The Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genes, Talent and Intelligence is Wrong - Softcover

Shenk, David

3.87

2,134 ratings by Goodreads

9781848312180: The Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genes, Talent and Intelligence is Wrong

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848312180 ISBN 13: 9781848312180

Publisher: Icon Books, 2011

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In this dazzling look at the new science of genetics and the frontiers of human potential, David Shenk argues that talent - for piano playing, sprinting, designing computers, you name it - is not a thing we're gifted from birth and coded in our genes, but a process - a lifelong project. Shenk discusses evidence that shows how the average London cabbie's posterior hippocampus - the part of the brain that specializes in recalling spatial representations - is not just larger than normal but increases in size as the driver's experience grows. He illustrates that Mozart, seemingly born a musical prodigy, was in fact brought up in an environment almost uniquely perfect to mould him into the child star he became. Genes, he argues, are not a 'blueprint' that bless some with greatness and doom most of us to mediocrity. Integrating cutting-edge research from a wide swath of disciplines - cognitive science, genetics, biology, child development - Shenk portrays a highly optimistic new view of human potential, and in the book's second part, he outlines his prescription for cultivating excellence within us all. Deftly written and already hugely praised, The Genius in All of Us carries a deeply revolutionary and optimistic message: we are not prisoners of our DNA, and we all have the potential for greatness

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Product Description:

Where does human brilliance come from? Are some of us blessed with certain genetic 'gifts'? Science journalist David Shenk argues that intelligence and talent are not predetermined to the extent that is often claimed, and that we should be aware of how to influence interactions between our genes and our environment. The book's first part sets out this thesis, while the second part provides full details of the evidence used.

Review:

'David Shenk sweeps aside decades of misconceptions about genetics - and shows that by overstating the importance of genes, we've understated the potential of ourselves. A persuasive and inspiring book that will make you think anew about your life and our shared future.' Author: Daniel H. Pink, author of 'Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us '

‘A deeply interesting and important book.’ Author: New York Times

‘A great book. David Shenk handily dispels the myth that one must be born a genius. From consistently whacking the ball out of the park to composing ethereal piano sonatas, Shenk convincingly makes the case for the potential genius that lies in all of us. While our genes may provide a nice runway, only hard work and unwavering focus can allow true genius to take flight.' Author: Rudolph E. Tanzi, Harvard Medical School

'Old fashioned beliefs, a desire to simplify and the remarkable successes of molecular biology led to an undue emphasis on the role of genes in the development of human intelligence. Environmental determinism exists too, but biology and psychology have moved well beyond these extreme positions. The importance of David Shenk's book is that he has made accessible to a wide audience the advances in the understanding of how each person develops. I congratulate him.' Author: Sir Patrick Bateson, Cambridge University

‘’The Genius in All of Us’ has quietly blown my mind.’ Author: Laura Miller, Salon

‘A welcome new book...compelling...Shenk's thesis is that intellectual capacity is not a gift, fixed permanently in our cells. It's a process.’ Author: Boston Globe

‘Cogent and compelling...[Shenk's book] will convince many readers that the conventional wisdom about talent is due to be overthrown. Shenk gets that revolution well under way.’ Author: Week

‘The thinking man's Outliers.’ Author: New York Magazine

‘Engrossing...revives faith in not just practice and determination, but also parenting and lifestyle.’ Author: Booklist

‘An incredibly well-researched meditation on the nature of human talent.’ Author: Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide, Satchi & Satchi

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