You're right, of course. But the point he's making seems to be based on the idea that to experience mastery of a domain can be truly fulfilling even if that domain is boring. That is, the feeling of power and self actualization that comes from competence can happen even if you are doing something that is not innately enjoyable.

I draw an intuitive connection in my mind to the study [1] suggesting that people are happier with having a higher status compared to their close associates than with a higher absolute status but lagging behind the peers to whom they aspirationally compare themselves.

Would you rather be a mediocre newbie working in a dazzling, sexy field, or the best damn X in the Y field who knows all the tools and has confidence about relative competence?

[1] http://pss.sagepub.com/content/21/4/471.short

I agree! But you won't do it forever, sooner or later you realize that you've worked in something you're not passionate about. It will result in serious consequences.

More important than passion and effort is long-term goals. I believe to be successful you must project yourself in the future. Look what you will be if you continue to walk the current path or what you will be if you change your path. The key is to choose the path that will bring you to a brighter future and stay in that path in turbulent times.

Choosing the right path is not as easy as speaking but an everyday exercice.

Agreed. I used to make sandwiches for a living. Became pretty awesome doing it. Even mastering the art of the one handed mustard line acroos the tomatoes. But I never enjoyed it. Not a single minute.