In a recent article from the Financial Times, Emma Jacobs explores the significant role of luck in achieving success, drawing insights from Rick Astley's autobiography, 'Never.' Astley reflects on how, despite having talent and ambition, luck plays a crucial role in determining career outcomes [169b752b]. Jacobs discusses how acknowledging the influence of luck contradicts the common narrative of individual specialness, suggesting that many elite individuals tend to emphasize their talent over the role of luck to create a distance from the strategic efforts that often accompany career advancement [169b752b].
This perspective aligns with the arguments made by Ben Burgis in Jacobin magazine, where he discusses the influence of luck and chance on life chances and argues that a fair society cannot be achieved under capitalism [46229904]. Burgis references Mark Robert Rank's book, 'The Random Factor,' which delves into how randomness shapes lives and societal structures [46229904]. He critiques the capitalist system and calls for a reevaluation of justice and the need for a more egalitarian society [46229904].
Both articles highlight the importance of recognizing luck's role in success, challenging the notion that individual talent alone is responsible for one's achievements. They suggest that a more nuanced understanding of success, which includes the impact of luck, could lead to a broader discussion about fairness and equality in society [169b752b][46229904].