The term "complete failure" is more revealing about your draconian idea of success. You should take a look at your own words : "they have never found their Holy

The term "complete failure" is more revealing about your draconian idea of success. You should take a look at your own words : "they have never found their Holy Grail" [therefore, they joined the ranks of Academics as a testimony of failure]. If you're running after the Holy Grail, you have no choice but to be a hero. What kind of pressure is that ? In fact, most of the answers are in front of you, in the way you express yourself. For instance, the myths of the Holy Grail and Tantalus are ones of insoluble challenge and dilemma. Therefore, when you are wondering if the Holy Grail exist, where it is, and if you'll ever reach it... You are probably asking the wrong questions. Instead, you should ask yourself : "Who am I ?". Do you want to be rich, or do you want to "beat the markets" ? That's 2 different things, one is a mere consequence of the other. Where is your priority ? As it's not clear from your writing, I suppose it's not clear in your mind either.