You can’t get into a discussion about teaching without the “T”-word coming up—talent. Since I used all my words up earlier in the week, I’ll defer to David Mamet on this one. (Which is always a prudent decision.)
“I am not sure what talent is. I have seen moments, and performances, of genius in folks I had dismissed as hacks. I’ve watched students of my own and of others persevere year after year when everyone but themselves knew their efforts were a pitiful waste, and have seen these people blossom into superb actors. And, time and again, I saw the Star of the Class, the Observed of all Observers, move into the greater world and lack the capacity to continue. I don’t know what talent is, and frankly I don’t care.
A common sign in a boxing gym: BOXERS ARE ORDINARY MEN WITH EXTRAORDINARY DETERMINATION. I would rather be able to consider myself in that way than to consider myself one of the ‘talented’; and—if I may—I think you would, too.”
David Mamet
True and False
[...] You can’t get into a discussion about teaching with the “T”-word coming up—talent. Since I used all my words up earlier in the week, I’ll differ to David Mamet on this one. (Which is always a prudent decision.) “I am not sure what talent is. I have seen moments, and performances, of genius in folks [...] Original Source… [...]
Great quote! I’ve seen quotes from Mamet implying the opposite sentiment, so it was great to see that.
Thanks Scriptwrecked. I’m sure like all of us, Mamet reserves the right to contradict himself from time to time. He says in that essay that being concerned about your talent is like being concerned about your height—what you have is what you have.
And thanks for the Aaron Sorkin quote I used yesterday that I found on your site:
http://scriptwrecked.com/2010/11/02/interview-with-aaron-sorkin/
I think it’s kind of like genius–1 percent inspiration
and 99 percent perspiration. Good thing I have deodorant.
I’ve just started blogging about screenwriting–I’m a poet and author first –and it’s great to have found your blog for my
I AM GOING TO F**ING QUIT days.