Talent.

Throughout my life, I’ve had the chance to meet dozens of naturally talented individuals in certain fields, and out of the over 20 of them, I can only confidently say 2 of them are truly humble individuals.

Because humility for being naturally talented is not the same as humility for anything else.

If you asked me if I am good at writing, I’ll say no. I understand exactly all my flaws and how far I have left to go. I can explain it, and I can show them to you so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Ask the same question to someone with natural talent, and they won’t be able to explain why. Because they can’t. Their body just know what to do and adjust. Analysing isn’t needed. They won’t even be able to ‘do the wrong thing’ because their body fixes their mistake instinctually.

Talented people are so in tuned to their craft, that they can not only learn fast, but also apply well. But because they are the heroes of their own story, they can’t see how their natural affinity has helped them. Their expertise are then attributed to “hard work”.

And so, these people copy the humility of those who worked hard without talent, but it never comes across as sincere. Stop me if you’ve heard these before.

“I’m not that good.”
But you are.

“I just work hard.”
But you didn’t.

And they can’t really teach either, because they don’t understand why they do the things they do. They just know. And they can never teach you how to get somewhere, just where you need to go. Their body doesn’t understand, just know.

“Just do this.”
And how do I do it?
“Just do.”

“Don’t do that.”
So what should I do?
“Not that.”

“Just try it until you get it.”
What am I supposed to get?
“The right way.”

Natural talent is real, and I have nothing against these people. But they do need to understand that what they have is a privilege. However hard you work, luck helps. To have humility in that position is to have empathy, to know that you have a natural edge, and that others do not.

You’re excellent at this.
“Thank you.”
Can you teach me?
“I can try.”