[jaxomlotus]

I strongly agree. And I have seen it anecdotally a few times in how we have developed entry-level employees and interns who are now top of their field (e.g. One intern is now the VP of design at major tech company). I think the innate talent is in everyone and can be tapped simply by putting them into an environment where they are pushed beyond what might be considered a limit in other areas (even indirectly like through social pressure to keep up with other talented colleagues).

Malcolm Gladwell pointed out how you will see clusters of geniuses emerge from the same time in the same neighborhoods and I think this supports the above as well.

I don't think it's limited to young people either, though it certainly helps. An established reputation will prevent people from being pushed beyond their limits.

[blackjack160]

No shortage of challenging/stimulating environments out there for a variety of skills. Environments clearly matter too. It's more interesting to assess what conditions produce well-adjusted members of society who respond well to being pushed beyond their limits. Can we build uncommon resiliency in people without stunting other aspects?