I never said "education doesn't matter", just that it isn't a guarantee of success in that field. Quit injecting things I never said into my post plz.
What I mean by "ability" is the means to apply the learned knowledge in a real-world practice. Also, having associated "people skills" that may or may not be needed in such a career. Or being poor at organizing/time management to the point of mismanaging/neglecting clients.
For example, someone who passed all the classes and got the paper...but cannot work in a team environment. They understand every aspect of the field and can quickly answer any queries...but are miserable fucks to work with. If they start bringing the whole company down, they are useless, regardless of how well they did in class.
So, I did not say education is unimportant. On the contrary, it is vital. But personal behavior/self discipline has an impact as well. Which is why, in any given field, there are those that lead...those that follow...and those who wash out.