The Importance of the Circumstances of One's Birth

I used to be a bigger believer in maritocracy, im, in the idea that that people succeeded based on their own pluck and initiative and talent and drive. That's part of it, there's no question about it. But the ustances of one's birth are profoundly important. And i don't think i realized that until, you know, i was probably in my thirties when i realize that it's not like i'm some kind of genius,. I grew up in a middle class family in columbus, ohio. If i hadn't done something marginally useful with my life, it would be an abject embarrassment, given all the advantages i have.