Mental ability is innate. I think his point was that is also plastic. Perhaps even low IQ individuals can develop genius level ability on a specific topic or function in life or even brought up to the IQ of someone capable of success in grad school.
His claim is controversial in scientific circles/studies that go against it but the science is controversial in general "anyone has the ability to be anyone" thinking. I highly suggest reading Stephen Pinker's A blank slate.
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I think it's more controversial to suggest the opposite: that mental ability is innate
Mental ability is innate. I think his point was that is also plastic. Perhaps even low IQ individuals can develop genius level ability on a specific topic or function in life or even brought up to the IQ of someone capable of success in grad school.
His claim is controversial in scientific circles/studies that go against it but the science is controversial in general "anyone has the ability to be anyone" thinking. I highly suggest reading Stephen Pinker's A blank slate.