Quote: "Although theoretically true,this is an absolute myth.
There are exceptions to every rule but the chances of success in life if you are from a "poor" background, perhaps with only 1 parent and then throw in some ethnic diversity and the amount of grease on the pole increases exponentially.
The vast, vast majority of those who are most successful come from those who are dealt the strongest hand from birth.
The difference in going through the state education system, compared with being privately educated is another huge factor.
I believe that anyone can succeed given the right opportunities to do so but, those opportunities are somewhat harder to come by if you start too far down the shaft.
For some kids, even getting to school every day is an achievement'"
I take your point but I don't agree with it - in any environment there is a pyramid structure - whether its a supermarket chain or a drug gang - there is only one person at the top and many more underneath. If you are born with higher intelligence you have a greater opportunity - that has nothing to do with wealth - in fact the opposite. State education against private will have an impact only because usually the parents are more engaged and for me that is what makes the difference the family environment - it is no surprise that kids that do well from more basic beginnings are those whose parents see the value in education and are both engaged and supportive. They also believe in opportunity - and supporting their children's hopes and aspirations. They are not beat before they start with all this only the toffs get on - its absolute rubbish.