What role does luck play in your life? | Barry Schwartz

[@shumailcatherine7216]

If you're lucky enough to succeed, you must thrive to create opportunities for others. This is what makes a decent society.

[@yoyoyodaboy]

Right. Prilvege obligates dutiful reciprocation

[@handl3_me]

Totally agree with that mate

[@LordyByron]

thrive, or strive, or both?

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

An overwhelming proportion of successful people: 1. Don't acknowledge that luck played ANY part (it was all 'their doing', 'on their own'). 2. Believe others who are not successful are LAZY. 3. Would NEVER help anyone except those in their CIRCLES (who are likely 'other successful people'). 4. Will solely pass on their wealth to--you guessed it--'themselves'. Their family. As in, 'people who are already well-off'. Therefore, 'Luck' continues to be more of some excuse which lazy people perpetuate... ...even though Barry here is OBVIOUSLY stating otherwise.

[@MP-ut6eb]

Facts

[@abuhuraira3685]

remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

That's true! BTW, what a WONDERFUL name you have!😊❤☝🏽️

[@Prowielkis]

@abu huraira ok but why?

[@mehgamer467]

@@mailife2875 but optimism can be reality lol. We've seen countless times where successful people didn't get what they wanted or something bad happened and later it worked out for the best. And guess what? You'll face obstacles no matter what. You need to be strong minded to get through it. You are confusing optimism with naivety. You can be optimistic and realistic too. The most successful people often are the ones that are optimistic despitw what they've been through where they believed in themselves. Just watch any success story.

[@DS-yu6db]

I believe you broski

[@NormandyFoye]

Then I’m extremely lucky

[@Marta-Lis]

I recently discussed the role of luck in our lives with my partner, after watching a very self-congratulatory business person talk about their journey. Luck plays an immense role, no matter what area of life, and recognising that makes one more humble.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

You have said the whole truth. May other individuals read this and keep it in their minds forever.Luck ,indeed holds a so great sway over the life of every Earth's dweller .One never must forget this truth.

[@chrisperry3525]

watched a video where the amount of luck was calculated into 'success' and it think it was between 5 and 20%, depending on how you weight the variables. It's luck as to when during the year you are born - kids that go into sports their birthdays affect who 'wins' is dramatic. If you are born into a rich or poor family is random, country or city - and that all affects your career and college possibilities. Single vs 2 parent, first born vs middle or late born all make a difference that could be considered luck. Luck could be considered 'circumstance' - I graduated HS in a steel town where steel was collapsing...those in silicon valley at the same time had very different prospects.

[@LegoEddy]

The point is admitting that something great we did was just random luck would require us to be humble. Admitting that something aweful that happened to us was just random luck would mean that it could happen again and again. Both of which are not things people like to think about. People rather want to be proud of what they did and in control of what might hurt them.

[@rizzamaeong]

humility is a big thing

[@SirAuron777]

People have big ego’s and don’t want to admit that they got lucky in certain parts of life

[@tharunthennarasu2839]

As a high school student in india waiting for my counselling I'm getting tears watching a older guy fully understands the situation

[@anshrajput8786]

I get you man

[@nirmalfrancis3648]

Where did u get placed?did luck favour u?

[@johanlugthart7782]

Nice talk. Two big luck factors in his life that he did not name but are I think were even more important for his success are: 1) Being born as a human 2) Being born in a wealthy country

[@andrewbrown464]

And male, and straight, and middle class, and able bodied, and in the 20th century, and on the East Coast, and to educated parents, etc, etc, etc. none of which he had even the least part in doing. Luck is almost everything. Not absolutely everything, but ridiculously close to it.

[@tristencovarrubias4950]

I am truly & heart-fully embittered by the first 4 minutes or so of this video... I graduated high school in 2007. I was at the top of my class, maybe not valedictorian, but close enough to look appealing to any college I was applying to. I had applied to multiple universities in- and out-of-state and several Ivy League. As my senior year came to a close, I became more & more riddled with anxiety & indecision as I had not received ANY letters of acceptance or even the dreaded “we regret to inform you...” responses. By the end of June, my family had encouraged me to accept an offer from a locally well-known sacro-religious private university not far from home and I did end up deciding to sign a letter of intent, out of guilt to perform up to their expectations more than anything. The following weeks I ended up receiving acceptance or waitlist offers from nearly every college/university that I had applied to due to some clerical error that my high school counselor had made while sending my transcripts. I stuck to my family’s advice & followed through with my letter of intent. I came to find out not halfway through my first semester that the college was not accredited and my intentions to transfer would have been for nothing with a transcript of units that did not transfer. I lost motivation and stopped attendance planning to speak with the other universities I had received acceptance letters from. I did, and they informed me that because I had attended classes at the first college I would need to have an accumulative 60 units to enroll. I started the following semester at a city/community college and began taking courses to transfer. Unfortunately, I suffered a deterioration of health & several personal loss of close family and gradually my attendance suffered... I often wonder what might have been had my luck with any of this series of events been any different at any point in time.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

