ABSTRACT

The scientific study of talent is frequently said to begin with Francis Galton's 1869 Hereditary Genius: An Inquiry into Its Laws and Consequences. Galton introduced some environmental influences that nurture the development of scientific talent. He became thereby the very first researcher to introduce the nature-nurture issue to modern science. Even so, Galton continued to research the genetic basis of achievement, introducing twin studies and parent-child statistical correlations that have become an integral part of behavior genetics. Deliberate practice is not only necessary but also sufficient. This total rejection of any involvement of nature makes Galton look like he was a moderate advocate of that alternative position. In rejecting the impact of genetic factors, extreme proponents of deliberate practice not only go well beyond their own data, but also are obliged to ignore the well-established findings of behavior genetics.