I admire everything about that man. From his generosity to his recognition that “luck” plays a role in our lives. That’s his true genius. It sure brings home your story of gratitude.
The man’s self-awareness, his sense of responsibility to others, his humility and gratitude are always present. Every family in America should acknowledge the “urgent zone,” and how it affects them and others.
Not sure how much I value that advice from a man i like and greatly respect. It is based on randomness (lottery) of who we will be - and that creates fear that we could fall on the wrong (poor) side of society - which makes us hedge our bets on designing a fair society. But there is nothing random about this example. If fetus WB at -24hrs of age is capable of designing a "just" social system, surely he is also aware that he will be born white, privileged, and a pyramidion of that society. His cosmic twin in Africa - who knows with 100% certainty that she will be born black and poor - will tell the genie exactly what to do with that ovarian lottery.
Not a white man but always feel fortunate to have been born where and when I was. As a female, I am allowed to have a job, go about freely in my day, wear what I choose. I have a good roof over my head, food in my kitchen, a stable transportation system. No wars or revolution or famine. Not wealthy but have money in the bank and a strong marriage. I am very fortunate.
I guess there’s a caveat to the ovarian lottery and that what you do with what you’re given. Look at Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr,, etc. they saw their lives and knew they could still do something for humanity’s. Then look at Ryan Grantham, a 24-year-old successful actor who killed his mother.
There’s a group I supported that brought meditation to high security prisons. These men were the toughest guys around. Yet two men who meditate came from the outside and taught about 20 prisoners how to meditate. Those prisoners turned their lives around and became negotiators instead, not only in the prisons, but some were even paroled and worked with gangs to turn them around. So I think we have more control over our lives in that it’s not so much environment, but what we do with it. Our lives are mostly in our minds.
Being born with intelligence, curiosity, ambition, optimism, etc are also part of the lottery. It’s not quite as simple as anyone can be successful if they choose to.
I agree, but that can also change. I was considered of. average intellect, when tested when I was in kindergarten. I graduated with honors from graduate school. Determination is a huge factor.
I have always admired hard work and self-discipline more than a bit of extra abstract intelligence. Your determination is admirable. Where did that quality come from? Were you born with it? Did you learn it? Other than a bit more work, what other obstacles were in your path?
The point of the “Ovarian Lottery” story is that some people simply need a lot more help than others to succeed, or just to survive, and we should embrace a society that recognizes that.
I took a semester long graduate course once on “Nature and Nurture “. The key takeaway is you cannot ever separate these because they are intricately intertwined. Imagine life as a trajectory and how does it happen that people have such an infinite array of trajectories? Life is a path that can go many places. You start at point A, while I start at a different point A. From our starting points each of us has a 360 degree circle of points around us where we could make our first step - just one step. From the new point B there’s again this full circle of options to get to point C. And so on over the journey of a lifetime. Pretty soon paths that start at the same place can end up very differently- and paths that started at very different points can end up in the same place (prison or Harvard). The determinants of our choices -every single choice for a life time are an interaction between genetics and environment. Are you born an unhealthy baby? How do your parents care for you? What’s their attitude, their access to health care for you? One sick baby will overcome it thru good care, another will be set onto a trajectory that is much harder because of poor care. And it goes on and on. We now know scientifically that DNA isn’t a static code that predetermines things; it is impacted by the environment, too. It is malleable. For example girls whose family life is hard hit puberty earlier than girls whose families are loving and safe. We think something like puberty onset is determined by genetics, (& to some degree it is) but environment makes a huge difference. Environment changes how genes express. Fascinating stuff, at least I think so!
Regarding Warren Buffet I appreciate his recognition that he was dealt a great hand. And then he played it well. And then he donated much of his winnings to others - those who didn’t get good hands, who couldn’t even get into the club where he got to go play and gamble. He’s not imperfect but he’s done a lot that’s good.
For some reason, it's not letting me "heart" your comment, but "yes" to all of this. I'm glad you brought up the interaction between genetics and environment and how it is hard or even impossible to tease the influences apart, since they so constantly affect each other.
