Never underestimate the power of chance. The naturally talented, hardworking individuals who don't succeed tend to not write blog posts about it.

Also, don't forget: The non-talented, non-hardworking individuals who luck into succeeding tend to never shut up about how it was all about talent and hard work.

Well, you sort of have to, here on the internet. HN is one of the better forums, but even here, I suspect you'd be (more politely) torn to pieces if there was more than a hint of ego in your writing - especially if you're writing about your own life.

I'm confused by this comment, where in the article did you get the impression he was naturally talented and hardworking? For most of his academic career in high school and undergraduate, it seems like he had a difficult time learning programming, and doing well academically.

How did you not arrive at that conclusion? I guess it's normal to complete a year long Calculus sequence less than half that? Sure he says numerous time he didn't find school engaging and struggled in some ways. I for one have heard of this before where someone with a strong aptitude struggles with conventional education. Without something special, be it aptitude or hard working nature how do you suppose he got into graduate school? Luck, again? Also, did you notice he was only an undergrad for 3 years and apparently double majored.

>Naturally talented

is fairly consistent with

>chock[s] it all up to chance

A little humility does great for ego burns.

True enough. Given the length of the post and how prevalent the theme of "luck" appears I still find it obnoxious. No doubt there is so much to learn in and around computers that everyone should feel humbled, but this guy should also recognize the mere mortals around him struggling even more so.

>the mere mortals around him

I think I can empathize with your view, now.

Your mileage may vary, but as a mere mortal I personally find it much more reassuring when the role of luck is recognized.

Too many narratives are akin to:

"Well, I worked very hard every day without stop and tho I struggled at first - with how hard I was working - eventually the fruits of my labour yielded this unbroken string of successes thereby reaping my just deserts"

Agreed.

My experience in school seems similar except I didn't get nice math courses until very late on and I was miserably bad at the memorization-based Calculus work (and I still am, but I can do abstract math very well). By then I was pretty disillusioned by school in general.

His luck probably helped quite a lot. Nobody really knows what they are good at or what they will enjoy until they do it. Even if it's 'harder' or 'easier'. Having a good mentor is difficult as well; they have to know their stuff, want to teach and mesh well with you.

What kind of recognition do you want from him? I'm genuinely confused.

"I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn't been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn't have been 'lucky.'"

— Oprah

I'm not sure how often Oprah gets quoted on HN, but this statement resonates with me.

"Natural talent"? I'd chalk it to hard work.