There Are Two Kinds Of People In The WorldIt's been my experience that often those who have experienced the most privilege are the often the last ones to acknowledge the success they've achieved isn't exactly a direct result of how awesome they are.
Sort of kidding, but roughly I do think that you can differentiate between those of us who understand that no matter how hard we've worked, how talented we are, how much of the spirit of Galt pumps through our veins, that luck plays an immense role in whatever success we manage to achieve, and those who think that it's all them.
I don't quite understand why that is, because it's not a knock on all the great things you've done. Just an acknowledgement that luck, connections, not growing up in poverty may have played a role in where you are today. It shouldn't be that difficult.
But then you'd have to admit you are not solely responsible for your greatness thus undercutting your value. Plus, how else can we blame poor people for the situation. And what would the libertarians do?
ReplyDeleteI realize this may be a bit unconnected to the desired point of this blog entry. However, if those are the only two kinds of people in the world according to atrios he may be a little misguided. I think epigenetics would say that there is no such thing as luck or accomplishments purely based on the actions of the individual. We are all the result of our interactions with our environment and its affect on us. And, with that being said perception is a very powerful way to influence and be influenced by life and its events. If you think about that I think the answer to your question as to why some people might put themselves on a self-actuated high horse becomes perfectly clear and understandable. Albeit not always forgivable or likable in a human's overall character.
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