Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented
Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.
The storyteller of shadows, Stephen King, once declared with fierce simplicity: “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” In this utterance he strips away illusion and reveals the ancient truth: talent is common, but hard work is rare. The gift may be given to many, yet only those who labor with unyielding devotion rise to greatness.
For what is talent but the seed? It lies dormant unless cultivated, worthless as dust without toil to awaken it. Just as a field, rich with potential, yields no harvest unless plowed, watered, and guarded, so too does natural ability lie barren without discipline. The true crown of achievement belongs not to the gifted, but to the steadfast, who grind day and night until their gift becomes mastery.
King’s words remind us that even the most dazzling talent cannot conquer the trials of life without perseverance. The world is filled with those who began with promise yet ended in obscurity, for they would not pay the price of labor. But the one who embraces hard work, who bends his back to repetition, failure, and relentless practice, will outlast and outshine the merely gifted. Thus, it is not brilliance alone, but endurance, that secures victory.
The ancients knew this truth well. The warrior who trains each dawn will defeat the prodigy who trusts only in natural strength. The scribe who copies line after line will surpass the one who writes with flair but no discipline. The successful are not the blessed few who possess talent, but the devoted few who never cease striving.
So let this wisdom be carried forward: never exalt talent above labor. Honor instead the virtue of hard work, for it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and the gifted into the truly successful. Let no man boast of talent alone, for salt without savor is worthless—but diligence, though plain, brings forth glory eternal.
HHHoang Huy
I can’t help but agree with Stephen King. Talent may get you in the door, but without consistent effort, it doesn’t lead to long-term success. This makes me think about all the times I’ve seen people give up on their dreams because they didn’t see immediate results. What would you say is the hardest part about turning talent into success?
TDDang Ngoc Thanh Dung
It’s interesting that Stephen King says talent is cheaper than table salt. I’ve often wondered if talent alone is enough to guarantee success. Maybe it's more about the continuous effort and improvement. What’s your opinion—do you think talent can ever be enough, or is hard work always the deciding factor?
TPThuy Nguyen Thi Phuong
I love how Stephen King puts it so simply. Talent is abundant, but what makes the difference is perseverance and effort. It’s easy to get discouraged when we see others excelling effortlessly, but this quote reminds me that success isn’t always about innate abilities—it’s about pushing through and putting in the work. How much do you think perseverance matters in achieving success?
VNVi Nguyen
Isn't it fascinating how Stephen King compares talent to something as simple as table salt? It really makes me think about how often we focus on raw talent alone, but the real separator is the dedication behind it. What do you think? Can anyone succeed if they work hard enough, or is there a limit to how much hard work can overcome a lack of natural talent?