I see lots of users here hammering on about IQ - but that's just one factor. The kid grew up with two mathematicians, so I'm sure they knew how to get him in t

I see lots of users here hammering on about IQ - but that's just one factor. The kid grew up with two mathematicians, so I'm sure they knew how to get him in the right direction. Kids also tend to value whatever their parents are doing. And not to mention that most kids have all the time in the world to do what they enjoy - and rarely have other concerns. I'm a musician, and grew up playing my instrument from 4 to 8 hours a day, every day, almost all year round. It was pretty much the only thing I did between age 10 to 18. I had very supportive family and mentors, and got lots of chances others at my age did not. Naturally, I met a lot of other talented kid. Some child prodigies. One thing I have noticed afterwards: Being at such a high level as a kid - does not necessarily mean you'll go on to do great things later in life. Some kids just grow out of it, lose interest and motivation, and - well - life often just happens. Even among the most talented, only a small % of them end up doing remarkable stuff later on.