Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Knowledge: a natural "knack", or can it be acquired?

Stompy · 01-03-2005, 02:54 PM

In thinking of various degrees I could gain in addition to my CIS degree, I was wondering if a person is generally born with a knack for their specific area, or if it can be acquired.

For example, getting a PhD in Mathematics. Would anyone be able to do that with enough work and dedication, or do you pretty much have to have the natural ability to completely understand and easily grasp logical concepts? There's people I know that don't know math for the life of em... but I wonder if they could attain a PhD if they so chose if they did put in enough effort.

Likewise with being a lawyer. They need a VERY keen eye for detail. Can that be picked up over the years through various classes and training, or does the person have to have the natual ability to pick out that detail.

Same for detectives - can anyone just up and become a detective and get trained in how to spot those crucial pieces of evidence and ability to piece together the puzzle?

Growing up, I'm sure we've all heard the, "You can be whatever you want to be as long as you work hard!" Is this true? If I'm doing CIS now, could I just up and decide to get a PhD in Particle Physics?

01-03-2005, 02:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	Knowledge: a natural "knack", or can it be acquired? In thinking of various degrees I could gain in addition to my CIS degree, I was wondering if a person is generally born with a knack for their specific area, or if it can be acquired. For example, getting a PhD in Mathematics. Would anyone be able to do that with enough work and dedication, or do you pretty much have to have the natural ability to completely understand and easily grasp logical concepts? There's people I know that don't know math for the life of em... but I wonder if they could attain a PhD if they so chose if they did put in enough effort. Likewise with being a lawyer. They need a VERY keen eye for detail. Can that be picked up over the years through various classes and training, or does the person have to have the natual ability to pick out that detail. Same for detectives - can anyone just up and become a detective and get trained in how to spot those crucial pieces of evidence and ability to piece together the puzzle? Growing up, I'm sure we've all heard the, "You can be whatever you want to be as long as you work hard!" Is this true? If I'm doing CIS now, could I just up and decide to get a PhD in Particle Physics? __________________ I love lamp.