"It’s been almost six months, and almost everyone seems to have forgotten, but remember when someone close to the Supreme Court leaked the Dobbs decision ahead of time? Retired Justice Stephen Breyer weighed in." If by "almost everyone," you are referring to the news cycle, I guess you're right. But in actuality, there are LOTS of people who haven't forgotten about this leak. People in my world talk about it quite a lot. Whoever leaked this information was a hero to many. They gave the country notice and made it possible for a lot of providers to put alternate plans in place. Removing the protections afforded under Roe is a systemic nightmare in terms of providing healthcare. It has been horrific for so many reasons (and not just for women and pregnant people), but it could have been so much worse if it had happened without any warning.
We all many blessings which we need to be thankful for and recognize. Most of us are guilty of looking at those who may appear to have more and asking ourselves why not us. Warren is telling us we need to look at those who have less and ask how we can help?
I did not always understand that having parents that demanded more and held me to a higher standard was uncomfortable as a child, but helped me to become the person I am today. While it is now to late to say thank you to my parents, I can pass the lessons on to those who follow.
What impresses me about Warren Buffett is what he has done after coming out of the womb. He exemplifies the three "I" s--Integrity, Intelligence, and Intensity. He, like all of us, isn't perfect and has had disappointments. Shockingly, he got his MBA from Columbia University because he couldn't get into Harvard Business School.
The fact that women are treated as less than males and given fewer opportunities is not a matter of luck but, behavior of men who determine it is their divine right to assign the worth of women and their usefulness. The fact that Warren Buffett thinks he won the Ovarian Lottery because he was not born female just shows how sexist he is. It was not luck but genetics. Because he has been "lucky" to accumulate wealth doesn't mean he is a wise old man, but just another sexist using his wealth and position to maintain the status quo.
I agree, Patricia. Recognizing society allowed you to start up the ladder from the 4th rung instead of the ground does not equal sexism, racism, bias, nationalism or any other hubris. It is simply recognizes the time and place of your birth.
Being born white and male does not equate to privilege. That statement is divisive, implying that anyone else is inferior. All people are born with unique gifts and talents. Recognizing what they are, being happy with them, and sharing them is a privilege.
I agree. Recognizing and developing/using your unique gifts and talents allows you to learn and grow, creating an environment for potential success.
There are quite a few white males in trumps base. Apparently one of their main complaints is being treated as inferior. In their anger and feelings of less than they need someone to look down on. This is living in your area of concern and not your area of influence. They look to others for their validation; lacking self-awareness, they look to others to validate and lead them.
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
Human nature makes people think the grass is greener on the other side. Reality is that we don’t truly know what someone else is experiencing, their life may not be as glamorous as it seems on the outside. There is also the culture of victimhood. Once a person feels like a victim, they can’t focus on overcoming their life challenges.
If you lack self awareness the grass always appears greener. If the blinders come off you never see things the same again. Everyone has a sack of rocks, some more obvious than others.
I agree 100% with the notion of victimhood. It is similar to the cycle of poverty: once begun it is difficult to break.
As I have said before in the comments I don’t think there is any such thing as luck or coincidence. There are blessings and things work out or don’t according to effort and ability. I was born into a large family of all girls (6 total) in a poor community and we did not have indoor or outdoor plumbing. I NEVER knew we were poor and had a wonderful, delightful childhood because of great parents and community.
I don’t really know enough about Warren Buffett to make an intelligent comment on him but wish for him a continued blessed and meaningful life.
I could look at Buffett's advantage as he wisely spoke of it, and see the disparity: I was born female, mixed race, in a less stable, lower middle class family struggling with mental health and addiction. It's helpful for me to do this - to see my own fiscal challenges through this lens, and to recognize how far I've come to be where I am today.
It is also helpful for me to examine my own privilege: born in the United States, with opportunities for education not offered to others; with a grandmother who saw the light in me, who believed in me, and and a godmother who taught me how to balance a checkbook and to save even a little of the money I earned. These three factors alone have benefited me in numerous ways, fiscal and otherwise. So thank you for shining a light on this, and sharing Buffett's observations. As always, I enjoy your emails, Bill! - Joanna Free
I admire everything about that man. From his generosity to his recognition that “luck” plays a role in our lives. That’s his true genius. It sure brings home your story of gratitude.
