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Why is the talented one not always rich?

Why is the talented one not always rich?

We often notice a paradox in life: people with exceptional talent often remain in the shadows, while those less gifted achieve impressive material success.

 

This observation raises a logical question: why is it so? Why does not talent alone guarantee wealth and prosperity?

On the one hand, it seems logical that someone endowed with talent can use their abilities effectively and achieve success. However, reality tells a different story: many talented people remain unrecognised, while others – without particular gifts – reach the top. What is the matter?

The answer lies deeper – not in talent per se but in what is called success and who controls it. True success is not only material well-being but also harmony, recognition and the results which a person achieves in life. This success, as many believe, is granted not by man, but by the Almighty.

Why does not the Almighty grant success to certain talented people? This is because talent is accompanied by pride. Talent makes a person special and with it comes the temptation to place oneself above others, to forget who gave them this gift, who guides them and who leads them to this success. Arrogance can become a barrier between a person and God, between talent and its realization.

That is why it is more important not just to develop one’s talent, but to work on one’s inner world – to purify the soul, to cultivate humility, gratitude and sincerity. When a person becomes inwardly noble, when he does not boast but recognises his dependence on the Creator, his talent truly blossoms – and the Almighty opens the doors of success to him.

The bottom line is simple: it is not skill per se that leads to success but rather purity of heart. Only then will talent become a blessing and not a cause for downfall. Only then will a person not suffer from himself but become a source of good – for himself and for all others.

 

Magomed Gamzatov

As-Salam writer

2026-09-01 (Rabi-ul-awwal 1448) №9.


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