I can relate to these sorts or reversals. I've had a cascade of "impossible" events happen, one after another, many times. Please listen to this advice: First, *take the long view.* Whatever career you may embark upon before age 40 you will be doing for *three* decades. So, you have got plenty of time. A lot of people do not really know what they want to do early on, and may not be ready to make a real commitment before age 30. So let go of the past, it matters far, far less than you may think. In fact, being older when you graduate could be an advantage. Just ignore the people who got lucky and went straight through. They are not common in any case, they do not matter -- and they are not you. Now with that out of the way: Take care of your health. Good food, sleep, exercise -- no shortcuts. You have to. Remember, here, too, being a little older is advantageous. It will make it easier for you to focus and follow through. People are often still a little fragile in early adulthood and don't hit their stride or their prime before their late twenties, or even later. Third, every major urban area has some pubic university that is essentially open enrollment, and offers night classes. Find the best teachers at that university and study with them -- remember, the teacher is even more important than the subject. Find the right teachers and get the most you can out of it. Don't worry too much about your major right now, or getting a degree -- focus on rebuilding, and being excellent in your work. AND did I mention, studying with the right teachers? Once you do these things, you'll be in a position to come up with new ideas. You'll see. What happened to you is really unfortunate, and it has disrupted your life, but it does NOT have to determine your future. A lot of people have disrupted lives at the moment. Sometimes disruption is the prelude to new opportunities. This is a good time to take a pause. Your health is your foundation. Put your focus there. Having some art in your life is also important. What was your favorite thing to do when you were a child? This is an important question to return to from time to time. One other thing: if you have bad grades on any college transcripts, consider petitioning to have them removed. State your case, make sure they know what happened, and stress that your goal is a true fresh start. Ask someone who is good at this, find out exactly where to address your request and how to write it up, and get it taken care of.

[@sophiejones304]

@@l.w.paradis2108 I just want to thank you for caring so much. That is very rare these days. Take care

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@@sophiejones304 You are very welcome, and thank you for saying so. People will make you feel as though the smallest disruption is lethal, and nothing could be further from the truth. The young are made to feel their lives are over before they've begun. It's vicious. And crazy, just plain crazy. Besides all that, thirty years is plenty in any job. Trust me.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Yup. You got *SKAARRRREEWWWED* by sheer terrible luck. A stupid clerical error... bu someone who was probably LUCKY to get the job THEY had (due to the fact that they were incompetent in that moment alone). Your life has played out according to that singular moment... and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Bummer. 😕

[@gameconjecture9439]

I really like his way of thinking about the world and how we should view it. And like he said I literally heard companies that just filter the applicants and selects x peple at random for an interview. Life is the biggest lottery.

[@ElaFigura]

I agree that more and more kids today get depression and anxiety because of such high expectations. Social media also contributes to this and it's both alarming and sad.

[@igria]

not just kids today but kids yesterday and the day before

[@Viva_o_Rei]

No, it hasn't always been like this.@@adamsabah3764

[@michaelstratton5223]

I think what finally made me realize that luck is the single greatest determining factor in life is when that girl got a miniscule burn from a chicken mcnugget in Florida and her family ended up becoming multi millionaires for literally no good reason whatsoever other than the judge in that case probably had some personal bias against McDonald's. Imagine getting everal million dollars for no reason! There are people who bust their butt their whole life and don't end up with half that by the time they retire after 50 years of working the same job and being a stellar employee the whole time! Luck really is everything. You can't harness it, but you better respect it.

[@shanghaitatoo]

We are born into our current race /country /families /circumstances purely by Luck. Life strated out this way for everyone! I love that he is suggesting that we break the illusion and be honest - if everyone can do this then we will not have arrogance, entitlement from people who were born lucky and had smooth run of life to success, we will also not have insecurity, low self-worth from people were born poor and humble, and had to fight their whole lives just for the same opportunities others have. What's more important is that, if we can honestly accept the role luck plays in our life's, we'd be more grateful to what we have, and be more willing to treat others the way we want to be treated. It's the mindset change the world needs.

[@MKTElM]

I like this man . He is what Dostoevsky would describe as a good man . He has many helpful things to say . We always come out with something meaningful , some better understanding of life and our predicament when we listen to someone like him . Exuding honesty , humility , and wisdom . Thanks Barry Schwartz .

