Meaning: Tracy Kidder, an American writer known for his nonfiction works, once said, "People say you can't teach writing, but I think that's nonsense." This quote reflects Kidder's belief in the teachability of writing, a sentiment that challenges the common misconception that writing is an innate talent that cannot be learned or developed.

Kidder's assertion that writing can be taught is significant in the context of the ongoing debate about the nature of writing ability. Many people hold the belief that writing is a skill that individuals are either born with or without, and that it cannot be effectively taught or nurtured through instruction. This belief often leads to the idea that writers are a special breed of people who possess an elusive and mysterious talent that cannot be cultivated through education or practice.

However, Kidder's perspective challenges this notion by suggesting that writing is a craft that can be honed through instruction, guidance, and practice. His statement implies that writing is a skill that can be developed and improved, much like any other skill. This perspective is empowering for aspiring writers and contradicts the idea that writing is an exclusive talent reserved for a select few.

Kidder's own career as a successful writer lends credibility to his assertion. As the author of acclaimed works such as "Mountains Beyond Mountains" and "The Soul of a New Machine," Kidder has demonstrated his own ability to master the craft of writing through dedication, practice, and learning. His belief in the teachability of writing is not merely a theoretical notion but is grounded in his own experiences and accomplishments as a writer.

In the field of education, Kidder's perspective has implications for how writing is taught and approached in academic settings. If writing is indeed a skill that can be taught, then it follows that educators have the potential to make a significant impact on students' writing abilities through effective instruction and support. This challenges teachers to approach writing instruction with the belief that all students have the capacity to improve their writing skills through guidance and practice.

Moreover, Kidder's quote invites a reconsideration of the traditional notion of the "natural-born writer." Instead of viewing writing ability as an inherent trait possessed by a select few, Kidder's perspective encourages a more inclusive and egalitarian view of writing. According to this view, anyone who is willing to invest time and effort into developing their writing skills has the potential to become a proficient writer, regardless of their initial level of aptitude.

Kidder's assertion also resonates with the broader conversation about creativity and talent. By challenging the idea that writing is an innate gift, Kidder's quote aligns with the belief that creativity and skill are not fixed qualities but are instead developed through practice, experimentation, and learning. This perspective promotes a growth mindset, emphasizing the potential for individuals to expand their abilities through dedication and perseverance.

In conclusion, Tracy Kidder's quote, "People say you can't teach writing, but I think that's nonsense," challenges the prevailing notion that writing is an innate talent that cannot be taught. By asserting the teachability of writing, Kidder advocates for a more inclusive and empowering view of writing as a skill that can be developed and honed through instruction and practice. His perspective has implications for education, creativity, and the way we perceive writing ability, offering a hopeful and empowering outlook for aspiring writers.