Words of Wisdom on Nurturing Ability

My son recently began Suzuki Cello. Here are some words of wisdom from Mr. Suzuki on the development of ability:

“Ability is one thing we have to produce (or work for) ourselves. That means to repeat and repeat an action until it becomes a part of ourselves. It is easy to say, but to have the energy to do it - there lies the problem. There are many people who resolve they will achieve this or that, but not all carry out their intentions. They start, perhaps, but they don’t really go on, and they don’t put enough strength into their efforts, leaving things half done. Indeed, isn’t this the experience of many, many people? There are only a few who go through with their purpose and accomplish things. Whatever work it may be, the way to success is, after all, to stick to one’s intentions to the very last. Everyone is able to do it; it depends only on one’s will.”

“To make a resolution and act accordingly is to live with hope. Confronted with a high mountain, you cannot reach the summit in one stride, but must climb step by step to approach your goal. There may be difficulties and hardships, but not disappointment or despair if you follow the path steadily. Do not hurry. This is a fundamental rule. If you hurry and collapse or tumble down, nothing is achieved. Do not rest in your efforts; this is another fundamental rule. Without stopping, without haste, carefully taking a step at a time forward will surely get you there. To commit yourself to untiring patience and strong endurance, what we call kan - intuition or sixth sense - is an absolute necessity in education.”

- Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education by Shinichi Suzuki