"In all matters, but particularly in architecture, there are these two points: - the thing signified, and that which gives it its significance. That which is signified is the subject of which we may be speaking; and that which gives significance is a demonstration on scientific principles. It appears, then, that one who professes himself an architect should be well versed in both directions. He ought, therefore, to be both naturally gifted and amenable to instruction. Neither natural ability without instruction nor instruction without natural ability can make the perfect artist" (Vitruvius 3).
For someone who studies art or architecture, it is easy to compare them to students going to culinary school. Students thriving to be chefs, study different techniques that have been discovered and passed down from previous chefs. And using those techniques, it allows the students to create their own recipes and techniques. Well, the same is for art and architecture students. These students study the previous works of famous artists and architects alike and they are able to branch off from those ideas and concepts. All the famous architects today got to where they are, by studying the architects before their time. They incorporated their ideas and concepts with the ideas and concepts that they found to create their on view on architecture. They not only have a natural talent, but they also have the knowledge and that is what makes the perfect architect. They didn't become who they are overnight, it takes a lot of work and dedication to get to where they are today.
Rarely, you will run into someone who is naturally gifted without any schooling or instruction. Those are called prodigies. Even then, prodigies, as well as all the normal people, study the past. Because it's the past that helps us "push on" to the future.
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