uoaei said:

> You seem confused. I fail to find anywhere in the article that claims that hard work is not useful, nor that outcomes are entirely out of anyone's control. Your argument pre-supposes assertions that are simply not present in the article.^0

> If you read the article, you will find that this rant only appeases your pre-existing biases against certain worldviews, and does not actually refer to any of the article's content.^1

And I promised to return and reply. Yet horizon expired.

So I've thought and felt more and clarified:

Luck and merit are often thought of as opposing forces in determining an individual's success. However, the reality is more nuanced. While it is true that luck can provide opportunities and advantages, it is ultimately up to the individual to recognize and make use of those opportunities. It's not just about what you get, but what you do with it.
Recognizing and making use of luck is itself a merit-based skill set. For example, an individual may choose to live in a certain location that is more conducive to their goals, which can provide them with more opportunities for success. This choice requires forethought and planning, a skill that is based on merit.

Therefore, luck and merit are not binary opposites. Luck is a factor, but the scale of luck, and the benefits reaped from luck, are ultimately something largely within the control of the individual. Making choices that recognize and take advantage of luck is a merit-based skill, which in turn drives success.

Meritocracy values hard work, talent, and effort, and encourages individuals to strive for success through their abilities. Fortunocracy, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on luck and chance, suggesting that success is largely determined by factors outside of one's control. Believing in a meritocracy can promote personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. The dangers of fortunocracy lie in its potential to diminish individuals' sense of agency and to perpetuate a victimhood mentality. The belief in fortunocracy can lead to a sense of entitlement and resentment towards those who are perceived as more fortunate. It can also be used as a pretext to delegitimize the success of others and to justify redistributing their wealth. The meritocracy offers more opportunities for individuals to advance and achieve success based on their own merit and effort. Believing in meritocracy can encourage individuals to aspire to higher goals and strive for excellence. The fortunocracy can act as a barrier to social mobility and perpetuate existing inequalities, especially for those without privilege. While luck and chance may play a role in success, it is ultimately the individual's choices and actions that determine their level of achievement in a meritocracy.

The key is to recognize the importance of meritocracy and the dangers of fortunocracy. Your choices and actions play a crucial role in determining your success and happiness, and luck is merely a factor that can be harnessed through recognition and hard work. Striving for success and wealth is not only acceptable, but it is also a natural and necessary human aspiration. However, it is important to remember that not everyone is privileged with the same opportunities, and it is crucial to show empathy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate. Remember to always take responsibility for your actions, learn from your failures, and strive for excellence in all aspects of your life.

0: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34769046#34776640

1: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34769046#34776654