I think this phrase is useful because it points out that hard work can succeed where talent without hard work will fail. I learned playing sports and in school that things which come easy to others, may not come easy to me, but if I was willing to work I could still achieve those things.
I think I admire more those people who are successful not because they are talented but because they work hard. The reason being is that talent is something you are born with and requires no effort on your part, but those that achieve despite their lack of talent, just due to their hard work are truly worthy of congratulations and praise. My Aunt Alice, who is very religious use to tell me "what your are is God's gift to you, what you make of yourself is your gift to God". I think you don't have to be religious to understand this phrase has both secular and non-secular meanings.
Take care,
Hi @joeparys, @shortsegments

P.S.
My goal for this week, is to achieve 60 reputation. It will be a grind, to produce enough good content in the time left this week to get to 60, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
T.C./
@shortsegments