Does talent exist?

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First, here are some lines from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, where he lays out 11 virtues that you should strive to improve at.

Watch how none of these requires talent. Only will.

integrity
dignity
hard work
self-denial
contentment
frugality
kindness
independence
simplicity
discretion
magnanimity


Imagine the guy who writes this down.
Picture a dude who actually lives by these virtues.
I would love to have a friend like that.

Yes, there are certain things you cannot change about yourself. But adhering to these virtues is guaranteed to make you a better person.
It may alienate some people from you because in our day and age these qualities are not sexy.
It will alienate the wrong people though, and, over time, it will attract the right ones.
True friends you will make.


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