How does one rate 'natural' talent?
I conclude its relative, I shall use an example of some of the Australian International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) contestants to show this.
Lets take Max Menzies for example, he went to the IMO in 2007 and got a silver medal. One might say that he is genius! (this is what one may say) Wow, look at him, he won a silver at the most difficult mathematics in the WORLD. I would agree with this hypothetical person, he should be regarded as gifted.
But (no offense to Max), Another Australian IMO contestant is regarded to be superior to Max. Terrence Tao is the youngest perfect scorer Gold medalist at the IMO at age 13! He had already been to the IMO twice before this achievement, receiving a bronze and silver!
And also compare this to the Dux of your school (if your not in a selective school like Ruse
) They are regarded as fairly talented compared to their peers within that school.
So i believe through these examples, that 'natural' talent is relative.
Also consider how these people got to the IMO. Both Max and Terrence 'fell in love' with mathematics. This is their motivation, just being talented would not have got them to the IMO, they are interested and intrigued. Whats the difference, could it be because Max fell in love with mathematics when he was in year 9 and Terrence fell in love with mathematics at roughly age 3? Or is it genetic?
So without hard work i.e. determination then talent is just something made up.
Thats my opinion!