Core Concepts
Individuals can make a meaningful impact through consistent effort and determination, even without the advantages of "moral luck" or being in the right place at the right time.
Abstract
The article discusses the concept of "moral luck," which refers to the idea that some people are fortunate enough to find themselves in positions where they can make a significant impact, while others may not have the same opportunities. The author argues that even without the advantages of "moral luck," individuals can still make a meaningful difference through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
The article begins by acknowledging the paradox of the current times - on one hand, the world seems to be in a state of disarray, but on the other hand, things have never been better in many ways. The author then introduces the concept of "moral luck," which suggests that not everyone has the chance to be a hero or make a grand-scale impact, as some people are simply in the right place at the right time.
The author provides examples of individuals who were able to make a significant impact due to their circumstances, such as Marcus Aurelius, Cato, Truman, and Martin Luther King Jr. However, the author also notes that not everyone has the same opportunities, and that some people may live in "an age of great men and small events," as Churchill observed.
Despite these limitations, the author argues that individuals can still make a meaningful impact through their own efforts. The key is to focus on what one can control, rather than lamenting the advantages that others may have. By consistently working hard and staying determined, even those without the benefits of "moral luck" can still achieve remarkable things.