There's still a debate over whether people are born with innate talents, or develop their talent through intense practice.

In his new book, "Mastery," Robert Greene argues that humans are hardwired to succeed and overcome, and with discipline and a number of concrete steps, anybody has the potential to become great.

He looks through the biographies of historical geniuses, interviews contemporary masters, and draws from years of psychology research to distill steps anyone can follow to become a master.

Thanks to Greene for permission to excerpt his book .