Series: Education in a Competitive and Globalizing World, Fine Arts, Music and Literature
BISAC: EDU057000

We are all born with the propensity to achieve, succeed and thrive in our endeavors. We have certain skills, talents and abilities that can be nurtured, shaped, formed and encouraged. The human species has a vast number of these talents, skills and abilities, and it remains a wonder as to how some individuals reach the pinnacle of perfection with their skills and talents, while others remain simply mediocre.
Certainly genetics, home environment, mentoring and coaching all play a role in success. Observing excellent role models with robust skills, and being provided with superlative tutoring and direct instruction also play a major role in later life. Luck, chance, fate, the stars- all perhaps enter into the equation, resulting in a person who is called to greatness.

This book examines and explores the development of many realms of talent. We are privy to the domains of art, music, chess and thinking. We explore and examine mathematical thinking, philosophical thinking as well as scientific thinking. The realms of the novice as well as the expert are explored and examined by some of the foremost thinkers of the current time period. This book brings together leaders in their respective fields from around the world to promote the skills and abilities that permeate their respective fields.

The eyes may be the window to the soul, and the eyes further enhance the development of visual and artistic talent, delving into the realm of aesthetics. The ears help us perceive melody, yet also afford the opportunity to hear oneself and one’s vocal pitch, timbre and quality. Our brains enable us to think critically, in a sophisticated, philosophical manner, as well as to, and here we are putting this simply, learn. The realm of learning continues to be a domain worthy of exploration as chapters in this book examine the realm of mathematical learning, scientific learning, philosophical learning vis-à-vis the socratic method, early identification as well as acceleration and enrichment. Our ears enable us to listen to music, to enjoy melody and pitch, and also to develop one’s musical talents and abilities, be they in performance, composing, transposing or collaborating.
Certain specific realms are also explored. The game of chess, the game of kings with innumerable moves and sophisticated strategies is examined. The “magic synthesis” of creative thinking and metaphorical thinking, synthetic thinking and analogical thinking is also reviewed.
Certain graduate realms are also reviewed. The training of graduate researchers in the development of hypothesis testing, reviewing literature, and learning methodology and the appropriate statistical methodology is also explored. And some interpersonal realms as well as intra-personal domains are explored. Specifically, the training of the individuals that we know as “counselors” is explored followed by the domain of written expression. Also explained is the art of being able to communicate eloquently in a sophisticated manner, energizing, enervating and motivating others through the written word. This is the realm of talents, the domain of skills and the area of abilities. We are all born with these propensities. However, bringing them to fruition is another area of concern and exploration.
(Imprint: Nova)