Early human development is a critical stage in acquiring talents. There are two categories of influences that are often referred to in this development process. The first is nature. In the evolutionary process, "nature" has endowed us with certain physical characteristics that are encoded in our DNA. However, despite our physical composition, "nature" is also an important part of what makes us who we are and is considered as the experience that we receive during our lives. Each of these categories of different factors plays and important role in determining our personalities and what makes us who we are.
¶ … Talents
HOW PARENTS AND SOCIETY INFLUENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TALENTS
Nature can give people natural talents such as an inclination to be athletic or intelligent. However, just because some people have the potential to be intelligent or athletic, it does not mean that they will be that way. Many people assume that nature is one of the most important factors in our development. We are all determined by our physical structures in one way or another. However, the assumption that this is the most important factor in determining what makes us who we are is entirely exaggerated. In fact, our environment and our experiences are most likely even more important than what nature provided us. For example, some researchers even believe that our DNA is relatively flexible. Therefore in a nurturing environment can be even more responsible for talent development than just being born with the potential to develop talent.
Children who are born into wealthy and caring families can be given many advantages over their peers. Wealth is not an advantage by itself however. It must be used to provide the right kind of advantages such as training or education for example. There are many cases in which parents in families have to work long hours to maintain their lifestyle and this can actually be counterproductive to the children. Children that have only one parent at home are also disadvantaged for similar reasons. Yet when both parents are together and offer their full support for their children then they can be offered many channels for their children to develop their talents.
The role of nature is plays in determining a person's potential for talent is pretty clear, but these talents can never be used without practice. For example, babies are born with reflexes which are provided by nature. However, babies that practice stepping a couple hours a day have been shown to walk several days faster than babies who do not practice moving their feet (Thelen & Fisher, 1982). It is likely that parents and society can influence the development of talents in the same way through helping the children express their natural talent.
Speech and the development of speech can serve as another example of how talent and skills develop. Children who are around speech and parents who speak to them more often during their childhood have been shown to be able to speak faster than children who are not exposed to the same nurturing. Neglected children develop also speech slower than their peers (Culp, et al., 1991). Therefore, a supportive and nurturing environment can help talents and help children reach their full potential. Parenthood and the influence of a society in general are really important to a child's development.
Parents have a big role to play in developing talents in their children. However, it is not only the parents that can make a big difference. It is also the other people that a child comes in contact with. Many teachers, coaches, and family members can also play a large role in the child's life. And it is not only for children either. All age groups can continue learning new skills and the best environments for growing talents in with positive and effective people. A lot of people success in life is determined by the social support networks and no one person is completely independent.
You’re 86% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.