Do you believe that success is more influenced by hard work or natural talent? Support your answer with examples.

The debate on whether success is more influenced by hard work or natural talent has been ongoing for years. In my opinion, success is more influenced by hard work than natural talent. While natural talent can provide a foundation for success, it is not a guarantee. Many people are born with innate abilities, but without dedication and effort, they may not reach their full potential. On the other hand, hard work and perseverance can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, even if they are not naturally gifted. For example, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, is often quoted as saying, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." Edison's success was not solely due to his natural talent, but rather the result of his tireless efforts and experiments. He reportedly tried over 1,000 different filaments before finding the right one. Another example is J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Rowling was a single mother living on welfare when she began writing her books. Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, she persevered and went on to become one of the most successful authors in the world. Her success was not due to natural talent alone, but rather her hard work and determination. In contrast, natural talent without hard work can lead to stagnation. For instance, Chris Washburn, a talented basketball player, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1986. Despite his natural ability, Washburn's career was cut short due to his lack of dedication and work ethic. In conclusion, while natural talent can provide a foundation for success, hard work and perseverance are essential for achieving greatness. As the saying goes, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." By combining natural ability with a strong work ethic, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, leading to success and fulfillment.