A World of Possibilities Caged Within an Unknown Universe

I wrote a comment in response to the luxurious lifestyle of a family whose French summer home was profiled by Elle Decor:

http://la.apartmenttherapy.com/la/032206/news/elle-decor-featured-home-007306

The eight-bedroom château in the French countryside is the summer-home of American Furniture designer Todd Hase and his family. It is stunning. As the article suggests, it’s hard not to envy their life.

“In the morning, the village baker leaves a fresh baguette by the gate as he bicycles by. In another ritual, the family walks to the nearby patisserie for café au lait and buys dessert for dinner that night. The children take riding lessons. A daily market provides fresh produce. Michelin awarded a notable three fork-and-spoon rating to the local restaurant. And in nearby Rouen, a ready supply of museums and art shows keeps the days stimulating.”

My comment:
Keep in mind that wealth begats freedom and more wealth. Many of the people we read about who live these wonderful lives come from families who already have a comfortable background. Their family's initial wealth allows them the freedom to pursue careers and goals that are non-traditional and gives them the chance to pursue their dreams.

Success usually takes at least a few failures. If they fail, these people can try again without worrying about not making rent or having enough money to pay for the next few days of meals.

That is why it is so hard for poor people to make that big break. It not only takes an immense amount of self-belief, but also exposure to a universe of possibilities that most people never get to see. It is my belief that it is usually the latter that keeps people from living extraordinary lives. How can you aspire to do or be something you've never seen?

America is one of the few places where significant upward mobility in one generation is possible, but the playing field is still fairly steep.

Thomas