[@user-rk2ul6jb6x]

Main points of discussion about luck and fair relationships: Don't expect the end result, don't think effort will not betray the results, Many people think that if they work as hard and as smart as they can to push their limits, they will succeed. The answer is not at all. There is no guarantee that you will succeed even with whatever strength you have. Of course you deserve success with the hard work you put in so is this fair? certainly not fair... rationally it's unfair, but that's how it is… we can't control it "It's not true that everyone gets what they deserve, some people get what they deserve and some people don't" - Barry Schwartz than pretending not to know it, it is better to know it. therefore, it is better to admit that "luck" also plays a role in the final outcome of your hard work ... Does knowing the phrase "luck" , not need to work hard? Of course you still have to work hard, by receiving "luck", you will avoid anxiety and depression, you will focus more on what you can control. my conclusion : Your hard work is only a condition for achieving success, not the end result you have set... 😊

[@JTK11]

Understanding the huge role that luck plays in our lives has made me compassionate towards all living things. This includes criminals because let’s face it, no one asks to be born to become a threat in life.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Criminals are not criminilas owing to sheer luck ,but wholly by their own choice. There are millions of humans in the world who are even homeless but they never will become evil-doers. Yes ,the luck holds such a great sway over the life of every Earth's dweller and therefore truly unlucky individuals have full right to feel strong wrath towards boastfully lucky individuals.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

Of course luck is a huge part of life. Don't people know anyone hit by a drunk driver? Or anyone who had pediatric cancer? Medical malpractice? Crippling depression? A parent who commits suicide? Or who died of COVID in spite of taking all precautions? The wisest people always acknowledge the role of luck, and understand its gravity. This was a great talk.

[@classy_dweller]

You are also an insightful person like him. What you said for the factor Luck in a human's life is truly wise ,helpful and so soothing.

[@dumvivimus]

The American idea of working hard to succeed has always missed this very important idea. Luck is absolutely a part of success.

[@paullawless9568]

oh this is so true

[@poopty]

Rich people don't work for money

[@naturalisted1714]

Everything comes down to luck. All of it. When you see how everything is biologically determined, you'll see this crystal clear.

[@dumvivimus]

@@naturalisted1714 so very true! We forget that part too easily.

[@ionutandrei4224]

Luck is important in every aspect of life.

[@nabieladrian]

Sir Barry, if you happened to see this, i want to personally thank you for your life. I don't know much what happened in your life, i don't know your feeling neither. But i deeply honor you, for the life you've given.

[@beccawhite1887]

FINALLY. Some honesty. Some of us are just not lucky.

[@cardiodream]

Barry Schwartz points out 3 things that matters to human fulfillment: 1. Happy marriage/relationship 2. Fruitful/stable career 3. Knowing your place in the universe. I would say that is very true for the lucky ones. For those who are unlucky, stick to number 3. Life goes on even when your world is upside down but that is no excuse not to do good.

[@nibeditamisra8999]

Loved ur views. How you said focus on 3rd if first 2 don't work. And you are absolutely right abt the fact that there's no excuse not to work hard

[@blablablerg]

Not an excuse to do good either.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

'Knowing my place' is to essentially disappear without a trace is... disconcerting, but also inevitable. I wanted to leave behind something, but, it might not matter in the long run. 🎲✨🎲✨🎲✨

[@bitterly_sorrying]

@@blablablerg Every unlucky human being hold the full human right to feel a strong wrath towards the lucky individuals, and above all, towards the boastfully lucky individuals.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

@@Novastar.SaberCombat You said it so wonderfully and we are so many like you in this wolrd....

[@noneofurbeezwax]

I appreciate his humility and wish more people who have been blessed with so much good fortune were as humble and able to acknowledge the role luck has played in their lives.

[@philipkim9779]

Thank you for being real and honest.

[@tini_style]

At the moment I'm watching this video I'm waiting for the results of my application to an élite Univeristy and this is my third an final try. I've spent more than a year, day after day, studying and getting lessons in order to raise my score to reach my goal and I really deserve to get in. Now I realise that with just a random pick my life would have been much easier and I wouldn't have cried bitter tears in case I didn't make it also this time. Thank you TED for always opening our minds

[@beatricehart5614]

I always tell my partner that life is a series of bad and good 'coincidences', basically good luck and bad luck. If we understand this simple concept, we can remain humble and compassionate in spite of our success and we can also handle loss, failure and death much better.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Wise words,but believe me ,even one being fully aware of this luck-driven reality ,when one falls pray of sheer bad luck it hurts ,it hurts so much ....

[@branimirvidmarovic1649]

If only more people understood this, that circumstances, time, place, and context (or luck) play an enormous role in your life and shape it the way you don't expect. Plenty of decent and talented people out there who will never make it anywhere due to factors beyond their control. Instead of believing "you can be anything", "think positive", "just work hard and copy Elon Musk's habits" crap, we should think about how to negate the effects of all abovementioned factors to create a harmonious and fair playground.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Wise insights.May more human beings read what you have written above.

