Anecdotally: I think of myself as one of those people who is by nature driven to do great work. Tbd if it happens. But in my life I see most other people as having written off almost everything I find interesting, all the places where it seems like there is great work to be done if one digs hard enough.

It seems obvious that someone like me, who believes this and is looking and working everywhere, will be the type of person who does the great work, rather than someone who thinks that, ah well, it's probably an accident that others found things and they didn't. Because, seriously.. The gaps are everywhere! in everything! Some of us can scarcely go a day without having an idea that seems to have huge potential and it's a question of deciding what to focus on and how far to go. The problem is never thinking of something that could be great work to do... it's picking which one.

So basically, strong disagree, it's no accident at all.

That said the main reason everyone is writing off all the potential is, yes, lack of ambition, lack of curiosity, lack of perseverance, etc. Can those habits be unlearned? Dunno. Probably. I think most people are 'followers' at heart, and to imagine doing something truly novel is to imagine, ultimately, not trying to do what they're told, not trying to be safe. And the thought gives them intense anxiety so they explain a hundred reasons why they're right, why nothing can be done. Well, from my perspective that's just a matter of perspective.