Is talent irrelevant for great success?

Is natural talent largely irrelevant to great success? Or is it "you've either got it or you don't"? Check out this article at biz.yahoo.com/.../great_1.html called "What It Takes To Be Great."
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I may be reading this part incorrectly. It seems to imply that talent is all or nothing - you have it or you don't. Are there degrees of talent? I think there are degrees of talent. I was quantifying the unquantifiable by saying "there is no overlap in the range of talented and untalented swimmers," only because we can agree that there is such a thing as an "untalented" and "talented" swimmer. Though noone knows what the proper definition is. Ankle flexibility, height, hand size I think those are natural talents. Feel for the water, the will not to lose etc. those are just talents. Anyhow, a spin-off subject. The best swimmers I know hated losing more than they enjoyed winning. Which is a bigger motivator, fear of losing or desire to win?
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I may be reading this part incorrectly. It seems to imply that talent is all or nothing - you have it or you don't. Are there degrees of talent? I think there are degrees of talent. I was quantifying the unquantifiable by saying "there is no overlap in the range of talented and untalented swimmers," only because we can agree that there is such a thing as an "untalented" and "talented" swimmer. Though noone knows what the proper definition is. Ankle flexibility, height, hand size I think those are natural talents. Feel for the water, the will not to lose etc. those are just talents. Anyhow, a spin-off subject. The best swimmers I know hated losing more than they enjoyed winning. Which is a bigger motivator, fear of losing or desire to win?
Children
No Data