It is in finding patterns and symptoms we find our abilities. Abilities can unfold in life as general things in which you tend to be a little better then the rest. Looking at what the descriptions are and finding thorough information about different abilities can help one find an answer as to what abilities they may have and which ones are perusable.
For instance you mentioned Emapthy, all individuals are empathic to some degree, but it is those who are so in tune that are then put into higher categories for Empathy.