Really? Because I see kids playing baseball all the time. In fact I see entire grades playing. Are these high percentages of “fast twitch” muscles so common that every kid in school has them?
And yeah there are some that are better then others and some that are real good but they can all hit and throw a ball.
there is strong belief that mathematical abilities are in-born, i.e., there is a certain place in the brain which enables people to handle “high math” and if it’s not there, it’s simply not there
Quite frankly I find people who try to push that kind of belief are the kind who have a desperate need to believe that they are "special". Whenever it is shown, as it often is, that they are not "special" and that Joe Blow can do what they do if he is willing to put in the effort they have screaming temper-tantrums.
But, some folks on FR really believe in the “little engine that could.”
And some people on FR believe in the "Only special people can do higher math" myth.
It is rather sad really.
Let's just say calculus tends to separate the wolves from the sheep...
Everything is relative, my dear. Yes, you see amateurs playing baseball. The players are facing mediocre (at best) pitchers. It’s when they are up against someone who can throw a ball 90 miles per hour and faster and is able to mix his pitches, i.e., introduce sliders, curve balls, change-ups, etc., that the demand for extra quick reflexes—that is to say, the need for the fast twitch muscles—comes into play.
So, what you’re seeing are unskilled kids playing against their peers. Proves nothing. And besides, you’re talking about sandlot baseball and I thought we were discussing aspirations to play the major leagues. No comparison, none at all.
As to your comments on mathematical abilities, I get the intimation that you are suggesting that I’m speaking from a position of someone who fancies himself skilled in math. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have two bachelors degrees, one in political science (I wanted to be a lawyer...that fell through) and economics, but I realized that I did not have the mathematical abilities to obtain a graduate degree in that subject. OTOH, I stand in awe of those who can do advanced math (I have a grand nephew who is getting a PhD in engineering next month; he is truly a genius at math).
If you want to direct your scorn to those who feel that they are above the grimy crowd, look at the engineers on FR. They are your target, if that’s your aim.
They do have a point, though. Very few people can do higher mathematics and if you choose to believe it’s just a matter of effort, you need to look into it more (talk to a mathematics or engineering professor). It’s a talent and one cannot do things for which he or she does not have the talent; otherwise, we could all be famous singers and actors if we just applied ourselves, according to your point of view. Effort counts but there are limitations imposed by innate ability.
I’ve said all I’m capable of saying. You obviously don’t agree, and that’s fine.
Regards.