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The Talent Code: Unlocking The Secret Of Skill In Sports, Art, Music, Math, And Just About Everything Else (2009)

by Daniel Coyle(Favorite Author)

4.05 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1598878735 (ISBN13: 9781598878738)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

HighBridge Company

review 1: An interesting read, but I'm not so sure about the science content yet. I need to do more research. Coyle seems prone to making grand, theatrical claims about myelin and relies heavily on emotional storytelling. The book's connections to Malcolm Gladwell, who is prone to making claims that are not adequately supported by the science that he mines for the sake of storytelling, are troubling. What science content exists in this book is intriguing, but the author is so overly enthusiastic about myelin and its benefits that it's hard not to suspect that he's misrepresenting the science or referencing it out of context in order to tell us an inspiring story. Coyle seems too interested in spicing things up with a generous dose of storytelling and doesn't focus on the science eno... moreugh. It's odd, because Coyle writes that the science on myelin is still in its very early stages, as opposed to neurons, which we understand a great deal more. It does appear that there is a scientific basis for claiming that myelin plays a significant role in the development of skills, but recent studies have shown that Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hours rule (frequently reference in the book) is a myth. This doesn't necessarily destroy the idea that "deep practice" is superior to other forms of practice, but it doesn't help the book's case. Nor does the recent evidence that myelin is not nearly as ubiquitous in the brain as previously thought. I'm just torn on this book at the moment. Need to do more research. I'm not yet convinced that Coyle has totally cracked the talent code and given us the real, final answer to where all geniuses and super-talented people come from.
review 2: The conclusion as to the elements that result in the elite mastery of skills are ones that I have believed in for a very long time. I have the intellectual honesty though to admit that this belief is not based on any scientific evidence - just my own observations and assumed learnings over the years.This book attempts to go one step further and draw a causal link for us. I WANT to believe the the theories put forward in this book - as above, it would offer some very neat explanations for my beliefs. Sadly, like most of the other pseudo-scientific pop journalism authors that abound at the moment, Coyle writes a brilliant story, but doesn't provide any convincing evidence that stands up for anyone who understands even the basics of the scientific method. He quotes a lot of scientists, and provides numerous references to (presumably) peer-reviewed scientific studies at the end of the book, but doesn't present any information in a credible way. Just "trust us, we're scientists" type statements throughout.Definitely worth a read though, as Coyle is a gifted writer and lays out a great and entertaining story. Sadly, I don't have time to read through all the sources (and find other competing theories) to begin to work out whether the conclusions reached in the book are even close to true. Enough people will be hoodwinked by the pseudo-science in this book though to think my beliefs are now scientifically supported (even proven!) that I should now sound a lot smarter at parties though. Thanks Daniel! :) less

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