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How much is a child's future success determined by innate intelligence? Economist James Heckman says it's not what people think. He likes to ask educated non-scientists -- especially politicians and policy makers -- how much of the difference between people's incomes can be tied to IQ. Most guess around 25 percent, even 50 percent, he says. But the data suggest a much smaller influence: about 1 or 2 percent.
So if IQ is only a minor factor in success, what is it that separates the low earners from the high ones? Or, as the saying goes: If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?
Science doesn't have a definitive answer, although luck certainly plays a role. But another key factor is personality, according to a paper Heckman co-authored in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month. He found financial success was correlated with conscientiousness, a personality trait marked by diligence, perseverance and self-discipline.
Why aren't you rich? You obviously slept with the wrong people!
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 28 2016, @09:02PM
While a factious answer it is not far off.
I am 'good' with computers. However, networking with people is a very weak skill for me.
There is a saying 'fortune favors the prepared'. Basically you can work your ass off have all the creds and still get zip. However, if you do not do anything nothing will happen at all.
There are 4 options
1) prepared and lucky -> rich
2) prepared and unlucky -> not rich, you are read but no opportunity presents itself
2) unprepared and lucky -> not rich, as you will not even recognize the opportunity and even if you do you can not seize upon it
3) unprepared and unlucky -> not rich
you can maneuver things to be more 'lucky' but that is a skill in itself.