My school was 90 percent white, but 90 percent of the kids I played with were black. So I got the best of both worlds. I think that is where my comedy developed.
Will SmithRead
I've viewed myself as slightly above average in talent. And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hard work and a strong work ethic can often lead to success, even more than natural talent.
In this quote, Will Smith emphasizes the importance of hard work over innate talent. He acknowledges that while he considers himself to have average talent, it is his relentless work ethic that truly sets him apart and drives his success. This highlights the idea that dedication and effort are crucial components in achieving one's goals.
Themes
Work EthicSuccessTalentHard WorkDedication
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to students about the importance of hard work over natural talent.
More from Will Smith
All quotes βIn my mind, I've always been an A-list Hollywood superstar. Y'all just didn't know yet.
Will SmithRead
The first eight years of schooling was with all white people. So that helped me to understand how white people think. I think that transition is what helped me bridge the gap, because that's what my success has really been about: bridging the gap between the black community and the white community.
Will SmithRead
We all want to be in love and find that person who is going to love us no matter how our feet smell, no matter how angry we get one day, no matter the things we say that we don't mean.
Will SmithRead
I'm profoundly changed. There's a bittersweet emotion that I feel from playing this role. . . . I want the world to be different because I was here. However lofty or crazy or delusional that may sound, I want people's lives to be better because I was here.
Will SmithRead
The separation of talent and skill is one of the largest misconceptions in modern society. Talent is something you born with, but skill can only be attained through Hours and Hours of hard work perfecting your talent as a craft. Which is why Talent will fail you without skill.
Will SmithRead
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