Achievement

The obvious conclusion from our discussion yesterday is: We choose a subject that we have interest because we are more likely to be successful in that area.

On this, we must first distinguish interest from talent. Mozart had so much talent in music that it would be a loss to mankind if he did not make use of it, and I doubt very much if he could even be a third-class surgeon if he chose medicine. Did Mozart have interest in playing piano ? To say the least, not more than his enthusiasm in making money, playing billiards, or mixing up with women.

But, if not because of talent (at least not the case for most of us), why are we more likely to be successful in something that we have interest ?

Because we are more willing to infuse our time to explore such an area. Let's face it: Nearly all of the subjects and specialties are meant for ordinary human beings, and, as Adam Smith put it, we could all achieve a reasonable degree of dexterity after suitable training and sufficient practice. The situation is somewhat like trying to run up-slope in a down-going electric stairway. To begin with, there is a period that you seem to make no progress. However, once you pass the threshold and reach the upper level, you could stay and rest comfortably.

And, once you reach that level, you begin to enjoy seeing liver cancer successfully removed, or acute pulmonary edema promptly resolved. There is then a positive feedback, and you would be eager to spare more time for your profession and go for another level.

As Thomas Edison said, (most of the so-called) genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.