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Yes, it's something of a selection problem. The assumption behind this belief set is that they were the select few who could do this. There is an alternative h
by neffy 11y ago
Yes, it's something of a selection problem.
The assumption behind this belief set is that they were the select few who could do this. There is an alternative hypothesis that out of the large number of people with poor background who did this, they were the few somewhat randomly selected to succeed.
Certainly if you look at their biographies there seems to be a consistent element of right person in right place at right time - which suggests that there might be a lot more 'right people' than get lucky.
- WalterBright 11y agoMy father told me that the reason most people don't recognize opportunity is that it comes disguised as hard work. I.e. nobody is going to get lucky by watching TV.
- hackuser 11y agoWith due respect to your Dad, the implication that poor people are simply lazy is highly speculative and doesn't seem to match the data, including lack of resources and opportunity around them.
- WalterBright 11y agoI agree that it isn't necessarily about laziness. As I said elsewhere, it's about working smart more than working hard - but it still involves actively doing something. But I do agree with my dad in that opportunity often goes unrecognized.