[birbal]

The nature vs nurture debate will go on. But I think the question needs to be framed differently. Its not about comparing one person with the other but the approach that best maximizes ones own potential. When framed this way, the answer becomes very clear - you have to believe that you can become smarter. This is not just blind belief but is practically the way brain works (neuroplasticity)and we see it every day. If you can learn to play the guitar at 60 means you can change your brain. I am sure there are 60 year olds who are smarter than 20 year olds just like there are 60 year olds who can run for longer than 20 year olds. As engineers we tend to downplay psychological factors compared to physiological factors. But the connection has been established beyond doubt in neuroscience. It hasn't gotten to a point where we can formulaically impact outcomes through calibrated intervention but the linkages are clear. Our definition of smartness is very narrow. Here is a conversation between a 50 year old scientist and a 70 year old poet https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/04/27/when-einstein-met-t...