After reading Ms. Mariner's post, and then reading the interview, something got to me. I looked again at the few things Ms. Mariner listed at the beginning of her blog, as something that we might choose to write on. I had never thought about this statement before, but now that I have thought about it, I seem to have a strong opinion that goes against the statement. The statement, as seen in the title is: Mathematicians are born, not made.
I disagree with this statement. Yes, I believe that people are born with unique gifts and talents. I believe that it is possible for someone to be gifted in math. However, I also believe that with hard work and determination anyone can master anything. It may not come easily, but in order to be a true expert at anything, you have to have drive. Mathematicians are pro math doers. It takes drive to get to the level of knowledge about math that they have. In this aspect, mathematicians are similar to athletes. Cristiano Ronaldo (a very good professional soccer player) was not born a great soccer player. Yes, one could argue he is gifted, but that gift is not what makes him a professional soccer player. Lindsey Vonn is an excellent skier for the US Women's Olympic team. She was not born knowing how to ski race. She may have been gifted, but again, that doesn't make her a great skier. Her drive and determination to be excellent, is what makes her that way. Going back to mathematicians, they have to have the drive, the passion. If they have the gift, but they have no passion, they WILL NOT be successful.
The man who possesses passion with no gift, will be far more successful than the man who possesses gift with no passion.
