One of the best things about modern science is that we’re learning how different peoples minds work. It seems pretty clear that a lot of what has been attributed to lack of “willpower” is more accurately explained by differences in learning styles and access to social networks. Giving so much weight to this “willpower” thing seems misplaced in this light.

I'd like to read more about this. Can you recommend anything?

This article does a good job of explaining what recent studies have shown us:

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/1/15/16863374/wi....

Thanks. Very interesting read.

Still, it poses tons of questions.

As the article suggests at some point, it could very well be that people who have decided to work harder have found they enjoy the work. So it could really begin with a personal decision and not some lucky random factor as a previous comment suggested.

All the factors that lead up to that decision are outside of the control of an individual.

This doesn't mean that working hard shouldn't be rewarded, it creates value.

> All the factors that lead up to that decision are outside of the control of an individual.

That's a pretty bold claim.

So where does the control originate from?

If I had to guess, many sources.

Cultural influences, biological influences, prenatal environment, etc.

I will agree that it's probable our conscious part of the brain is less in control that we tend to believe. Still, the rest of the brain is still part of an individual.