Does studying math actually require talent, or is it mostly about consistent practice and good teaching? I've tutored high school students for five years, and the ones who improved the most weren't necessarily the 'gifted' ones—they were the ones who practiced daily and got immediate feedback. But I've also seen a few students who grasp abstract concepts instantly no matter what, which makes me wonder if there's an innate component. Could it be that the traditional math curriculum rewards natural ability more than effort, and that's why so many people think they're 'not a math person'?