While he’s no doubt very high intelligence, I think there’s a combination of personality, personal interests, and drive that these outstanding people have. For some people, the work is what they want to be doing AND what makes them happy/fulfilled.
Like you, I am not like that. A productive day at work can feel great, but I’m never sitting at home thinking I’d rather be working on some idea for an app or game.
Society has taught me that what I SHOULD want to do is that “productive” stuff. Work long hours, strike it rich on my own or climb the ladder at work, etc. But the wiring in my brain does not get fulfillment and happiness from that stuff. But spending that time on family, pets, and hobbies has greatly increased my quality of life over the past few years.
Yeah, it’s the same for me. Work is so I have the money I need to live, but free time is so much more valuable to me.