"And by placing the will so high above circumstance, it projects an untruthful image of equal opportunity in which the unfortunate should have just tried harder

"And by placing the will so high above circumstance, it projects an untruthful image of equal opportunity in which the unfortunate should have just tried harder." This seems to be the thesis of the whole piece, but ignoring the role of free will is self-defeating. Recognizing that people can make decisions, and encouraging them to make good decisions, is ultimately what leads to better outcomes. Telling people that they have no free will doesn't lead anywhere useful, even if it's true. You can still acknowledge that improving opportunities for everyone is a good thing without dismissing the importance of good decisions.