Back Again

 Here I am harping again against Jordan Peterson's concept that talent is rare, and it is only or primarily those with the highest IQs that are creative, and we need to encourage and facilitate their expression of their individuality and pursuit of excellence for the sake of everyone.

These points are true as far as they go but I do not believe for a moment that talent is rare, and is a faculty enjoyed and demonstrated in substantive, meaningful ways only be the very brightest humans.

First, Eric Hoffer has amply and often demonstrated that original thinking, creativity, and innovation is the playground of misfits, and less talented people, introducing new technologies and new ideas to humanity. Hoffer seems to think that the novel tinkerers are, it is true, often less talented and the geniuses then push them aside and do great things with the novel approach. 

I would argue that those less talented people, as maverizers could not only introduce the novel and unique, but lay their case and work out in polished, systemic ways.

Second, look at new species of birds, insects and mammals that emerge slowly or quickly, evolving new behaviors and approaches to living and breeding, often clever and novel, but certainly these instinctive innovators are not that 'bright' by human standards. It indicates to me that average people, if they learn to self-realize, could by accident engender new techniques, forms of poetry, new technology, etc., just instinctively coming to them, not connected to IQ necessarily.

Third, each person is unique and special, and with the Mavellonialist social technology of maverizing, each person would bring their singular worldview to bear, and ingenious products of imagination and logic would shine forth for public perusal and review.

Fourth, on Page 233 of the book, The Syndicated News Article, Hoffer wrote this on April 5, 1970: "Those who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure  to a lack of inspiration or ability, rather than to insufficient application. At the core of every true talent there is an awareness of the difficulties inherent in any achievement, and the confidence that by persistence and patience something worthwhile will be realized. Thus, talent is a species of vigor."

Hoffer seems to be chiding the "untalented" that what they lack is not innate genius, so only a Mozart can just lay pen to paper, and compose an opera, pure, complete, and flawless in nonstop 9 hours of composing whilst the Muse is upon him.

Obviously, Peterson is correct in noting the higher the IQ, perhaps the greater the creativity but genius Hoffer looked at at his fellow workers and only saw raw, unchanneled, undeveloped talent burst at the seams everywhere crying for some approval, support and instilling of confidence that each person has something to offer.

Inspiration and surprising ability is commonplace and universal if each individual maverizes, has confidence in his raw talent and his unique point of view, and applies himself.

It is much more about hard work, patience, will and vigor. Perhaps if Hitler had kept at his painting, he would have found an artistic outlet and harmless sublimation of his sociopathic rage and hatred that would have kept him from taking revenge upon humanity for his failures and willingness to quit trying.

It could be that an innate great soul like Hitler, once he turned evil and sought only to destroy, the perversion of his creative impulses render him all the more successful as a Destroyer.

One should never cease maverizing, and that will to create is victory morally in itself, and something beautiful and original may yet come out of it.