Great... so I have like 7 more years of poker, huh

On the plus side, I am a master at breathing, eating, and sleeping.

Balances out, I guess.

great post and great thread, CJ.

We need to consider the success or mastery definitions. The point has been established that it requires more dedication than mere talent to become a real Master. I still have my doubts but I am glad to know that scientificamerican thinks otherwise, because with my 125 IQ, I dont know how far Ii could go.

My point is that, for example, to me, great success in poker would be to be able to make $5000/month playing, and I know that is not so far away. Real mastery definition in any discipline might be the establishment of the top players. If you reach that level, then you are a master. For that, I consider then ten years and pure determination rule not so complete. You cant simply underestimate the talent. What it takes to me with an IQ of 125 to achieve intellectually, will take much less to a person with an IQ of 144.

That point aside, i think 10 years of talent devoted to a certain discipline should definetely make you a master or a pretty impressive person in whatever it is that you do.

I have ten years! (check my journal)