In the VERY simplest of words, I think all Zat is saying is that: between agency and luck, you’re better off focusing on agency in life because it is the only variable you can control.
“… then the limiting factor must be one thing and one thing only: knowledge.”
You’re not wrong… I want to be clear, because I don’t disagree with the realism part of what you said. And I think what you’re suggesting to be damaging is to chase after foolish/unrealistic goals. I completely agree with that.
But I think this is a pretty concise philosophical argument about focusing on the variable you can control:. And philosophy is about approach, not a singular answer, right? So if you approach and employ this concept as a philosophy rather than a promise that you’ll get to “point b”… then you alleviate the danger of critical disappointment.
So maybe in a practical sense.. you can’t beat Oprah. But your chances of having a better life and more “success” are higher if you at least try…
“And if you pursue that possibility… everything can and will change.”
