Ethnicity and Effort

There was so much information in the summer reading on so many diverse and interesting topics, and given such a broad prompt, it was difficult to decide what topic(s) to address. Because of my strong interest in mathematics, I decided to write about a chapter from Gladwell’s Outliers, “Rice Paddies and Math Tests”. I was encouraged when I learned that Asians do not in fact have an “innate proclivity for math”. I also learned however that that did not suggest that we all are on an even playing field for mathematic aptitude. It seems that much of The Asian mathematical prowess is a result of two factors. One they have no control over and one that they do.

The way Asian languages are constructed is much more logical and consistent. So, right off the bat, in the area of mathematics, Asian children are at least a year ahead of children in the West. Gladwell further points out that, “The regularity of their number system also means that Asian children can perform basic functions, such as addition, far more easily”. And, because their system is so sensible and “transparent” they have a better attitude about math. An easier system, a better attitude, no wonder Asians excel in Mathematics.

There is in fact more to it than that. While Asians are “lucky” because of the way their language is constructed, we have learned that it takes a lot more than that to become successful. Asians work harder. It is as simple as that. While their “built-in advantage” may be the foundation for their achievement, it is their “wet-rice” mentality that actually makes them successful.

I am a firm believer that hard work will make you successful. It is great to have the advantage of other catalysts but the bottom line is that you have to work hard. And, if you want to be an expert in a certain area you have to work “much, much harder”. This point leads directly to the concept of “10,000 hours”. This “common sense” approach to success is encouraging. So, although many of Gladwell’s theories about success have merit, let’s not take too seriously where or when we were born, how our language is constructed, who our parents are, or what our I.Q. is; let’s just work hard.

 “Sheer effort enables those with nothing to surpass those with privilege and position.” ~ Toyotomi Hideyoshi