Secrets - or Theories - of Success

This essay tries to look at social mobility from the other end of the telescope. It looks back to an Anglo-American world where people started off with the opposite assumption from that of today’s journalists: not that we should be surprised that people follow their parents into their jobs but that we should accept that as the natural state of affairs. It focuses on a group of thinkers who tried to grapple with the emerging problem of social mobility — but whose first instinct was not to look at social forces but at individual characteristics. Why do some people climb up the social ladder while others stay put? What personal characteristics account for the fact that some people “get ahead” in life and others fall behind?

Read the rest of Adrian Wooldridge’s essay on theories of success.

[HT: Arts & Letters Daily ]

Redeployment?

Mark Steyn looks at the concept of “redeployment” and finds it wanting. An excerpt:

The only teensy-weensy problem is this: If America ever adopts the Kerry plan, the Murtha plan or some variation thereof, does anyone think al-Jazeera, the BBC, Le Monde, Der Spiegel et al will be using the word "redeploy" in their headlines? Or will they use a word closer to what's actually going on?

[HT: Real Clear Politics ]

Talk about Honor

Christina Hoff Sommers discusses honor with James Bowman, the author of Honor: A History.

EEOC and Diversity

This report that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should do more to promote diversity distorts the EEOC's mission.

The EEOC isn't supposed to push diversity. It is supposed to enforce the anti-discrimination laws.

Its focus should be equal opportunity, not results.

Rising Immaturity

A report that adults are acting, well, less adult.

A more acerbic observation by Joe Queenan: "...[H]ow could any young person today possibly take advice from a fifty-three-year-old man wearing a baseball cap turned backward, perched on roller blades, who is contemplating a stint at Burning Man?"

Quote of the Day

"Don't think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm."

- Malayan proverb

Fees for Missed Appointments or Late Arrivals

BusinessPundit gives a great example of how to charge a late fee while diffusing customer anger.

Not an easy trick, but this is the best option I've seen.

Deceptive Television

Angela Gunn recalls being miffed at the size of the apartment in Friends and gives a Zillow link that permits you to see the real price of TV celebrity homes.

The Job Applicant

Be honest. Don't give the answer that you think Human Resources would want to hear.

In the real world, how many of the following items would disqualify an applicant for a high-level executive position in your organization?

• Overweight
• 65 years old
• Heavy smoker
• Heavy drinker
• Regarded as a maverick
• Involved in a disastrous project noted for its loss of lives and money

If you'd disqualify an applicant for any of the above, you may be missing out on a lot of talent. This is a profile of Winston Churchill when he became prime minister of Great Britain in 1940.

Democracy in Action

Here's a compelling video of a eloquent gentleman - no doubt a future political candidate - speaking before the Charlotte city council on the subject of a rogue helicopter pilot.

[HT: boingboing ]