[@Zoomo2697]

"Our happiest times are those in which we forget ourselves, usually in being kind to someone else. That tiny moment of self-abdication is an act of true humility: the man who loses himself finds himself and finds his happiness." Fulton J Sheen God Bless America and Good Luck.

[@persianhillbilly9642]

I love how humble this guy is

[@gto433]

This is all you learned from this video

[@persianhillbilly9642]

TSR noooooooooooo

[@septimaserpent]

Check Out Maja Jovanovic's Ted Talk & Listen To What She Says When She Speaks About The Word "Humble". It's Factual & Pretty Eye-Opening As To The Words We Use Often That We Attribute To Being Positive Characteristics That Actually Stem From Rather Negative Implications. Hope You Find It As Interesting As I Did. ;b

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

I decided life is a game of chance. Now I tried to maximize my chances of good luck.

[@jeanmarietodd7457]

I kind of like these TED talks from home!

[@margaretschachte489]

I actually prefer ted talks given from a person's home library or office.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Yeah, me too; more personal. TEDEx and other large-stages are okay. However, it seems to reach on a more personal level when given from a home library or office!😊👨🏾‍💼👩‍🏫

[@disissidd]

It's because the eyeline of the speaker is directed at the camera, ergo, at you, the audience, and therefore makes it a more engaging and often, personal talk, as said above!

[@LordyByron]

An honest man in the land of pretense. So good, so rare.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Please ,do not utter such meaninglessnesses.

[@MrBraveheart1191]

There is not either such a thing as karma, I have known very good people almost saints who suffer a lot and get hit by life terribly, and others that are evil but lead very nice confortable lives

[@paxsmile]

I agree.

[@saosaqii5807]

At most there is such things as consequences... if caught there is But otherwise it’s to make someone feel better

[@josefshopovich7584]

In Judaism this question comes up. The answer is some what around the lines of, God works in mysterious ways, there are more than meets the eye to how successful and happy those 'evil' people are and lastly, in the afterlife they will suffer. If you believe, life is easier.

[@koyelnaskar3775]

Couldn't agree more. Karma and consequences in the afterlife are just concepts that's made to falsely console those who suffer misfortune without having done anything wrong.

[@sheezy2526]

@@josefshopovich7584 basically u lie to ur self u mean by definitively saying there is afterlife which nobody can prove.

[@GOlone9597]

Ohhhh I remember you're the paradox of choice guy! That's my favorite TED talk of all time.

[@dioskyflyer4221]

When we realise that luck places a big part, we can stop being so hard on ourselves. Thank you.

[@abrin5508]

Luck plays a huge role in life. One thing that can adjust the odds is perseverance - someone who tries something 10 times is more likely to be lucky at it that one time than someone who tries it twice.

[@ForumArcade]

One of the lessons I've learned is that the notion of "deserving" anything is a convenient illusion. Put aside your thoughts on whether or not you deserve what you have; you have it. The good, and the bad. The same too when you look at others. Do those starving families in North Korea deserve what they have? Does the billionaire oil tycoon deserve his lot? It doesn't matter. We have what we have. Accepting that, though many find it uncomfortable, comes with a certain kind of peace.

[@sivaprasadwarrier3171]

Best comment ever. Screen shotted. Truly great. You are right. No one deserves anything it's all luck and good fortune.

[@sivaprasadwarrier3171]

@Nicholas Olesen hey, can you put your argument in brief?? Just want to know more..

[@ForumArcade]

@Nicholas Olesen The problem with that, and the reason for my postulation in the first place, is that "deserving" is a contextual concept. Nature doesn't abide by it. Does the antelope deserve to be eaten? The forest deserve to burn? We are the ones who apply the idea that things are deserved. It is cultural, not inherent. And what we decide we deserve changes over time and circumstance. What someone deserves in my eyes is different from what they deserve in yours. It has its social uses; that's what makes it convenient. But it is never the less an illusion we agree to perpetuate. If you go through life believing that people deserve certain things, you've set expectations upon reality. And when reality fails to meet those expectations, it causes you disappointment and strife. When you accept that nothing is inherently deserved, but that you are free to act as you will, that strife vanishes as well. We create our own suffering. We can just as easily choose to be free of it.

[@sivaprasadwarrier3171]

@Nicholas Olesen yess we can't be animals and we as intelligent species should have sense of moral values towards humans and nature. But I still feel the idea of deserving is flawed somewhere.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@Nicholas Olesen "Survival of the fittest" may be the only mentality you know from directly experiencing its effects, but it has not been with mankind for millennia. Social Darwinism is typically Anglo-Saxon, and relatively recent.

