Acharya Prashant addresses a question about the rare element that made Adi Shankaracharya spiritually inclined from a very young age. He clarifies that there is no rare element, but rather a natural quality. Some children are naturally quiet, serious, curious, and truth-seeking, while others are not. He states that this is a matter of coincidence, related to one's biological and genetic disposition, and one should not think too much about it. Since nothing can be done about how one is born, one should not dwell on it. The speaker then defines talent (pratibha). He explains that since our fundamental nature is consciousness (bodh), the only true definition of talent is the natural inclination towards height and understanding. He dismisses other skills like dancing, running fast, or beating a ball as not being true talent, as these are also found in animals and are not exclusive to humans. The only talent unique to humans is the ability to ask, "What is this? Who am I?" The more natural inclination one has towards asking these questions, the more talented they should be considered. He emphasizes that even if one is not born with this natural talent, everyone has the choice (vikalp) to become curious and learn. The real credit lies not in having the innate talent but in using the choice to cultivate it, even with limited resources and strength, to overcome one's own limitations and achieve something great. He criticizes the tendency to associate great people with mystical and magical stories, as this discourages ordinary people by making them feel that greatness is unattainable for them because they were not born special. This leads them to believe that great deeds are only for those who are born special, thus closing their own path to greatness. Acharya Prashant humorously points out that people are more inclined to listen to someone with magical stories attached to them, which is why some gurus propagate such tales. He concludes by stating that the glory is in the choice, not the innate talent. Everyone has the right to reach the peak, and it is not reserved for a select few. He encourages everyone to use their choice and determination, as that is where the real honor lies.
