The idea of the self-made person highlights the belief that overcoming hardship is a pathway to strength and success, resonating with American ideals of resilience and determination. However, this notion can be overly simplistic and neglects the complexities of individual circumstances. Hardships can indeed foster resilience and personal growth, but they can also lead to suffering and trauma that hinder one's ability to succeed. Additionally, many who face significant obstacles may never achieve their goals, while some may reach success through privileges or sheer luck. Ultimately, success is influenced by a combination of factors, including opportunity, support systems, and individual effort, making the narrative of the self-made person a limited perspective on the diverse experiences that contribute to success.
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?
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