Expand this to sex ed, the war on drugs, mental health, gun violence.
As a society, particularly in the west, we love to extol the virtues of the individual who has risen up against all odds to become a modern day robber baron. We also denigrate those who can’t overcome such obstacles our heroes had to over come (like being born to parents who only had a net worth of 8 figures not 10).
In this idolatry intertwined with Christian morality tales, it’s easy to ignore the fact that all of these people are in situations due to circumstances far beyond their control. And we don’t have solutions on a systemic level so blaming the individual is much easier.
Where we ended up is likely not our fault. So let’s put that myth to bed. However, where we want to go is our responsibility and we have the power to shape that path.
There’s no such thing as “self-made”. Take advantage of the people around you who want to help. Hire a coach. Reach out for help. But know that you aren’t alone. And no one has ever succeeded on white knuckling alone.