[@hun_1021]

This actually makes me think about law of attraction. At the brink of all reality and everything I want seeming impossible to achieve; meditating, learning about law attraction, recognizing the Universe and my own vibrations, I have gotten so content with myself my life. I don't feel scared or restricted by anything about luck or what if, and up tilll now, everything I've ever wanted dearly from my heart, I got.

[@kengng8797]

Growing your tree of luck. Less wants and you got what you needs.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Some so boastfully lucky individuals like you are truly worthy to be earnesly hated.

[@Raiden-the-Goat32]

This is true but to tell this to anyone who did put in work and they will reject it. I am saying this because this would hurt their ego. I mean everything boils down to luck and just the simple thing's that prove this people reject because of ego.

[@TaquitoDeAsada]

Luck is EVERYTHING and free will is just an illusion

[@33TimeTraveler]

at least someone who doesn't speak b.s

[@firezerasefa8197]

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, not the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." Ecclesiastes 9:11, King James Version

[@ylenabriar4474]

Hardwork paired with luck and opportunities makes a great bombshell.

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

I believe that hard work is 2 words? Lol!

[@paxsmile]

Major Old Lady aka, Mom lady stop! Please!

[@pavelow235]

🎶 you can't always get what you want, you can't always get what you want, But when you try sometime, you get what you need🎵

[@msdenise1234567]

Glad the TED talks could be continued this year

[@Renormal]

When you're successful, think about the role of luck. When you fail, think about the role of hard works so you can bounce back.

[@Becky_and_100kg]

for SLT. HW2. 09:15 ~ 10:17 About a half century ago, The philosopher John Rawls wrote a book called "A Theory of Justice," and in that book, he introduced a concept that he called "the veil of ignorance." The question he posed was: If you didn't know what your position in society was going to be, what kind of a society would you want to create? And what he suggested is that when we don't know whether we're going to enter society at the top or at the bottom, what we want is a society that is pretty damn equal, so that even the unlucky will be able to live decent, meaningful and satisfying lives. So bring this back, all of you lucky, successful people, to your communities, and do what you can to make sure that we honor and take care of people who are just as deserving of success as we are, but just not as lucky. Thank you.

[@lukesoule5644]

We're quite lucky to have Barry Schwartz exist. Excellent talk

[@bitterly_sorrying]

The existence of this man in no way holds sway over my life.

[@MartinMilan-lq6nw]

It goes even beyond meeting someone or getting a job out of luck, being born in a privileged family in a country with a good and stable economy, so basically everything that comes after can be attributed to that. It's true of course that without hard work all those opportunities that fell upon us by luck, get wasted and we could probably end up with nothing, but people overestimate how much control they have over their "success" and heavily underestimate how big of a factor luck is, there is no such thing as a self-made millionaire.

[@classy_dweller]

So true!

[@mebarekzaki]

most logic comment..sooo true

[@egx161]

The people in your life are very lucky to have you.

[@karthikb4613]

We have full control on our actions. But no control over the consequences. Probably that's our luck.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

I've RECOGNIZED that I've been (extremely) unlucky all my life--ever since I was very, very young. No joke. I won't go into all of my stories like Barry did, because... here's the thing we NEVER think about: We WANT to hear about 'strings of success'. We do NOT like 'strings of TRAGEDY'. The unfortunate and unlucky are RARELY heard. But, the Warren Buffetts, the Barry Schwartzs, the ARNOLD Schwartzeneggers, the Elon Musks... oh yeah. I just published my first novel (one of four; possibly five). It's excellent, expertly crafted, concerns the Universe, spirituality, luck, adventure and more... but it's not only unlikely to ever be read by >100 people... ...it's unlikely anyone will ever see this post. Almost guaranteed no one will, actually. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ Umm... 'good luck', people. Yer gonna NEED it.

[@Crypt0_Yoda1]

It's been a year and idk what's happened, but tell me more about ur story please, I'm listening

[@musiclyricscombo342]

i have a feeling that you're an interesting person and your story too

[@lewisburton1852]

Honestly, I wouldn’t want to read a book from such a entitled brat like yourself put it out to world and market like your life depends on it! The squeaky wheel gets the oil. New York time best seller? Maybe, but you’d rather be here complaining rather than putting your book out there if you put in a massive effort you could at least get 1000 copies sold. Guaranteed! But you want to put a massive effort to create it and then sit back and think the masses will flock to you because you’re entitled and can write, the real effort begins after the work is complete.

[@akhtarbalbale7085]

I love the way he says about meeting her wife.....A LUCKY ACCIDENT!

