The Jordan Harbinger Show

525: Robert H. Frank | The Myth of Meritocracy

Jun 24, 2021

In this discussion, Robert H. Frank, a Cornell University economics professor and author, dives into the intriguing relationship between success and luck. He challenges the myth of meritocracy, emphasizing that hard work and talent are often complemented by chance. Frank shares personal stories highlighting how factors like birth month and background shape our opportunities. He encourages listeners to acknowledge the role of luck in their successes and to cultivate gratitude and empathy for the unpredictable nature of life.

50:41

Episode guests

Robert H. Frank

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Luck Factor in Success

18min

The Hidden Role of Luck in Success

3min

The Luck Factor in Success

9min

Inequality and Opportunity: The Hidden Bias of Birthright

3min

The Luck Factor in Success

9min

The Impact of Luck on Success and Compassion

6min

Robert H. Frank (@econnaturalist) is the HJ Louis Professor of Economics at Cornell University and author of Success and Luck: Good Fortune and the Myth of Meritocracy. [Note: this is a rebroadcast from the vault.]

What We Discuss with Robert H. Frank:

As we strive to achieve success, there are natural limits on how hard we can work and how smart we can be. There’s no denying that luck plays a part in this achievement.
Understand the role of luck, talent, and hard work in the overall formula.
Discover why we tend to minimize the role of luck in our success.
Find out how to maximize our luck in life by way of context outside of talent and work.
Learn new ways to look at the luck factor and turn it to our advantage.
And much more...