LogFAQs > #950877200

The problem with the opening assessment is that "talent" can have a skill component. Most talented people worked their ass off to get talented. There are some who are talented in one thing seemingly automatically, but usually that's because they developed proficiency in related areas and those skills transfer. For example, if you speak three languages, you might have an easier time picking a fourth language especially if that language has a common origin to one of the other languages. If it's a sport, the fact that you're already athletic from something else could give you can edge.

And most people with talent tend to downplay what it took them to get that talent, because trying hard isn't "cool" in today's society.

Intelligence is a bit different, since some people are going to be naturally more intelligent than others (part of which comes down to having a good memory; you can train your memory, but it's not necessarily as easy as other things). However, even there you'll have people praised for being intelligent who put in a lot of work -- either consciously or unconsciously -- to get there. If somebody has a broad base of knowledge, they had to do something for that knowledge.

People tend to look at the naturals when it comes to most things, either not realizing that there was something that went into that natural ability (such as elements from their upbringing or other hobbies) or that they're an extreme outlier.

However, broadly speaking, talent isn't a real indicator of success because there are LOTS of talented people out there who work hard. And it isn't always the most talented people who ultimately succeed, because there are other things that go into success, including other unrelated skills, networking, and luck.

As for the influence of talent on success, a lot of people who believe that they're good at something can also put more effort into that area. And people tend to like things that they're good at and vice versa. Even if somebody isn't necessarily talented in something that interests them, that interest can keep them going until they become talented. (Otherwise, a lack of ability has never stopped people from doing what they enjoy -- just look at everybody who sings along with songs they like.) However, a lot of interest can be very surface level. Namely, people can like the product or end result of talent, but not actually enjoy or be interested by what it takes to create it.

And I should mention that even perseverance can be learned and improved, if somebody cares to work on it.

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