1. **State the problem:** We need to find the limit $$\lim_{x \to 1} (x^3 - 1)$$. 2. **Recall the formula:** The expression is a difference of cubes, which can be factored using the formula $$a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)$$. 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, $a = x$ and $b = 1$, so $$x^3 - 1 = (x - 1)(x^2 + x \cdot 1 + 1^2) = (x - 1)(x^2 + x + 1).$$ 4. **Evaluate the limit:** As $x \to 1$, substitute directly: $$\lim_{x \to 1} (x^3 - 1) = \lim_{x \to 1} (x - 1)(x^2 + x + 1).$$ Since $(x - 1) \to 0$ and $(x^2 + x + 1) \to 1^2 + 1 + 1 = 3$, the product tends to $$0 \times 3 = 0.$$ 5. **Conclusion:** The limit is $$\boxed{0}.$$