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

EVERY single female I ever dated occurred entirely by luck. Could've been 'one good one' out of them all, but... nope. Not one. My marriage was awful, and the POSSIBLE girl of my dreams recently 'wasn't'. She was plagued by NPD, BPD, Anxiety, OCD, Depression, etc. If I'd had a chance to date others, I would have. But (as stated), they were ALL hot garbo. It is what it is. 🎲🎲🎲

[@SkatingErinsMom]

Interesting read on this topic: "Heads I Win, Tails It's Chance, the Illusion of Control" Langer 1975

[@shandatecrisovet]

Some people may take the video the wrong way cuz if most things are just luck why try too hard. It becomes necessary for a candidate to understand at what point does the competition goes from being skill dependent to being completely luck dependent. Life thus becomes a balance of trying too hard and learning to let go.

[@Karthik_I_Am_]

I am grateful and lucky enough to watch Ted Talks of such wonderful people. ❤️

[@thesecret6019]

I agree that luck also plays a major role in your life. Recently I wanted to do a tiffin service but my father was against my decision. I had everything except kitchen space. I also got some few customers. So I asked my father to give me a little space at home to do some cooking chores. But he hesitated and instead advised me to do some fucking mediocre job. So yeah I'd lost my customers and now it'll take some more time for me to set up my business somewhere else. That's my experience. Life already taught me that it's not all about hardwork. Sometimes luck also do some wonders. But no matter what never give up on your dreams.

[@romominiki1694]

Yeah but did you give up? If you are not then you can change your luck now. I wanted to learn Karate but my family said no. You know If I would that mucj stubborn I would save my pocket moey & can admit myself. But I didn't. I didn't put that much effort. That's my fault. If you give 100% then your day will come. I didn't take necessary steps. When our road isn't smooth we have to make our own strategy to walk through the road

[@l.w.paradis2108]

How are so many people missing the point? It's simple. Let's say you get a minimum wage job. Great! No problem: you work X hours, you must be paid for X hours, under the Fair Labor Standards Act. You are protected by law. You WILL get what you deserve for sure, based on your work. But you have higher aspirations. You work very, very hard, and become truly outstanding at what you do. But does that mean you'll be admitted to school, or that you'll get the job? *No.* There are 100 applicants like you, for fewer than ten seats, and at least 20 or 30 of these applicants are as outstanding as you are, and possibly a little more. No one is suggesting hard work is not essential. It is all the more essential. But it is "no guarantee." That was the point. More than that: a society where larger and larger numbers of deserving people get less and less is not going to work out, yo.

[@GOD999MODE]

There are blessings you're born with, luck that you are fortuned with, and there's hard work that you cultivate. You take these 3 things and concoct a potion that creates for you a life worth living. But the simple fact is that ONE of those things are in your control... So take control of it.

[@Mrbenfixit]

Life is exactly like a Galton board, each peg you hit represents an interaction in your life. Siblings, friends, neighbors, neighborhood, school, district, city, parents, genes, wealth, media. All these things will push you in a certain direction that you have no control of. Before you even realize it, you've gone from a blank slate to a person with traits, likes and dislikes, all of which you didn't choose. Life doesn't start with a select your character screen. You weren't the one to choose who you got to be. All the things in your environment shaped you into the person you are today. Where you end up is pretty much all determined by predictable probability.

[@classy_dweller]

Yes,you have uttered the whole truth.

[@hunterG60k]

The Veil of Ignorance is a concept that has stuck with me since I first became aware of it a long time ago. It was mentioned in regard to vegetarianism and extended the idea of not knowing if you'd be human, or a chicken, or a fish, etc. I wish it was employed by those in power.

[@tubeflorian]

Among the most important ideas, ever.

[@kulsumsheikh814]

As a high school student from India hoping to get into my preferable university I can totally relate to this It's kinda emotional also cuz nowadays almost every student dealing with this Thanks for this Tedtalk 🙌🏻

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

What's that old idiom/expression? "Luck is what happens when hard work meets opportunity." Roman Philosopher. Seneca. Got it, lol...

[@danielt63]

And if you were lucky enough to be born the type of person that is a hard worker, well wasn't that lucky!

[@sirjon103]

i was lucky that my i stumbled to a girl without nowhere to stay and took her in... (shes my gf)

[@wingedeathnoisewave]

Daniel T. If you don’t LEARN to work hard at something, whether it be scavenging for food and filling out paperwork to receive assistance, or working some kind of job.. you won’t survive.

[@wingedeathnoisewave]

Technically, it’s “when preparation meets opportunity” but same idea..

[@danielt63]

@@wingedeathnoisewave If you weren't born with the ability to "learn to work hard at something" aren't you the unlucky one then? It's still luck.

[@clementoseitano7568]

May we get what we want, not what we deserve!!!

