I believe in talent to a limited degree. It governs the floor, ceiling and learning curve's slope. Kind of like the parameters to a sigmoid function. Magnus Car

I believe in talent to a limited degree. It governs the floor, ceiling and learning curve's slope. Kind of like the parameters to a sigmoid function. Magnus Carlsen's very first chess match was likely much better than most other people's/kids', he learned at a breakneck pace and obviously, possesses a high skill ceiling. However, there is a huge and dynamic middle ground that can be conquered by anyone through nothing but work and dedication.