>Do you believe that being rich implies merit? To some degree, yes. You don't get rich by being incompetent, and even if you get a headstart with an inheritanc

>Do you believe that being rich implies merit? To some degree, yes. You don't get rich by being incompetent, and even if you get a headstart with an inheritance or endowment you're still going to end up broke if you can't keep making money. >the unifying element is luck. Being in the right place at the right time with the right amount of money, and knowing the right people to bring it together. In Japan we say that luck is just another element of your abilities. We also like saying that you don't wait for miracles, you make them yourself. Considering that Japanese society has a fairly unambitious culture, them saying that should tell you something. >every day we move closer to that monopoly only existing because rich private citizens choose to allow it. The US government exists at the pleasure of the people, the US military serves in our interests at our pleasure. Government of the people, by the people, for the people as President Abraham Lincoln once said. Americans choosing to allow the US government is the system working exactly as intended.