As a practicing physicist, i would compare the amount of time, effort and skill needed to complete a PhD to that needed to become a professional session musician. Some people will find aspects of it much easier than others because of talent, some will get a big head start in childhood, some will learn much faster than their peers because they practice 6 hours per day and are driven by their passion. Some people get lucky and have the trifecta.
This doesn't mean that there isn't value in an adult choosing to learn an instrument (i.e. study physics). It can be enriching even if one never reaches the point of quitting their day job to play music full time.
Apologies if I came off as needlessly combative, my phrasing could certainly be improved.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree with what you’re saying. In fact, I encourage anyone with even the slightest inclination to study essentially anything, but especially physics, in their own free time to do it. You’re spot on in saying that there’s value in doing that.
The only assumption I wanted to challenge was that absolutely every human on Earth could do it. I just think that’s patently untrue, and betrays an inability to view things from other people’s perspective.
This doesn't mean that there isn't value in an adult choosing to learn an instrument (i.e. study physics). It can be enriching even if one never reaches the point of quitting their day job to play music full time.