I suspect an emphasis on the non zero-sum nature of upward mobility as you describe it would help bring more of it about, faster. And help counter the arguments from Leftists/progressives about equality of opportunity only going to some favored class or group.
As you have indicated, pursuing equality of result drags everyone down eventually. But actions undertaken by individuals to achieve upward mobility do not hold others back. By accepting or admitting that inequality has existed, currently exists, and will continue to exist based on many factors beyond anyone's ability to fully "correct", the focus can change to pursuing and obtaining both defined absolute and relative levels of prosperity at the individual level -- minimum and expanded levels, respectively.
I am reminded of the book that came out in the early 1990's called Control Your Destiny, Or Someone Else Will. That attitude must also be inculcated as part of incentivizing individuals to seek their own
You say "government programs should reward and enable actions to help oneself, not unintentionally reward failure"; have you written more about this? I'm curious how this could be done, especially the second part. Incentives and unintended consequences are a tricky business.
Impressive. I really like the way you are framing mobility. This book sounds extremely important.
I suspect an emphasis on the non zero-sum nature of upward mobility as you describe it would help bring more of it about, faster. And help counter the arguments from Leftists/progressives about equality of opportunity only going to some favored class or group.
As you have indicated, pursuing equality of result drags everyone down eventually. But actions undertaken by individuals to achieve upward mobility do not hold others back. By accepting or admitting that inequality has existed, currently exists, and will continue to exist based on many factors beyond anyone's ability to fully "correct", the focus can change to pursuing and obtaining both defined absolute and relative levels of prosperity at the individual level -- minimum and expanded levels, respectively.
I am reminded of the book that came out in the early 1990's called Control Your Destiny, Or Someone Else Will. That attitude must also be inculcated as part of incentivizing individuals to seek their own
upward mobility.
Equality and progress are not complimentary ideas. If for no other reason than need creates a vacuum, and that vacuum creates invention.
Fortunately ,you're far more eloquent than I.
Good work Michael.
You say "government programs should reward and enable actions to help oneself, not unintentionally reward failure"; have you written more about this? I'm curious how this could be done, especially the second part. Incentives and unintended consequences are a tricky business.
You are correct. Incentives and unintended consequences are a tricky business.
Here is another article that I wrote on the topic:
https://frompovertytoprogress.substack.com/p/the-case-for-upward-bound-accounts