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> But what if that drive simply isn't there? I'd argue there are always exceptions, people who have initiative and drive despite growing up in conditions that
by dkarl 3y ago
> But what if that drive simply isn't there?
I'd argue there are always exceptions, people who have initiative and drive despite growing up in conditions that would not seem to foster them, and giving the exceptions a chance to succeed will raise the spirits and expectations of the next generation. It makes a huge difference to children to be able to point to examples they can follow, even if they're rare.
Of course you can't lean on that as your only solution. It isn't going to do much to diminish other systematic barriers, and it makes it easier for privileged people to deny the existence of barriers. Providing a little bit of opportunity and fostering the success of a few individuals doesn't give society a license to neglect other aspects of the problem.
- wolframhempel 3y agoOf course - societies are heterogeneous - there's always exceptional people that could be a prove to others that change is indeed possible. I think, however, that fighting poverty is a numbers game. In a society that values entrepreneurship and striving towards a better live at its core, there will be many more people that achieve success and that uplift their surroundings. In a society where hopelessness prevails and ambition is met with suspicion, anyone ambitious or successful will soon leave for greener pastures. So, to really fight poverty at large, you have to move the general mindset towards a fundamental believe that a better future is possible.