Good day to you! Today, I’m gonna rant about random things. Get ready.

Truth: we all love to feel good about ourselves.

Lie: all humans are equal.

Truth: truth hurts.

Lie: all humans deserve equal treatment.

Truth: most people don’t want to work hard.

Lie: equality is fair.

Truth: all humans should receive equal opportunity.

Who said that this must be so? Who said this was even true?

Well, it’s less obvious now. But back then, there were slaves and servants of households.

Today, there are employers and employees, more powerful countries, different ranks of popularity in each social setting, etc.

We want to believe it because it makes us feel better. But we shouldn’t be so quick to believe such a lie because it doesn’t do anybody any good.

Why?

The hard worker should definitely get compensated more than the slacker. Among hard-workers, the ones who provide more value should be compensated more than those who provide less value.

If everyone were equal, then that would be communism. In a society where everyone gets an equal share of everything, nobody would have any incentive to perform well. Those who work harder won’t get more, and those who slack off won’t get less.

This is hardly fair. That’s why communism doesn’t work.

Here’s one shred of optimism to make up for all the pessimism I provided so far. If you don’t even get the chance, how can you prove yourself?

Warren Buffet mentions the concept of the “ovarian lottery” in his 1997 annual shareholders meeting. Essentially, our circumstances in life come down to luck (or destiny, or God’s sovereignty) because we had no control over such events. How do you know whether you’re born in USA or in Nigeria? Male or female? White or black? You don’t.

Depending on the results of your “ovarian lottery”, you receive certain advantages or disadvantages. Take care not to let your privilege get to your head. Similarly, don’t let your disadvantages discourage you either.

The best way to do philanthropy is to elevate the “ovarian lottery” average. How can you level the playing field? Measure it against the “ovarian lottery”.