[@inotnad]

Luck is the residue of design

[@prestonthomas5399]

People used to understand much of life is luck. That’s why people lived with grace. What happened to us? My life is great and I’m a lucky dude

[@1fredricka]

Ohhh but u have rang all the bells !! Thank You for this opportunity to hear your wisdom!

[@shreekumarr]

A generation that created the problem now recognizes that its a problem and now giving solution to a problem that should not be a problem in the first place.

[@michaelsantinon8231]

That's very well said, the haves and the have nots..it definitely comes down to luck,..

[@VoiceOfReason579]

Best Ted Talk I've ever watched

[@tekannon7803]

Dear Mr Schwartz, Thank you for this videocast and your openness about your life. What I believe you have shone a light on is the reason why luck has played such a role in determining who gets the big brakes: capitalism. What your talk tells me is that with capitalism as our ecomonic motor, only a small percentage of people get to roll the dice. We will never achieve any kind of equality with capitalism as our economic system because of one simple factor that cannot be altered, tweaked, or changed: by its very design capitalism cannot give everyone a fair chance at having a good life.

[@classy_dweller]

Yes ,so true.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

What an interesting perspective on our lives! I work in a very competitive field. I was "lucky" (I say, "blessed") to get accepted into a competitive program, pass certifying boards, get licensed and, get a series of great jobs over the past two decades. I applied for other programs and jobs for which I felt I was well-qualified, but was rejected. In every instance, things turned out for the best (financially, socially and, spiritually). As an erstwhile professor, I can tell anyone, it's EXCEEDINGLY difficult to decide who to accept or reject during an admissions process!😰 We simply can't let everyone in! Spaces are limited. I enjoyed listening to the gentleman's words.🤔

[@44043495]

God create us the way he wants, he uses us the way he wants. Instagram: aslan_kmbs

[@Sytall]

@@44043495 cringe

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

@@44043495 😊❤☝🏾🕋📖

[@screwtape1848]

Now do one on individual responsibility and the dangers of living a life beliving that you aren't responsible for your actions TED

[@pavelow235]

Naaa, we are all victims.

[@screwtape1848]

@@longwu9412 so everybody that doesn't get the outcome they desire even when they put in effort only didnt get what they feel they are entitled to because of bad luck. Ok. TED should do a video on how dangerous the far left entitlement mentality can be for its cult like base.

[@screwtape1848]

@@pavelow235 "violin sounds"

[@screwtape1848]

@@longwu9412 how about realizing that life isnt fair and that constantly complaining and blaming your problems on everybody and society is a waste of time. TED should do a video covering that.

[@pavelow235]

@@screwtape1848 i said "Naaaaaaaaa"

[@VerenaSatriani]

Yes, we have the power to control our reality. When we believe we can achieve, we really can. I wish my teachers taught me how to believe in my self when I was during my school time. But yes, even now it's never too late to believe in ourselve, that we deaerves the best. Have a blissful day to you all.

[@tubeflorian]

Our control is not absolute.

[@44043495]

Thoughts lead to reality.

[@tubeflorian]

Aslan AlMatrouk Yea, and it is partial, not absolute.

[@paxsmile]

Major Old Lady aka, Mom You need help, weirdo.

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

See my comment about the Gregg Reference Manual?

[@kirstinstrand6292]

We live in a simulated reality; we are all here by choice. What does each of us need to learn? We are a collective society, each with our own "REALITY." Before we can get to the next level, we must conquer where we are NOW. GOOD LUCK!

[@karenjohnston2844]

There is nothing like having a long run of bad luck to make one believe in the power of luck. If you disagree you have not had your long run yet.

[@phim4674]

This needs to be seen more

[@dasiuke3999]

Absolutely brilliant talk

[@brandenongkp]

That's the hard truth of life ,like it or not .

[@grahammewburn]

Salespeople know luck improves with effort. The more doors you knock on the more people you meet. The more people who are exposed to your product or service the more your sales. Very good sales people don't need to meet as many people as a less than average sales person. Therefore not so good sales people need to work harder. Knock on more doors etc.

[@pokerbruh]

Put in that volume! If you are +EV it will show up in the long run. Good Luck!

[@esmith1225]

The world needs more good in it. Everyone do their part and the outcome will be staggering.

[@AndroidCovenant]

It seems this guy was born lucky

[@sarahc00kies]

We need this in order to be successful

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

I believe that we also need periods at the end of sentences, lol! 😴🤣😴

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@@MP-ut6eb I'd switch Talent and Hard Work, but otherwise, ^^^

[@pokerbruh]

This Talk was right on time! Good Luck!

[@johnghilduta3016]

Luck is a bridge to your destiny.

[@vayxanh]

Thank you so much for this talk!

