Our Gemara on Amud Beis records a striking statement:
Rava says with regard to Rabbi Shimon’s statement in the baraisa: Anyone whose mother is bearing a child who is like Rabbi Shimon (Bar Yochai), she should bear that child, and if not, it is preferable that she does not bear him at all.
Aggados often employ hyperbole (see Shiltei HaGiborim on Avodah Zarah 6a), but this passage is challenging. Why should a mother regret bearing any child, even one not on Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s level?
One interpretation is that this refers not to Torah erudition but to piety. Any child, regardless of intellectual capacity, can aspire to such piety. Thus, there’s no cause for regret, as a mother can guide her child toward this goal and pray for such at any time. A genius is born, but a tzaddik is made.
However, this may conflict with the pashut peshat, as Rava was impressed by Rabbi Shimon’s halachic erudition, evidenced by brilliant derashos and deductions preceding this statement. Yet, the Gemara concludes:
Rava added: And I say this even though there is a refutation for each of his conclusions.
Thus, Rava may have been impressed by Rabbi Shimon’s erudition, but since his arguments were refuted, piety might indeed be the focus.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation 
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com