The man’s self-awareness, his sense of responsibility to others, his humility and gratitude are always present. Every family in America should acknowledge the “urgent zone,” and how it affects them and others.
Not sure how much I value that advice from a man i like and greatly respect. It is based on randomness (lottery) of who we will be - and that creates fear that we could fall on the wrong (poor) side of society - which makes us hedge our bets on designing a fair society. But there is nothing random about this example. If fetus WB at -24hrs of age is capable of designing a "just" social system, surely he is also aware that he will be born white, privileged, and a pyramidion of that society. His cosmic twin in Africa - who knows with 100% certainty that she will be born black and poor - will tell the genie exactly what to do with that ovarian lottery.
I believe the advice is still valid.
Not a white man but always feel fortunate to have been born where and when I was. As a female, I am allowed to have a job, go about freely in my day, wear what I choose. I have a good roof over my head, food in my kitchen, a stable transportation system. No wars or revolution or famine. Not wealthy but have money in the bank and a strong marriage. I am very fortunate.
I guess there’s a caveat to the ovarian lottery and that what you do with what you’re given. Look at Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr,, etc. they saw their lives and knew they could still do something for humanity’s. Then look at Ryan Grantham, a 24-year-old successful actor who killed his mother.
There’s a group I supported that brought meditation to high security prisons. These men were the toughest guys around. Yet two men who meditate came from the outside and taught about 20 prisoners how to meditate. Those prisoners turned their lives around and became negotiators instead, not only in the prisons, but some were even paroled and worked with gangs to turn them around. So I think we have more control over our lives in that it’s not so much environment, but what we do with it. Our lives are mostly in our minds.
Being born with intelligence, curiosity, ambition, optimism, etc are also part of the lottery. It’s not quite as simple as anyone can be successful if they choose to.
I agree, but that can also change. I was considered of. average intellect, when tested when I was in kindergarten. I graduated with honors from graduate school. Determination is a huge factor.
I have always admired hard work and self-discipline more than a bit of extra abstract intelligence. Your determination is admirable. Where did that quality come from? Were you born with it? Did you learn it? Other than a bit more work, what other obstacles were in your path?
The point of the “Ovarian Lottery” story is that some people simply need a lot more help than others to succeed, or just to survive, and we should embrace a society that recognizes that.
Pretty amazing guy.
Great insight, also brings into play the “which plays a larger role, heredity or environment?”
I took a semester long graduate course once on “Nature and Nurture “. The key takeaway is you cannot ever separate these because they are intricately intertwined. Imagine life as a trajectory and how does it happen that people have such an infinite array of trajectories? Life is a path that can go many places. You start at point A, while I start at a different point A. From our starting points each of us has a 360 degree circle of points around us where we could make our first step - just one step. From the new point B there’s again this full circle of options to get to point C. And so on over the journey of a lifetime. Pretty soon paths that start at the same place can end up very differently- and paths that started at very different points can end up in the same place (prison or Harvard). The determinants of our choices -every single choice for a life time are an interaction between genetics and environment. Are you born an unhealthy baby? How do your parents care for you? What’s their attitude, their access to health care for you? One sick baby will overcome it thru good care, another will be set onto a trajectory that is much harder because of poor care. And it goes on and on. We now know scientifically that DNA isn’t a static code that predetermines things; it is impacted by the environment, too. It is malleable. For example girls whose family life is hard hit puberty earlier than girls whose families are loving and safe. We think something like puberty onset is determined by genetics, (& to some degree it is) but environment makes a huge difference. Environment changes how genes express. Fascinating stuff, at least I think so!
Regarding Warren Buffet I appreciate his recognition that he was dealt a great hand. And then he played it well. And then he donated much of his winnings to others - those who didn’t get good hands, who couldn’t even get into the club where he got to go play and gamble. He’s not imperfect but he’s done a lot that’s good.
For some reason, it's not letting me "heart" your comment, but "yes" to all of this. I'm glad you brought up the interaction between genetics and environment and how it is hard or even impossible to tease the influences apart, since they so constantly affect each other.
