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Original Essays | May 3, 2013
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This title in other editionsThe Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told about Genetics, Talent, and IQ Is Wrongby David Shenk
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments: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 ofevery 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 andnotes section for an interactive experience. With direct links, resources for students and online forums, you can also fully participate in the livelydebates 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-edgeresearch 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 geneticassets, 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--andfostered 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 tomediocrity 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 arevolutionary and optimistic message. We are not prisoners of our DNA. We all have the potential for greatness. EBOOK-ONLY EXTRAS: -- Throughout the book, links connectendnote 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 onlinediscussion forum at David's Shenk blog.* * Requires a reader that features a web browser and has access to the web. Synopsis: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.
Synopsis: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. About the AuthorDAVID SHENK is the national bestselling author of five previous books, includingThe Forgetting, Data Smog,and most recently, The Immortal Game. He is a correspondent forTheAtlantic.com, and has contributed toNational Geographic, Slate, The New York Times, Gourmet, Harper’s, The New Yorker,NPR, and PBS.
Table of ContentsGenes 2.0 : how genes really work — Intelligence is a process, not a thing — The end of "giftedness" (and the true source of talent) — The similarities and dissimilarities of twins — Prodigies and late bloomers — Can white men jump? : ethnicity, genes, culture, and success — How to be a genius (or merely great) — How to ruin (or inspire) a kid — How to foster a culture of excellence — Genes 2.1 : how to improve your genes.
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Health and Self-Help » Psychology » Cognitive Science
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