The “self-made” myth: Why hard work isn’t enough to reach the top

Re:The “self-made” myth: Why hard work isn’t enough to reach... by mcilai on Tuesday June 22, 2021 @08:03PM (#27599013)

Ironically, it is unbelievably damaging for individuals to believe that one needs a lot of luck, as this belief feels good, destroys resilience, and prevents one from recognizing and going after the (initially) modest opportunities that do show up.

Sure, you won’t be like Elon Musk, but you could be better than 90% of the population, since most people don’t want to try hard. Much more “fun” to believe that life is unfair, and therefore no action is required on one’s part.

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Re:The “self-made” myth: Why hard work isn’t enough to reach... by danaris on Wednesday June 23, 2021 @11:59AM (#27606031)

If you're born into a family making below the median income, it is incredibly unlikely that you will end up making an income in the top 10%, no matter how hard you work. The systemic pressures to prevent socioeconomic mobility are such that you still need a massive amount of luck, whether that luck is in being born rich or in getting just the right opportunities at the right times to break free of poverty.

And painting this as just being about mindset is also an incredibly narrow (and privileged) view. The amount of energy and brainpower that the stresses of being poor sap from you is just staggering.

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