The programming talent myth

+1 cannot agree more. I guess it depends how mature the business is, in the fast-moving world of small-sized companies, I would rank creativity above all, and the ability to continuously learn. No one can simply have the required knowledge for *any* worthwhile task; of course as basics one needs to know algebra, statistics, C and one sane language (Python, Rust, ...). Rest of talent should be acquired during and while working on the designated task. But I agree, without passion, it is harder to learn as one gets older.