“Diligence does not work if there is a lack of innate talent.”

“Natural talent is a questionable phenomenon. Inclination perhaps, but innate ability is extremely rare.”

“For almost a generation, psychologists around the world have been engaged in a spirited debate over a question that most of us would consider to have been settled years ago. The question is this: is there such a thing as innate talent? The obvious answer is yes. Not every hockey player born in January ends up playing at the professional level. Only some do – the innately talented ones. Achievement is talent plus preparation. The problem with this view is that the closer psychologists look at the careers of the gifted, the smaller the role innate talent seems to play and the bigger role preparation seems to play.”

“Achievement is talent plus preparation. The problem with this view is that the closer psychologists look at the careers of the gifted, the smaller the role innate talent seems to play and the bigger the role preparation seems to play.”

“Don't Mistake Lack of Talent for Genius”

“A familiar name on its own, however, does not carry its bearer far unless the talent is there, and the will to work.”