I wasn't a big fan of the article, it feels too nihilistic. I do agree that recognizing extrinsic vs. intrinsic factors in success is important for empathy and

I wasn't a big fan of the article, it feels too nihilistic. I do agree that recognizing extrinsic vs. intrinsic factors in success is important for empathy and to help others - i.e. looking at work given your circumstances not just work - but it felt like it ended without making a conclusion. Is it asking us all to become fatalists? And does that somehow make for a more empathetic and just society? I feel like it wouldn't - if we believe that none of us are in control at all, why do anything to help others? And doesn't a belief in meritocratic ideals mean that we should be going out of our way to remove barriers? For example, I found this article[1] that talked about income mobility in different countries. An interesting question it made me think of though: in separating luck versus grit, what is your prior? For example, we'd probably all agree one is lucky to be born in a wealthy country, and that if you are you have inherent advantages. And that the circumstances you are born to are pure luck. If growing up you had strict family (lucky or unlucky depending) that forced you to have good study habits, and you did well in school in a large part because of those habits, which in turn opened up other opportunities - is that luck or grit? If I stumble across a good mentor, then go out of my way to learn from their teachings is that luck or grit? If I'm starting a company, and I make 100 cold calls to find my first customer - do we attribute that to luck or grit? If through exercise, genetic luck and healthy eating I'm able to stay healthy throughout my life, is that luck or grit? [1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/moving-up-the-income-ladder-takes-generations-how-many-depends-on-where-you-live/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/moving-up-the-income-...