Beyond Merit: How Embracing Luck Can Build a More Compassionate World | Julian Richer

3 hours ago7 min read1 comments

Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds, poses a provocative question that challenges the very foundation of our success narratives: how much of our position in life is truly earned, and how much is owed to sheer luck? This inquiry cuts to the heart of a cultural obsession with meritocracy, urging a more honest appraisal of the advantages—both random and systemic—that shape our lives. From self-made entrepreneurs to acclaimed artists, a common thread emerges among those who achieve lasting impact: a profound recognition of the serendipitous forces at play.Richer himself models this humility, openly crediting his success not just to hard work, but to the fortunate circumstances of his birth—a stark contrast to the myth of the entirely self-made individual. Acknowledging luck isn't about dismissing effort or skill; it's about providing essential context.Consider the genetic lottery that bestows innate talents, the fortune of having supportive mentors, or the random chance of being in the right industry before a technological revolution. One tech executive candidly shared that his billion-dollar enterprise was fundamentally enabled by the 'luck' of growing up in a region with early, robust internet access—an advantage denied to countless others with equal potential.The resistance to this idea is deeply psychological, especially for high-achievers. Accepting the role of fortune can feel like it diminishes one's own struggles.We are culturally conditioned to champion narratives of control and self-determination. However, embracing the complex interplay of agency and accident doesn't undermine our achievements; it grounds them in reality.This shift in perspective is the seed of profound empathy. When we recognize that a twist of fate, a privileged background, or the absence of systemic barriers contributed to our journey, it becomes difficult to harshly judge those who haven't had the same opportunities.This foundational acknowledgment is the catalyst for a fairer, more compassionate society—one more likely to invest in equitable education, strengthen social safety nets, and create systems where everyone, not just the initially fortunate, has a genuine chance to thrive. Richer’s argument is ultimately a call to our collective conscience, inviting us to trade a story of pure merit for one of shared fortune and, therefore, shared responsibility.

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