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09 Mar 2026
GS Paper 4
Theoretical Questions
Q. “It is an attitude, not aptitude, which determines one’s altitude”. What do you understand by this statement? (12 marks, 200 words)
Approach:
- Give the difference between attitude and aptitude.
- Explain the importance of attitude over aptitude with the help of examples.
- Conclude by agreeing/ disagreeing with the quotation.
Answer:
Introduction
This quotation has been given by Zig Ziglar, an American author. It signifies the importance of attitude over aptitude in achieving the goal of one’s life or heights in one’s professional career.
Attitude refers to a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular object with some degree of favour or disfavour. This is the major determinant of individual behaviour towards something.
Aptitude, on the other hand, refers to the capability (innate or acquired) to perform a particular task. It is a component of competency to do a certain kind of work, which can also be considered ‘talent’. Examples include the ability to paint, learn languages, ability to lead and perform administrative functions, etc. When we say that someone is ‘gifted’ or has a talent to do something, it means s/he has aptitude for that particular skill/action.
Body
The importance of attitude over aptitude can be understood by the following examples-
Success in Examination: A child may have the aptitude to score good marks in exams; he does not hold a positive attitude towards studies. He is of the attitude that studies are irrelevant to live a happy and joyous life. Owing to his attitude, he ends up scoring badly.
In the story of ‘The Rabbit and The Tortoise’ the rabbit had an aptitude to win the race, but he showed a negative attitude where he undermined the positive attitude (of not giving up) of the tortoise. Hence, the rabbit ended up losing the race and the tortoise won.
In Ramayana, though Hanuman could jump off the sea to go to Lanka, he doubts it and does not attempt. This doubting was due to his attitude. Later, Jambavaan reminds Hanuman that he is the son of Vayu, the wind-God and he has the potential to jump off the ocean. Here, Jambavaan did not create aptitude but conditioned his attitude which led to success.
The rules and regulations provided to all civil servants are the same, still, there lies a difference in their performance. Positive-minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative-minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same rules and regulations against the case.
Conclusion
The attitude has potential to nullify the effect of aptitude, therefore it is rightly said that “It is attitude, not aptitude, which determines one’s altitude”. However, the quotation cannot be held absolutely true for all cases. Aptitude also plays a significant role in determining one’s altitude, although to a minimal extent.
