The Genius in All of Us by David Shenk

David Shenk's book, The Genius in All of Us: New Insights into Genetics, Talent, and IQ, offers a case against the theory that some people are incredibly gifted and success is a matter of having a good set of genes. While there are some physical attributes such as height and size, the main predictor of success is interest, focused practice, willingness to challenge and work on areas for improvement.  Most successful people appear to have an obsession with their field of interest. Even height and size have a strong environmental component with great and poor nutrition affecting the heights of individuals as much or more than genetics.

He gives examples of Ted Williams the baseball player and Mozart.  Ted Williams spent thousands of extra hours hitting baseballs after practice when he was young.  He studied pitchers tendencies. He was obsessed with being a good baseball player. Mozart benefited from exposure to an older sister taking lessons and a father who was developing musical teaching methods. 

A good portion of the book focuses on the interaction between environment and genetics.  It is not an either or proposition or even and additive effect.  The genetics and environment are multiplied together to create the expression of a talent. Environment, desire and perseverance factor strongly into the success of an individual at any specific endeavor. The most successful people focus on the process and not a single goal. The opportunity to become better is always available. 

Epigenetics - 14 minutes

The Genius in all of us -10 min. 

Four favorite geniuses - 4 min.