While the word talent does imply it is something inborn, in reality, admirable talents are developed.  Some children will have natural talents and will start off ahead of others in certain skills without the apparent need for much teaching, however, other children who need more teaching, can surpass the natural talented one with training.  Michael Jordan is a case in point.  He did not make his basketball team his first year in high school, but worked very hard and is now recognized as one of the greatest basketball talents of all time.   

Talents can definitely be learned.  Natural born talents are way over-rated.  I highly recommend the book ¨Mindset¨ described in this website if you are interested in more facts on the topic:   http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/

I agree with Jack, the word talent implies that it is something innate, and therefore, it can't be learned. Now, the question is, does talent exist in this way, or does it just seem like so (since it is really hard to distinguish natural and acquired abilities, to some extent)? And, after that, how important talent really is?

I think, as someone who studies humanities, that the innate part of abilities are usually overrated, and people tend to ignore the social part of the skill (which is not talent, or at least, it is a different way to understand talent). I'll give an example: many people think Mozart was talented (as in he received a "gift from God) because he composed as early as 5 years old, but sociologist Norbert Elias argues that one should also look to his family and the relationship between Mozart and his father (a musician) to understand how he acquired so much skill so early (basically, he was trying to get his father's attention). So, even if not everyone can become Mozart, Wolfgang isn't born Mozart.

I agree with Susan! A person may have a talent for something, but if they don't do anything with that talent and practice and use it, then they're not going to be continuously better than someone who works hard learning to do the same thing.

It also reminds me of something I heard recently in the amazing MOOC Mindshift, which talks about slow learners vs fast learners. The fast learners will come up with an answer more quickly, but if it's wrong they're less likely to question themselves and instead keep pushing ahead with the wrong answer. Meanwhile, a low learner is more likely to come up with new ideas and try different methods when they realize they made a mistake on their last try.

Thanks for the link and the book recommendation, Susan!

I liked all your comments guys. Each one has sensible points of view. 

My appreciation. 

~ Murad