“I know a lot of talented ruins,” says James Baldwin

How many times have you heard children–and adults–refer to themselves as “not a math person” or “not a reader”? Children in schools, and society, are often taught that it is their natural talent that dictates what they do in school and with their lives. But it is flatly untrue to think that talent is enough. Here’s a poignant reminder from James Baldwin via Maria Popova at Brainpickings:

“Talent is insignificant. I know a lot of talented ruins. Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but most of all, endurance.”

Baldwin’s advice on writing https://t.co/xOjaSTFozr #BlackHistoryMonth

— Maria Popova (@brainpicker) February 9, 2018