For all the valid criticism you have pointed out, this doesnt make his advise invalid. In fact that seems to be at the core of his advise... the key take away i

For all the valid criticism you have pointed out, this doesnt make his advise invalid. In fact that seems to be at the core of his advise... the key take away is the majority of your efforts should go to investing in increasing your social circle, and making use of this social circle to advance yourself... like it or lump it or even find it distasteful but it is consistent and rational advise... and it worked for him... he shmoozed his rich uncle into giving him a foot in the door, and then married into a successful family to get further ahead