"Faith is an aptitude of the spirit. It is, in fact, a talent: you must be born with it"

In Anton Chekhov's quote, "Faith is an aptitude of the spirit. It is, in truth, a skill: you should be born with it", he suggests that faith is an intrinsic quality, a deeply individual and inherent characteristic that a person can not merely obtain through effort or education. The word "aptitude" suggests a natural ability or flair for something, indicating that faith is not just a skill that can be developed but a predisposition comparable to skills such as musical ability or artistic imagination.

Chekhov's assertion that faith is "of the spirit" highlights its ethereal and rather enigmatic nature. It recommends that faith goes beyond rational reasoning and concrete proof, living more in the realm of instinct and inner conviction. This viewpoint aligns with the idea that faith frequently involves believing in something greater than oneself, whether it is a deity, a universal order, or the fundamental goodness of individuals.

By identifying faith as a "skill", Chekhov elevates its status, implying that it is a special gift or endowment that not everybody has. This images draws a parallel between spiritual belief and other natural capabilities where individuals may stand out without needing to discover through conventional means. As a result, the concept that you must be "born with it" indicates a hereditary or spiritual predisposition, suggesting that some people are more naturally likely towards faith than others.

This concept may trigger a conversation on the nature-vs-nurture argument in spirituality, raising questions about whether faith can be cultivated through experience and environment or whether it is an immutable aspect of one's being from birth. Moreover, it might provoke reflection on the diversity of faith expressions-- why some are unwavering in their beliefs while others battle-- and even decline the concept completely.

Eventually, Chekhov challenges the reader to review the origin and nature of their own beliefs and to recognize the special spiritual journey everyone undertakes, acknowledging that the capacity for faith is as varied and intricate as humanity itself.