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First of all thank you for bringing up the movie, I've seen it as a kid and I've been wondering ever since what was the title, since I only remembered bits. Thi

First of all thank you for bringing up the movie, I've seen it as a kid and I've been wondering ever since what was the title, since I only remembered bits. This movie has literally been bugging me for years, now I can finally see it again. That said, ambition, work ethic and passion are also important, but they're a product of genetics too. Take two guys, one is smart and spends his days trying to solve complex problems, while the second one is just as smart but spends his days on Netflix. What's the difference between the two? Mostly dedication, but what provides the former with it? Yep, genetics.

threeseed 13y ago
Ambition, work ethic and passion for me has nothing to do with genetics. And everything to do with upbringing. If you are angry with the world there is a good chance you will work hard to change it.
- cliveowen 13y ago
  I think we could come up with infinite factors that determine a given definition of success, that apparently aren't linked to genetics, but I also think for every such argument there's another one that bring genetics into question. For example you mentioned upbringing. So now image the two kids above are raised by the same family, with the same values; they're equally smart, maybe they're even equally dedicated but one of the two lacks ambition/passion and doesn't live up to his brother's success. Why's that? Again, maybe the brother has his brain wired to be ambitious and has a knack (read passion) for whatever he does that lets him be successful.
honzzz 13y ago
I think both extremes are bad. Ignoring genetics would be wishful thinking but ascribing things like dedication to genetics? We already know how strongly nurture affects motivation, work habits, self-control etc. Even genetic potential for intelligence can be fostered or inhabited by (lack of) nurture.
- cliveowen 13y ago
  Read my other answer to threeseed, who brought up a similar point.

threeseed 13y ago

Ambition, work ethic and passion for me has nothing to do with genetics. And everything to do with upbringing. If you are angry with the world there is a good chance you will work hard to change it.

cliveowen 13y ago
I think we could come up with infinite factors that determine a given definition of success, that apparently aren't linked to genetics, but I also think for every such argument there's another one that bring genetics into question. For example you mentioned upbringing. So now image the two kids above are raised by the same family, with the same values; they're equally smart, maybe they're even equally dedicated but one of the two lacks ambition/passion and doesn't live up to his brother's success. Why's that? Again, maybe the brother has his brain wired to be ambitious and has a knack (read passion) for whatever he does that lets him be successful.

honzzz 13y ago

I think both extremes are bad. Ignoring genetics would be wishful thinking but ascribing things like dedication to genetics? We already know how strongly nurture affects motivation, work habits, self-control etc. Even genetic potential for intelligence can be fostered or inhabited by (lack of) nurture.

cliveowen 13y ago
Read my other answer to threeseed, who brought up a similar point.