Is success genetic, or learned?

Question

I often find myself wondering why some people can be so talented, or create success so easily, while others always have to struggle for their aspirations. Specifically, I refer to academics, though I suspect this argument can be applied to a variety of situations. For example, I did not go to university after high school, and nowadays earn a modest salary in a middle management position in the retail sector. However, a girl that I graduated high school with is now a resident in an emergency ward, for a large, metropolitan hospital. We were friends in school, and whenever I see her now (as sporadic as that may be), I can't help but think how similar we are. We share the same opinions, sense of humour, and personal interests. So what was it that made this girl, or anyone for that matter, attempt one of the most challenging degrees possible (medicine), and go on to achieve a career that they relish.

Is there something inside us that we are born with that determines how our lives will turn out? How can some people always be good at what they do, and go on to become doctors, lawyers, or elite athletes, while others will always be labourers, or truck drivers. I am in no way suggesting that one profession is more noble than another, or that certain professions are less intelligent than others. I simply wonder how and when in a person's life, do they develop the skills that will propel them through their studies and career, while others will always wallow in mediocrity.

People always seem to think that successful parents will have successful children. Is this the case? Will a doctor married to a pilot raise their child differently to a plumber married to a cashier? Will the child of a lawyer become a lawyer? Is a bricklayer's child destined for a construction job? As these, and my original question suggest, do we always have have the tools we need for success, or are they things we pick up along the way?

Answer 1

In our DNA or genetic family tree there are genes past down of different learning styles which help some students and hurt others. The way to fix this is by alternative teaching methods.  

Answer 2

we arent born rich nor do we learn to be rich. we are rich by EARNING money.

Answer 3

genetically ....motivation is a factor... but mostly success is learned through trial and error and not a make up of our DNA

statistically speaking of course, it's the genes that contribute to success through hard work, and fundamental lessons that were taught in our youth by our parents.

in my own success it was more of the lessons learned.  I was raised with strict discipline and harsh punishment.  I learned hard work and integrity.

mostly luck has a lot to play into this formula at times as well

Answer 4

We become what we want to become.  

Answer 5

I think It comes down to the individual and their personal ambitions. Will they settle for mediocrity and main stream living? Or will they desire to be a person who always stands out from the crowd? Is there a driving passion that comes from within them? Personally I think there is and it fuels their desire to succeed beyond the abilities of others.

However having passion alone is not enough. Successful people are generally committed to train and learn in the areas they are aware that they lack in. They are not prepared to trust completely in their inherited genetics. But rather leave no stone unturned in their overall development. They are focused people who work hard for their success and take little for granted. Nature alone is not enough and successful people know this and therefore allow them selves to be continually nurtured.