[iSnow]

>The mere suggestion that you can't possibly do something should fill you with burning determination and it's a positive emotion to feel in that scenario but they seem to just roll over.

Literally everyone with a somewhat weak self-esteem will shy away. Those friends of yours should maybe start programming as a hobby, for a small, defined project that scratches one of their itches, and then go from there.

I am structured like that and that's how I got into a well-paying job in software development.

[kreeben]

I like AnotherGoodName's advise, a lot. But as you say, it will hit a nerve only with people who already have some confidence in their abilities so if they hit a wall, instead of giving up, they say to themselves that "oh, I guess I just need to learn even more things" and then do. A person with low confidence in their abilities will probably say "oh, I'm not smart enough".

When it comes to this and most other trades, I'm with Gordon Ramsey. Anyone can become a good programmer. "Smartness" and "intelligence", they are such ill-defined concepts. I'm not sure I believe they are real things.

[saberience]

Can you explain the reference to Gordon Ramsey? (and a link would be great if possible)

[kreeben]

I thought he once said "anyone can become a chef" but after Googling I realize I might have a false memory. Was it another famous chef who said it? Sry.