[jakemal]

Hard work is necessary but not sufficient. I agree that the essay glosses over the element of luck that is involved, but I don't think that makes the rest of what Paul is saying wrong. Even if hard work alone doesn't always lead to success, not working hard guarantees that you won't be exceptional.

[ookdatnog]

Hard work is not even really necessary. You can inherit wealth, get a good position somewhere through connections/nepotism, ...

To be clear, I think most successful people are hard working. But hard work is not a necessary condition for success.