. DNA does not make us who we are. Journalist David Shenk debunks the long-standing notion of genetic "giftedness," and presents new scientific research showing how greatness is in the reach of every individual. Integrating cutting-edge research from a wide swath of disciplines, Shenk maintains the problem isn't our inadequate genetic assets, but our inability, so far, to tap into what we already have. IQ testing and widespread acceptance of "innate" abilities have created an unnecessarily pessimistic view--and fostered much misdirected public education policy. The truth is much more exciting: our individual destinies are a product of the complex interplay between genes and outside stimuli--a dynamic that we, as people and as parents, can influence. Challenges common beliefs that human potential is largely determined by genetics and other biological factors, drawing on a variety of scientific disciplines to explain how to tap innate abilities that have been influenced by environmental factors