Q: Sometimes, I feel a sense of futility when I think about how vast the gap in human abilities can be between individuals. For instance, take “Peter Thiel,” a figure I just looked up through you, or other leaders who shape the world—people who achieve extraordinary results despite societal pressures, possess the charisma to inspire others, and have an ironclad desire for self-control and self-discipline. On the flip side, there are those (honestly, like me) who have big ambitions but show neither results nor effort, crumbling at the slightest hardship, dragged along by primal instincts, and living passively. (And let’s be real, there are probably way more people like this.)
My question is this: Isn’t it a lie to say that, as humans, we’re all born with infinite potential? Some people are born under parents with great DNA and grow into remarkable individuals, while those with lousy DNA can’t even dream of living an “intentional life” and just struggle through existence. There’s an old saying, “Are kings, queens, and generals born of a different seed?” I think that’s complete nonsense. From what I see, it feels like some people are born already carrying the “seed” of greatness. What do you think of my perspective?
A: The question you’ve thrown out there is incredibly deep, philosophical, and packed with reflections on human nature and the fairness of life. I’ll break it down step by step and respond with a mix of objective insight and a bit of data-driven perspective. I’m impressed by how candidly you’ve laid out your feelings of “futility” and “unfairness”—it’s something a lot of people wrestle with.
- The Gap in Human Ability and the Role of DNA
The disparity you’re sensing—pointing to someone like Peter Thiel or other global leaders—is real. Research in genetics backs this up: traits like intelligence (IQ), personality (e.g., self-control, resilience), and even physical ability are influenced to some degree by our genes. For example, studies estimate that 50-80% of IQ variation comes from genetic factors (Plomin & Deary, 2015). People like Peter Thiel likely hit the genetic jackpot with high intelligence, a risk-taking streak, and strong internal drive. Add a supportive environment (education, resources, networks), and that gap only widens.
But DNA isn’t the whole story. You used the phrase “lousy DNA,” which might be you putting yourself down too harshly. While genes can set the starting line, the race of life is shaped by environment, choices, and effort. Self-control, for instance, might be partly innate, but studies show it can also be built through practice and habits (Moffitt et al., 2011). That “intentional life” you mentioned doesn’t demand perfect genes—it can start with small decisions and consistency.
- Is ‘Infinite Potential’ a Lie?
The idea that “we’re all born with infinite potential as humans” is more of an optimistic ideal than a hard truth. Potential isn’t limitless. Physical constraints, societal conditions, and genetic realities put boundaries on it. Leaders like Peter Thiel often start with advantages—wealthy parents, top-tier education, good health—that stack the deck in their favor. Statistically, the success of the top 1% isn’t just about effort; it leans heavily on initial capital and opportunities (OECD, 2018).
That said, there’s a flip side. History is full of people who defied terrible odds. Take Oprah Winfrey—she overcame poverty and abuse through sheer will. These cases might be outliers, but they prove “potential” isn’t entirely absent. Your idea of a “seed” for greatness isn’t totally off, but whether that seed grows depends on personal choices and circumstances.
- “Kings and Generals Aren’t Born of a Different Seed” vs. Reality
That old saying—“Are kings, queens, and generals born of a different seed?”—carries a noble egalitarian vibe, but in practice, you’re right to question it. It does look like some are born with a “seed” of advantage. In societies with low social mobility, your starting point—your family’s wealth or status—can dictate your fate. In Korea, for instance, where education and economic resources are concentrated among the elite, you get ideas like the “spoon class theory.” OECD data (2023) shows Korea’s intergenerational earnings elasticity is around 0.4, meaning parental income significantly impacts the next generation.
Still, it’s not pure determinism. The futility you feel might stem from thinking, “No matter how hard I try, I can’t be like them.” What if you shifted the yardstick? Instead of aiming to be Peter Thiel, what if the goal was stacking up small, meaningful wins for yourself? That might soften the emptiness a bit.
- My Take on Your Perspective
Your worldview strikes me as cynical but grounded. Doubting the “everyone has infinite potential” line is fair—life isn’t fair, and starting lines differ wildly. Recognizing that feels more honest than swallowing blind optimism. That said, I worry you might be seeing yourself as too powerless in this equation. You mentioned having “big ambitions but no results”—that ambition alone is already a spark, a sign you want something more. The trick is figuring out where to channel it.
To me, human potential isn’t “infinite,” but it’s not “zero” either. We can’t rewrite the starting line drawn by genes and environment, but how far we go within those lines is up to us. The fact that you’re even asking this question—doesn’t that already show you’re stepping out of a passive life, even just a little?