One of the myths at the core of American culture is the idea of the self-made person, the individual who overcomes obstacles and defies hardships to reach their goals and achieve success. The implication of this myth is that the more hardships a person prevails over, the more worthy they are of admiration and the rewards of success. Do you think this idea is valid? Does hardship make people stronger and more successful? Doesn't it also make people suffer? What about people who face hardships but never reach their goals, or people whose success seems effortless or the result of happenstance? Answer in 3-5 sentences.

Answer 1

The myth of the self-made person underscores the belief that overcoming adversity equates to virtue and worthiness, but this perspective is overly simplistic. While hardship can build resilience and strength for some, it can also lead to suffering, trauma, and persistent barriers that prevent success. Additionally, success is often influenced by a variety of factors, including privilege, opportunity, and sometimes sheer luck, which challenges the notion that effort alone determines one's worth or outcomes. Ultimately, both struggle and ease can coexist in the journey toward success, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of achievement that recognizes diverse experiences and contexts.