[@raindropsofsky]

My luck has not been bad since I was born. I hope my luck will not be bad in this life and next lives.

[@ทนัยแสงเพรช]

This is a great statement, I enjoy listening it. Thanks

[@EhyWisdom]

Watching this video made my eyes teary

[@purz7]

Very well said Sir..

[@MassielMancebo]

This is hands down the greatest video.

[@mgandulfo]

In summary, the problem is we don't have enough "good" opportunities for everyone, which strikes me as a big irony in a world that needs fixing more than ever before. It's not as if all our problems have been solved! To me the problem is there are not enough meaningful jobs that pay enough for people to want to work there without feeling that they've got to relegate more than they would like to. And I think this has got to do with how we, as a society, value each type of work. When that changes, I think we will find out that there are more meaningful jobs that people in the world.

[@javiTests]

I agree completely. But not only that. What about being born in a developed country instead of a poor one? What about being born in a family that give you everything you need? Probably those are two of the most important single things that are going to shape your life and they are completely "by accident". You can't do anything about those. So let's appreciate what we have and complain less about what we don't have.

[@kanariya84]

Great to see you Professor Schwartz!!

[@MrDemultiplexer]

I was lucky to watch this video, it's awesome!

[@Lazywatchsmith]

How much was luck and how much was determined with his attitude towards things.

[@MassFC]

OR we can just accept everyone into college. stream the classes online and let everyone take the class virtually . tuition should be free as well. giving everyone an equal chance.

[@noshdavid3919]

This is not just about seats in college... It is about every aspect in life... Not everyone can have their dream job, or own a multi million dollar company. Even the good education itself is simply something we got by being born in some countries. There would be thousands of people who could've become Steve Jobs, but we only got one because he was lucky enough

[@edh2246]

Nosh David Lucky enough to have Wozniak as a friend.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

Virtual classes are a disaster for the vast majority of people, and not because of something they did "wrong," or something they "failed" to do. We will see the results soon enough. :/

[@romominiki1694]

Everyone? Lol then after college there will be another competition. Look a very few people work hard & get their dream. Average people don't work hard. Yeah we should create more opportunities. It's true but only the hardworkers are gonna take that opportunity. So if all worked hard what happened? We would have 5-6 students in first position. There won't be much number difference between first & 2nd position. People often use luck as an excuse to be lazy & unsuccessful. Victim mentality. We have to fight with what is in our path

[@applepeel1662]

Luck comes to those who work hard

[@Ayyy-lmao]

To an extent

[@raviverma3122]

No men have to conface

[@HASSPREDIGER20]

🐃💩

[@Josh-dp6iu]

Don’t think this was the point of the video

[@sunnyla2835]

That’s absurd!

[@observer7418]

And it's counterpart irony ;) I am an artist. I randomly almost got famous several times. The first time, a socialite from Long Island bought my whole inventory. She was opening a gallery on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach FL. and told me the Lauder's (as in Este' and MOMA) loved my work and wanted to see more. She told me "in a year you won't even remember being a starving artist. We'll get you a studio in NY and I'll introduce you to all the right people, yada yada yada" Well, when I delivered the new paintings a few months later I had all sorts of agreements and such thinking I needed to protect myself with, which she was almost offended by but my work as already hung and I figured, yes, she is ripping me off. In hind sight I should have let her sell all the work because when she ran out she would need more and then the cards would be in my hands. (I was naïve but I learned something) Anyway, here's the irony and the luck again. I looked through the Washington DC Yellow Pages for an art lawyer and randomly picked one of the top dog art lawyers in the country who advised me to "just tell her I said to send the work back". I got my work back in a week. I sure would love to know what that studio would have been like but I find it incredibly interesting how luck, randomness, and irony work to make experience what it is. My stupidity not withstanding.

[@sophiejones304]

You could still apologize and say that you made a stupid mistake. She will be happy and you will be happy who knows. Eben if you burned your bridge before it doesn't mean that you can't build a stronger better bridge this time

[@MOTIVATIONBYDAR]

Honestly you never know if she was just a good liar and you probably dodged a bullet and didn’t waste more time with her. Some socialites are habitual liars and scammers that will charm people out of their hard earned bucks.

[@daneluc1301]

First of all greetings from Colombia, I 'm welder and even I didnt have idea what is it but I graduated and then I worked for over 25 years I love to learn and actuallyI I have learned english on my own. I don't have the opportunity to get in college I tryed it but I was poor and nobody saw my talent currently I'm 55 , I got 2 children's both in the University And work so hard everyday to dreams come true their dreams true .

[@sophiejones304]

Your family are lucky to have you. Take care

[@sylye00]

Mind changing thought. Great sharing, thanks Barry.

[@b.questor]

May God Bless You

[@subashfranklin]

Fantastic talk