preference.

Would you prefer to be a protégé, a prodigal, or a prodigy?

A protégé is guided by a person who is more skilled than the average. 
A prodigal is reckless - but learns - and ends up more aware than the average.   
A prodigy is gifted beyond the average. 

Each of them brings us somewhere above average but by very different means... 

Instruction. 
Failure. 
Talent. 

The good news is we probably don't need to choose. In fact, if you're lucky, you have all 3 in your life.