The speaker, an economist, delivers a blunt and provocative talk to a group of people who aspire to have great careers. He argues that most people will fail to achieve this goal due to various excuses and rationalizations. These excuses include:
1. Believing that great careers are the result of luck, rather than deliberate effort.
2. Assuming that being "completely competent" is enough to guarantee success.
3. Using the excuse that one is "not weird" or "not a genius" to avoid pursuing their passions.
4. Believing that working hard is enough to achieve a great career, without considering the importance of passion and interest.
5. Using family relationships as an excuse not to pursue one's passion, citing the need to prioritize family obligations.
The speaker emphasizes that passion is essential for a great career, and that it is not the same as interest. He argues that people must be willing to take risks and pursue their passions, even if it means facing failure. He also suggests that using family relationships as an excuse not to pursue one's passion is a sign of fear and a lack of courage.
Ultimately, the speaker concludes that the only way to achieve a great career is to be willing to take risks, pursue one's passions, and overcome the various excuses and rationalizations that hold people back.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker is an economist.
2. The speaker claims that really good jobs are disappearing.
3. The speaker believes that people who pursue their passions are more likely to have great careers.
4. The speaker states that having an interest in something is not the same as having a passion for it.
5. Passion is defined as one's greatest love, which helps to create the highest expression of one's talent.
6. The speaker suggests that people need to explore multiple interests to find their true passion.
7. The speaker argues that using family or human relationships as an excuse not to pursue one's passion is a sign of fear.
8. The speaker believes that having a great career is not mutually exclusive with being a great friend, spouse, or parent.
9. The speaker suggests that people who do not pursue their passions may regret it later in life.
10. The speaker's talk is addressed to people who want to have a great career, particularly those who are looking for great jobs and careers.