"It’s been almost six months, and almost everyone seems to have forgotten, but remember when someone close to the Supreme Court leaked the Dobbs decision ahead of time? Retired Justice Stephen Breyer weighed in." If by "almost everyone," you are referring to the news cycle, I guess you're right. But in actuality, there are LOTS of people who haven't forgotten about this leak. People in my world talk about it quite a lot. Whoever leaked this information was a hero to many. They gave the country notice and made it possible for a lot of providers to put alternate plans in place. Removing the protections afforded under Roe is a systemic nightmare in terms of providing healthcare. It has been horrific for so many reasons (and not just for women and pregnant people), but it could have been so much worse if it had happened without any warning.
Well said.
We all many blessings which we need to be thankful for and recognize. Most of us are guilty of looking at those who may appear to have more and asking ourselves why not us. Warren is telling us we need to look at those who have less and ask how we can help?
I did not always understand that having parents that demanded more and held me to a higher standard was uncomfortable as a child, but helped me to become the person I am today. While it is now to late to say thank you to my parents, I can pass the lessons on to those who follow.
What impresses me about Warren Buffett is what he has done after coming out of the womb. He exemplifies the three "I" s--Integrity, Intelligence, and Intensity. He, like all of us, isn't perfect and has had disappointments. Shockingly, he got his MBA from Columbia University because he couldn't get into Harvard Business School.
The fact that women are treated as less than males and given fewer opportunities is not a matter of luck but, behavior of men who determine it is their divine right to assign the worth of women and their usefulness. The fact that Warren Buffett thinks he won the Ovarian Lottery because he was not born female just shows how sexist he is. It was not luck but genetics. Because he has been "lucky" to accumulate wealth doesn't mean he is a wise old man, but just another sexist using his wealth and position to maintain the status quo.
I agree, Patricia. Recognizing society allowed you to start up the ladder from the 4th rung instead of the ground does not equal sexism, racism, bias, nationalism or any other hubris. It is simply recognizes the time and place of your birth.
Being born white and male does not equate to privilege. That statement is divisive, implying that anyone else is inferior. All people are born with unique gifts and talents. Recognizing what they are, being happy with them, and sharing them is a privilege.
I agree. Recognizing and developing/using your unique gifts and talents allows you to learn and grow, creating an environment for potential success.
There are quite a few white males in trumps base. Apparently one of their main complaints is being treated as inferior. In their anger and feelings of less than they need someone to look down on. This is living in your area of concern and not your area of influence. They look to others for their validation; lacking self-awareness, they look to others to validate and lead them.
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
- LBJ
Human nature makes people think the grass is greener on the other side. Reality is that we don’t truly know what someone else is experiencing, their life may not be as glamorous as it seems on the outside. There is also the culture of victimhood. Once a person feels like a victim, they can’t focus on overcoming their life challenges.
If you lack self awareness the grass always appears greener. If the blinders come off you never see things the same again. Everyone has a sack of rocks, some more obvious than others.
I agree 100% with the notion of victimhood. It is similar to the cycle of poverty: once begun it is difficult to break.
As I have said before in the comments I don’t think there is any such thing as luck or coincidence. There are blessings and things work out or don’t according to effort and ability. I was born into a large family of all girls (6 total) in a poor community and we did not have indoor or outdoor plumbing. I NEVER knew we were poor and had a wonderful, delightful childhood because of great parents and community.
I don’t really know enough about Warren Buffett to make an intelligent comment on him but wish for him a continued blessed and meaningful life.
Absolutely resonant.
I could look at Buffett's advantage as he wisely spoke of it, and see the disparity: I was born female, mixed race, in a less stable, lower middle class family struggling with mental health and addiction. It's helpful for me to do this - to see my own fiscal challenges through this lens, and to recognize how far I've come to be where I am today.
It is also helpful for me to examine my own privilege: born in the United States, with opportunities for education not offered to others; with a grandmother who saw the light in me, who believed in me, and and a godmother who taught me how to balance a checkbook and to save even a little of the money I earned. These three factors alone have benefited me in numerous ways, fiscal and otherwise. So thank you for shining a light on this, and sharing Buffett's observations. As always, I enjoy your emails, Bill! - Joanna Free