🍼 Born, Not Made: Innate Talents vs. Crafted Skills 🎨
Definition:
Born, not made - Describes an innate ability or talent. The idea hails from the Latin phrase Orator fit, Poeta nascitur (Orators are made, Poets are born), popularized by Sir Philip Sidney in his “Apologie for Poetrie” (ca. 1521). This phrase beautifully encapsulates the debate over whether certain talents are inborn or acquired through effort and training. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s iconic character, Topsy, whimsically twists the concept in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by declaring, “I ‘spect I growed. Don’t think nobody never made me.”
Similar Terms:
- Natural-born talent
- Inherent ability
- Gifted from birth
- Innate skill
Related Idioms and Phrases:
- Born to it: Naturally suited or destined for a particular role.
- Second nature: An acquired skill that becomes so familiar it seems innate.
- Gift of the gab: Natural talent for conversation and persuasion.
- It runs in the family: A trait or talent shared by multiple family members, suggesting a genetic origin.
Synonyms:
- Instinctive
- Natural
- Inbred
- Congenital
Antonyms:
- Learned
- Accumulated
- Acquired
- Cultivated
Witty Quotes and Fun Facts:
- “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” – William Shakespeare
- Mark Twain once quipped, “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.”
Inspirational Thought:
Talent may be the spark, but it’s hard work that fans the flame.
References in Literature, Music, and Film:
- Books:
- “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell explores the idea that greatness results from extraordinary effort combined with opportunity.
- “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth argues that grit, more than inherent talent, leads to success.
- Songs:
- “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, celebrating the invincibility of youth and its natural rebellious spirit.
- “Natural” by Imagine Dragons, emphasizing overcoming adversity by recognizing one’s innate resilience.
- Movies:
- “Whiplash” focuses on the question of whether musical genius is born or painstakingly forged.
- “Good Will Hunting” portrays a self-taught genius whose intellectual prowess seems both innate and cultivated.
Thought-Provoking Takeaway:
While some abilities appear to be inborn, the blending of raw talent and hard work invariably refines and cultivates brilliance. Striving to develop your skills to the fullest is worth the effort, regardless of where you started.
With a deep dive into these fascinating sayings, this exhilarating exploration ends, leaving with the comforting thought: Life’s best talents may start within, but they’re polished through persistence, passion, and a pinch of playfulness. Enjoy discovering your unique blend of being “born and made!”
~ Lorelei Linguist, Oct 2023
