Quote:
Originally Posted by DiracSpike
My point though is in a capitalist system made up of consensual transactions, people generating wealth usually do so by creating products or services which everyone uses. These people are naturally smarter and more productive than the population at large so freeing them to rise above makes them richer yes, but also creates products for the rest of us. Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, etc
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Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is a fantastic book on this subject. Gates was successful because of his intelligence, work ethic, and ability to think into the future.
He also had unlimited access to computers when very few people in North America did and had a good support system in place that allowed him to seize the opportunity.
NHL Hockey players birthdays might be the best example. They trend toward January as a result of the age group cut offs in minor hockey. Yes their are December birthdays that succeed but those with earlier birthdays have an inherrant advantage.
Now apply this same concept to every decision anyone makes in life. So while many successful people are exceptional random chance has a much greater affect on people's lives then they would care to admit.