What If: You Could Learn Skills Overnight?
“New research published today in the journal Science suggests it may be possible to use brain technology to learn to play a piano, reduce mental stress or hit a curve ball with little or no conscious effort. It’s the kind of thing seen in Hollywood’s “Matrix” franchise.”
( source: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=122523 )
That article describes the possibility of a new technology that would allow people to learn skills over night.
I wonder – what effect would this technology have on the creative industry? What happens when the skills that set us apart are overwhelmingly common? What happens when being the best isn’t enough?
I think the answer is the same as it has always been. How well you do something is not the key to success, it is why you do it. To what end do you create? What motivates you and inspires you? What experience do you draw from that infuses your work with something that transcends skill, and sometimes even surface appeal?
It might be worth thinking about from time to time; what if everyone was as good as you? Knew every trick you know? Would you stand out?
…
I think there are a thousand tangents of conversation we could have based on this idea, and it took many drafts of this post before it was this small and to the point. Among the other thoughts I had were:
Would Meryl Streep and John Williams still be the two most award-nominated artists in their field?
Are they so successful because of the dedication to one particular craft, or because of inherent ability at said craft, or because of inherent determination to be great at something?
Do people actually recognize talent, and are they willing to pay for it? I remember seeing a story about a first-violinist in a major orchestra playing anonymously in a subway station. And only three people stopped to listen to him. Even if people do recognize talent, do they value it enough to actually stop and pay attention?
How do Nicholas Cage and Michael Bay continue to get work? And will the world end when they make a movie together?
I think you are on to something, if someone learned to say.. play the piano, using this technique, but had no inner drive, dreams or motivations about playing or why to play – would he be good?
Also, I think the big learning process, the years it takes to become good at what we love to do – I believe that to be an important journey to great to miss out on. Sure it’s tough and sometimes one wishes things like “oh why can’t I just be really good at this, just like that!” but in the long run – I am grateful for all the years I’ve struggled with photography, cause it has made a huge impact on me as a person and formed whom I am today.
I really would like to learn to play the piano though… just like that!