>>11633247>parents who aren't around enough/didn't care enough to teach you how to have a good work ethicThere's more than just that.
1: directly motivated by the activity, deriving pleasure from learning things. e.g. learn chemistry because you're curious about what matter is made of, learn organic chemistry so you can synthesize cool aromas, learn mechanics because you want to learn how to program physics games.
2: a "work ethic" which means you're motivated to learn the stuff as a means to something else, which gives you some strange contrived pleasure.. e.g. learn engineering so you can get a high paying job, so you can use your high income to attract hot girls and buy a nice car. Learn medicine to become a doctor to make mommy and daddy proud.
1, but not 2, is a "nerd"
2, but not 1, is a "hard working handsome driven career-oriented" young man
1 is innate, whereas 2 comes from strict parents, but being #1 will make you much hapier than #2 since you are enjoying the moment in your classes, instead of forcing yourself to study for years, making yourself suffer for some end reward