Though most of the research has focused on their functional aspects, talents impact on people in ways both obvious and subtle. Aptitudes are not simply tools to be used at will. They are ongoing forces within the mind/body system. In a way, talents are vectors affecting behavior in predictable ways. You don't just do things with talent--it does things to you. Aptitudes--high and low--have an extremely strong psychological, social and even philosophical impact.
Aptitudes have an important impact on motivation. It feels good to use a high aptitude, thus reinforcing operating that way. Feeling good about using yourself in a particular way is almost certainly related to the production of endorphins. Not only pain killers, endorphins are also known to be mood regulators. Several kinds of endorphins have been isolated. There are probably as many endorphin types as there are aptitudes.
Some of the feelings associated with strong talents are negative. An unused aptitude is a source of frustration and restlessness. A talent is also a need. Ongoing in its functioning, an unused aptitude must either be stifled or ignored. It takes energy to stifle a part of yourself and to neutralize or ignore a natural and ongoing tendency. It also doesn't feel good. This takes its toll in the long run. Motivational energy seems to be finite--the extra effort needed to stifle a part of yourself is an important factor in burnout.
